Lesion Removal Aftercare

What to expect:

It is normal to experience:

  • Mild soreness or tenderness.

  • A small amount of bleeding or oozing during the first 24 hours.

  • Redness around the biopsy site.

  • Formation of a scab or a pink healing wound.

Healing typically takes 1–3 weeks, depending on the size and location of the biopsy.

Wound Care

The First 24 Hours

  • Keep the original bandage clean and dry.

  • If bleeding occurs, apply firm, continuous pressure with clean gauze for 10–15 minutes without checking the wound.

After 24 Hours

  1. Wash your hands before touching the wound.

  2. Gently clean the biopsy site once or twice daily with mild soap and water.

  3. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.

  4. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline® or Aquaphor®), unless your provider recommends a different ointment.

  5. Cover the wound with a clean adhesive bandage or non-stick dressing.

  6. Repeat daily until the wound has completely healed.

Keeping the wound moist with petroleum jelly generally promotes faster healing and may reduce scarring.

Activity

  • Resume normal activities as tolerated.

  • Avoid activities that stretch or traumatize the biopsy site until it has healed.

  • If the biopsy was performed on the foot or leg, minimize prolonged standing or vigorous exercise for the first 24–48 hours if possible.

  • Swimming, hot tubs, and soaking the wound should be avoided until the skin has healed. Showering is acceptable after 24 hours.

What to Avoid

  • Do not pick at the scab.

  • Do not use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or iodine unless specifically instructed by your provider, as these may delay healing.

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure to the healing area. Once the wound has healed, apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to help minimize discoloration and scarring.

When to Contact Our Office

Please contact us if you experience:

  • Bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure.

  • Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pain after the first few days.

  • Thick yellow or green drainage or a foul odor.

  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

  • Red streaks extending away from the wound.

  • Any allergic reaction to the bandage or ointment.