Dermatology · London
Private skin biopsy in London, by a consultant dermatologist.
Same-visit sampling of moles, lesions and persistent rashes - with histology reported by a specialist dermatopathologist within 7–14 days.
Indicative pricing
What a private skin biopsy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£300–£600, with histology in 7–14 days.
| Biopsy type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Results turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shave biopsy | £250–£500 | 15–20 min | 7–14 days |
| Punch biopsy | £300–£600 | 20–30 min | 7–14 days |
| Excisional biopsy | £450–£900 | 30–45 min | 7–14 days |
| Curettage + cautery | £350–£700 | 20–30 min | 7–14 days |
| Multiple lesion biopsy | Quoted case by case | 30–60 min | 7–14 days |
| Immunofluorescence biopsy (specialist) | £500–£950 | 30–45 min | 10–14 days |
Prices vary by clinic, by the consultant taking the sample, by the biopsy type and by how many samples the laboratory processes.
The problem
The eye suggests. Only the microscope tells you.
Dermoscopy can describe a lesion’s pattern, symmetry and colour - but it cannot say for certain what it is. A small sample can. The skill is choosing the right biopsy from the right site, and having a dermatopathologist look at it.
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Frightened by the word?
A skin biopsy is how you find out - and many come back entirely benign. It is a question, not an answer.
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Worried it will hurt?
Almost all are done under local anaesthetic. The only sharp moment is the first small sting.
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Dreading the wait?
Histology takes 7–14 days. We chase it and keep you informed rather than leaving you in silence.
What it shows
When a skin biopsy is the right next step.
A skin biopsy is arranged when something needs a definitive answer rather than a probability. These are the situations we see most.
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Suspicious mole
A changing, asymmetrical or newly pigmented lesion that needs a definitive answer.
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Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
The most common skin cancer - biopsy confirms and guides removal.
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Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
A scaly, tender or ulcerated lesion that a sample can characterise.
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Suspected melanoma (urgent)
Excisional biopsy is usually the right first step - arranged quickly.
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Persistent rash
For a rash that has not settled, a small sample often gives the diagnosis.
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Vasculitis or connective tissue disease
Punch biopsy with special stains to characterise inflammation in the skin.
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Immunobullous conditions
Direct immunofluorescence to diagnose pemphigus, pemphigoid and related conditions.
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Red flag: rapidly changing mole
A mole changing quickly is a 2-week wait situation - we expedite the appointment.
Biopsy types
Not all skin biopsies are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Shave biopsy
A thin slice of raised lesion, taken level with the skin. Quick and heals without stitches.
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Punch biopsy
A small circular core through the full thickness of skin - the workhorse for rashes and small lesions.
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Excisional biopsy
The whole lesion removed with a margin - the standard for suspected melanoma.
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Incisional biopsy
A wedge from a larger lesion when full removal is not the first step.
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Curettage + cautery
The lesion is scraped and the base sealed - used for select superficial cancers.
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Immunofluorescence biopsy
A punch sample analysed with fluorescent antibodies for blistering and autoimmune skin disease.
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Mohs micrographic (specialist)
Layer-by-layer removal with immediate microscopy on the face and other sensitive sites.
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Dermatoscopy-guided biopsy
Using dermoscopy to choose exactly where the sample is taken from within a lesion.
Safety and eligibility
Safer, and easier, than most people expect.
Skin biopsies are safe and usually straightforward. The things worth planning are blood-thinning medication and simple wound care afterwards.
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Local anaesthetic
A small stinging injection numbs the area. After that you feel pressure, not pain.
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Brief bleeding
Some bleeding is normal and is controlled with pressure at the end of the procedure.
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Stitches
Punch and excisional biopsies usually have stitches, removed at 7–14 days depending on site.
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Scarring
A small scar is inevitable but the site is chosen and closed to minimise it.
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Antibiotics
Rarely needed. The area is cleaned thoroughly and you are told what to watch for afterwards.
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Blood-thinning medication
Warfarin, DOACs, clopidogrel and aspirin may need pausing - a specialist decision, never on your own.
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Pregnancy
Skin biopsy under local anaesthetic is safe in pregnancy when clinically indicated.
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Wound care
Keep the dressing dry and avoid soaking the wound for 48 hours. Normal activity resumes quickly.
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Results turnaround
Histology results are usually within two weeks. We chase them and make sure they are explained.
Reading your report
A dermatopathology report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whichever biopsy was taken, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
Dermatopathology language is precise and can read coldly - ask your care team to explain anything that is unclear.
Ask your care team to explain anything that is unclear.
- 01 Header
Indication and lesion location
Your details, the clinical suspicion and exactly where on the body the lesion was sampled.
- 02 Technique
Which biopsy was performed
Shave, punch, incisional or excisional - with size, margins and any special processing noted.
- 03 Findings
Histopathology description
What the dermatopathologist saw under the microscope, including cell type, depth and any immunostains.
- 04 Impression
Read first - benign, atypical, malignant, next-step
The conclusion in as plain terms as the tissue allows, with the recommended next step.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about skin biopsies.
Quick answers on pain, cost, scarring, blood thinners and how long results take.
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What does a skin biopsy involve?
The area is cleaned and numbed with a small injection of local anaesthetic. A shave, punch or excisional sample is taken, bleeding is controlled, and - for punch and excisional - a stitch or two closes the site. The whole appointment is usually 15–45 minutes.
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Which type of skin biopsy will I need?
It depends on the lesion. A shave biopsy suits a raised lesion, a punch biopsy suits a rash or small lesion, and an excisional biopsy is used for a suspected melanoma. Your dermatologist decides after examining the skin with a dermatoscope.
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How much does a private skin biopsy cost in London?
Shave biopsies are typically £250–£500, punch biopsies £300–£600 and excisional biopsies £450–£900. Immunofluorescence biopsies for autoimmune skin disease are £500–£950.
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Does a skin biopsy hurt?
The only sharp moment is the initial anaesthetic sting, which lasts a few seconds. After that you feel pressure and pulling rather than pain. Most people find it far easier than they expected.
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Will I be left with a scar?
Some mark is inevitable - a shave leaves a small pale patch, a punch leaves a fine linear scar, and an excision leaves a longer line. The site is chosen and closed to minimise it, and scars fade over months.
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How long do skin biopsy results take?
Usually 7–14 days. The tissue is processed, sectioned, stained and examined by a consultant dermatopathologist. Immunofluorescence samples take 10–14 days. We chase them and make sure they are explained.
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What is Mohs micrographic surgery?
Mohs is a specialist technique for skin cancers on the face and other sensitive areas. The lesion is removed layer by layer, with each layer checked under the microscope immediately, so only the smallest amount of tissue needed is taken.
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Can I have a skin biopsy while pregnant?
Yes. A skin biopsy under local anaesthetic is safe in pregnancy when clinically indicated, and there is no need to delay if the lesion is suspicious.
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When should I see a GP urgently about a mole?
A mole that is changing rapidly, growing, bleeding, itching or has become irregular in shape or colour should be seen urgently - the NHS 2-week wait pathway exists for exactly this. We can also expedite a consultant dermatologist appointment privately.
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What is the aftercare?
Keep the dressing dry for 48 hours and avoid soaking the wound. Normal activity resumes quickly. Stitches are removed at 7–14 days depending on site. Watch for increasing redness, pain or discharge, and contact the clinic if concerned.
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