What Was Done
Dr. Innes performed one of the following:
- Shave biopsy — a thin scraping of skin removed from the surface using a blade. No sutures placed. Heals on its own over 1–2 weeks.
- Punch biopsy — a small circular punch tool used to remove a deeper skin sample. One or two sutures are typically placed to close the wound.
🔬 About Your Results
If your biopsy was sent to a dermatopathology lab, results typically take 7–10 business days. Dr. Innes or a nurse will contact you when results are available. If you haven't heard back within 14 business days, please text 801-776-7129 to follow up. If your result requires additional treatment, we will discuss next steps with you at that time.
Daily Care
- Clean the site once or twice daily with soap and water
- Pat dry gently
- Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor over the site
- A small bandage may be used if the site is prone to friction — otherwise ointment alone is fine
- Continue until fully healed — usually 1–2 weeks
What to Expect
A small scab or crust will try to form over the site. Your goal is to apply ointment frequently enough that a dry, hard scab never forms. Moist healing is faster and produces a better cosmetic result. Keep it covered in Vaseline consistently — this is the most important thing you can do.
Daily Care
- You can leave the original bandage on for as long as it will stick — even 3–4 days is fine
- Clean the site once or twice daily with soap and water
- Pat dry gently
- Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor over the sutures
- Cover with a small bandage
- Continue until sutures are removed
Suture Removal
If Dr. Innes told you sutures need to be removed, timing depends on location:
| Location | Suture Removal |
|---|
| Face | 5–7 days |
| Trunk / arms | 7–10 days |
| Legs / feet | 7–14 days |
| Scalp | 7–14 days |
If you are not already scheduled for suture removal, text 801-776-7129 to arrange it. Do not attempt to remove sutures yourself unless Dr. Innes has specifically told you that it's okay to do so.
What to Avoid
- Picking at the scab or crust — let it fall away on its own
- Submerging the site in pools, hot tubs, or lakes until healed
- Applying makeup or skincare products directly over an unhealed biopsy site
- Sun exposure on healing skin — can cause permanent hyperpigmentation; use SPF or cover with clothing
- Vigorous exercise that causes sweating directly over the site for the first 2–3 days
Things You May Notice
✓ Normal — Expected
- Mild redness, tenderness, and a small crust at the biopsy site
- A small amount of bleeding or oozing on the day of the biopsy — apply firm pressure for 5–10 minutes
- Mild bruising around the site
- Slight itching as the wound heals
- A faint pink mark that remains for several weeks before fading
! Contact Us If You Notice
- Bleeding that does not stop with 15 minutes of firm pressure
- Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pain after Day 3
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the biopsy site
- Fever over 100.4°F
- A suture pulling through or coming out early
When to Contact Us
💬 Questions, Results & Suture Removal
Text our nurse line at 801-776-7129 during business hours.
⚠ After-Hours Concerns
Text Dr. Innes directly: 801-414-8443