Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Skin lesion & mole check, with biopsy or excision

Assessment of a skin lesion, with removal or sampling on the same visit where appropriate.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

A skin lesion check is an examination of a mole or skin change, often using dermoscopy, to decide whether removal or sampling is needed.

It is performed to assess a lesion that is new, changing, symptomatic or of concern to you.

The consultation itself needs no recovery. If a biopsy or excision is carried out on the same visit, the aftercare below applies.

Before your procedure

Come without make-up over the area if the lesion is on your face.
Remove nail varnish if the lesion is on or near a nail.
Bring any photographs showing how the lesion has changed over time.
Tell the team about anticoagulants and antiplatelets in case sampling is needed on the day.
Eat and drink normally.

What happens on the day

The clinician examines the lesion, usually with a dermoscope, and may photograph it for your record.
You will be told whether the lesion needs removing, sampling, monitoring, or no action.
If a biopsy or excision is agreed, it is often done at the same visit under local anaesthetic.
Any tissue taken is sent for laboratory analysis and you will be told when to expect results.

Aftercare

If no procedure was done

There is no aftercare. Continue to check your skin and report any change.

If a biopsy or excision was done

Follow the same aftercare as minor surgery: keep the dressing dry for 48 hours, avoid picking, and protect the site from sun.

Results

Laboratory results are normally available within 2 weeks and will be discussed with you. Ask how you will be contacted.

Self-monitoring

Report any mole that changes in size, shape or colour, becomes itchy or bleeds, or a new lesion that looks different from your others.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
When	What to expect
Same day	Assessment. Procedure carried out if agreed.
Days 7 to 14	Stitches removed if an excision was performed.
Within 2 weeks	Laboratory results normally available and discussed.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

Bleeding from a biopsy site that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure
Feeling generally unwell with a high temperature or shivering

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

A mole that bleeds without being knocked
A lesion that grows quickly, ulcerates or will not heal
Spreading redness, pus or wound separation at a biopsy site

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Will the lesion be removed at the same visit?

Often yes, if removal is agreed and it is suitable to do so. This is discussed and consented at the appointment.

What does dermoscopy involve?

A handheld magnifier with a light is placed against the skin. It is painless.

How quickly will I get results?

Laboratory results are normally available within 2 weeks. Your clinician will confirm and explain how you will be contacted.

Should I keep checking my skin?

Yes. Report any new or changing lesion, even after a normal result.

More information

Clinical reviewer: Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date: 21 July 2026
Review by: 21 July 2027
Version: 1.0