Information on the skin biopsy

The timing of the biopsy

Aesthetic aspects

The biopsy should whenever possible be performed at a site where the wound will heal without complications or any visible scars.(10) In view of the thinness of the corium and less strong tensive forces, biopsies at the extremities are preferable to those at the base. In particular, dehiscent scars are common in the upper back; a biopsy in this area is to be avoided. Strong tensive forces moreover encourage the development of hypertrophic scars and keloids, especially at the shoulder region and upper trunk. Keloids develop particularly frequently among young persons and those of the dark-skinned races. Biopsies at high-risk areas, particularly in the pre-sternal region, therefore require a clear set of indications in these patients. Also, biopsies in regions where the tissue can be moved freely, such as on the upper lip, the corners of the mouth, have an increased risk of keloid formation.( 19)

In cases of face biopsis, inconspicuous sites for biopsies should be selected as far as possible, for example the temple or the peri-auricular region. If shave biopsies or small punches are performed without closing up the wound, the cosmetic results at the concave areas of the face, for example the temples, bridge of the nose or nose fold as the side, are significantly more favourable than the convex areas such as the brow, arch of the cheek-bone or ridge of the nose.(22)

 next page "Other aspects"
 previous page "The timing of the biopsy"

 back to the Index of contents