Skin Biopsy Dermatologist2019-11-08T17:46:25+00:00

Feel in charge of your skin

PERSONALISED DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT PLANS

A skin biopsy is a minor procedure where I take a small sample of skin, with the aid of a local anaesthetic, and send it to the lab for analysis.

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM A RASH THAT DOES NOT RESPOND TO TREATMENT, A SKIN BIOPSY CAN HELP ME CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS

When do I perform a skin biopsy?

I will offer you a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis when I suspect a skin lesion has changed, or in cases of a rash where the diagnosis is not immediately obvious clinically.

What happens during a skin biopsy?

I inject a local anaesthetic which renders the marked area and surrounding skin numb. I then take a small sample of skin to send off for lab analysis. I close the wound with a single or a few stitches. The whole procedure takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

Does a skin biopsy hurt?

The only part of the biopsy that can be uncomfortable is the injection of local anaesthetic. You can then feel free to fully relax and listen to the background music while I look after your skin with the utmost care.

Can anyone have a skin biopsy?

The vast majority of people can have a skin biopsy as there are very few contraindications. The procedure is a minor one, and patients can generally tolerate it very well with the aid of a local anaesthetic.

What can I expect after a skin biopsy?

Having a skin biopsy is a relatively quick and minor procedure. Many patients feel well enough to go back to work following their biopsy, though some prefer to work from home or take the day off. You will be given advice on how to look after your wound to ensure all heals well.

Treatment helps people of all ages take control of their skin condition and get their life back.

What my patients love about my service

MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou for her assessment on my continued taking of roaccutane.

She was completely right, I didn’t need a new course, I needed to move away from the drug. The creams she gave me and Cetaphil recommendation have meant my skin has been the best it’s ever been (ongoing and since I saw her) ALL SUMMER :))))) I’ve had zero problems…and I’m loving it.

Thank you once again.


Phillip, Acne

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

Following the consultation today I feel it appropriate to say thank you for your help in dealing with my rosacea.

On each occasion, I have visited your department I have noticed the kindness and cheeriness of all the staff I have encountered and particularly wanted to say that you made me feel at ease with your calmness and excellent manner.

All is much appreciated.”


Anne, Rosacea

“Thank you very much!!

You three were (and are) a great team!

I will remember you.

You made me feel comfortable.”


Ellie

“Tania,

Please pass to Dr Pratsou my thanks for her skilled work.

The wound is healing beautifully and now the stitches are out it looks as though it will be almost invisible once fully healed.”


Graham, Skin cancer removal

“Dear Dr Penelope, Rena & the team, (I can’t remember the nurse’s name who helped me during my 2 procedures at the Spire!)

I wanted to thank you for your support and help during a very difficult time. You guys do a wonderful job – and we are eternally grateful for your help.”


Clarissa, Skin cancer

“I would like to put on record how impressed I was with the operation you performed for the removal of the SCC on my neck. I cannot even see where the cut or the stitches were! I am indeed very grateful for the excellent work you do.”


Harry, Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

I am very grateful to you for your diagnosis, recommended treatment and advice. Your letter to my GP sets out both the course of events, and your own analysis of probable condition and possible cause, clearly summarising our discussion.

I hope there will be no recurrence but I will certainly come back to you if there is.”


Ryan, Skin rash

“Dear Tania,

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou. I saw her this morning for a mole check. She was so lovely and reassuring. Please also thank the two nurses who assisted her during the mole removal procedure. I was very nervous, but they were very efficient, which meant I did not have too long to think about it, but most of all they were very kind. They kept me distracted and calm, which made a huge difference. Thank you also for your efficiency in both booking me in so quickly.”


James, Mole removal
Dear Ms. Pratsou,

I am writing to thank you for the care you have given me in the past few months. From the moment I walked into your consulting room with a lesion on my cheek, a lesion that I fully expected to be some sort of skin cancer (and it was), you have been thorough, reassuring, respectful and in every way professional.

You recognised that I had some insight into the condition of my skin and the procedures required to treat me. You listened to me. You projected expertise and compassion.

During the procedure to remove the growth you ensured that the atmosphere in the treatment room remained not only calm, but actually pleasant. Had it not been that you were excising a growth and sewing me up, I almost felt as if you, me and the nurse were at some sort of women’s discussion group. The time flew by. I had zero anxieties about the procedure and as we both know now, the wound healed flawlessly.

Thank you for your expertise and your communication skills and all round good nature. I feel very lucky.


Karen Tatom, Skin cancer removal

We have replaced the images and names of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

The first step to feeling in charge of your skin is to book an initial consultation

FIND OUT HOW TO GET THE SKIN YOU WANT

How it works

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN IN 3 EASY STEPS

STEP 1 – CALL US
STEP 2 – LET’S MEET
STEP 3 – RESOLUTION
CONTACT MY STAFF

Give us a call on 01183735198 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.

MEET WITH ME

I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN

I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.

More information about the treatment

FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS

A skin biopsy is a minor procedure where I take a small sample of skin, with the aid of a local anaesthetic, and send it to the lab for analysis. I perform this procedure to get a diagnosis when I suspect a skin lesion has changed, or in cases of a rash where I cannot confirm the diagnosis clinically. I often perform a skin biopsy on the same day as your consultation.

Any skin lesion where there is uncertainty in the diagnosis or to confirm the diagnosis and where it is not practical to remove the whole lesion.

Any rash or inflammatory skin condition where the diagnosis is not immediately apparent through clinical examination, or where confirmation is needed.

How do I know a Skin Biopsy is right for you?
If you are suffering from a rash that does not respond to treatment or I cannot confirm the diagnosis by merely examining your skin, then I advise a small biopsy.

When a suspicious skin lesion arises, it may not be practical or possible to remove it entirely to begin with. For example, a lesion may be in a cosmetically sensitive area. In that case, I may advise that we make an initial diagnosis before proceeding to remove the whole lesion.

The vast majority of people can have a skin biopsy as there are very few contraindications. The procedure is a minor one, and patients can generally tolerate it very well with the aid of a local anaesthetic.

I always take your written consent before performing a skin biopsy.

I undertake the procedure under sterile conditions.

I confirm the area that I am to sample with you and then make a small mark on the area to identify it.

I inject a local anaesthetic which renders the marked area and the surrounding skin numb.

I then take a small amount of skin, either in the shape of a circle (known as punch biopsy) or in an ellipse (incisional biopsy).

I normally need to put in place a single or a few stitches, in order to close the resulting small wound.

The whole procedure takes between 20 and 30 minutes. I often perform it on the same day as your consultation.

I place a small dressing on the resulting wound. It would be best if you kept it clean and dry for two days after which you can remove the dressing.

I will then provide you with a leaflet containing aftercare instructions following your procedure. This contains instructions to have your stitches removed by a nurse a few days later.

You will be able to go home or back to work after your skin biopsy.

Can I go straight back to work following my biopsy?

Having a skin biopsy is a relatively quick and minor procedure. Many patients feel well enough to go back to work following their biopsy, though some prefer to work from home or take the day off.

Can I drive following my biopsy?

Depending on the body site where I take the biopsy, and if you feel physically well following the biopsy, there should be no medical reason preventing you from driving.

In some cases, for example, when I take biopsies from the foot or the lower leg, I may advise you not to drive.

Additionally, biopsies I take from the face may result in bulky dressings that can be in your line of sight. In these cases, you should avoid driving.

Furthermore, it is important to note that some insurance policies might not cover you in case of a car accident following a medical procedure. You should check with your insurance if you are in any doubt.

If you know that you are having a minor procedure, it may be wise for you to make suitable travel arrangements.

Is a skin biopsy painful?

The only part of the biopsy that can be uncomfortable is the injection of local anaesthetic. This step can sting for a few seconds, but then the affected area will numb. You can then feel free to fully relax and listen to the background music while I look after your skin with the utmost care.

Affiliations and memberships

I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS

Questions and answers

RELEVANT AND INFORMATIVE VIDEOS AND ARTICLES

About the author

Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist

MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)

I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.

I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.

After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.

Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.

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