Shave biopsy
Bulk billedShave biopsy
Bulk billedA thin sample taken from the surface of a lesion for pathology, usually healing without stitches.
Book online →Biopsies and excisions, done here.
When a lesion needs to be tested or removed, you do not have to wait months for a specialist. Dr Mustafa Hafiz performs biopsies and minor excisions in our on-site treatment room.
Three ways to book: HotDoc · online · or by phone.
From suspicion to answer.
A biopsy turns an uncertain spot into a definite diagnosis, usually within a week of the procedure.
If a skin check finds a lesion that looks unusual under dermoscopy, the next step is to sample or remove it so a pathologist can look at the cells. That is the only way to be certain about what a lesion is, and it is the step that turns an anxious wait into a clear plan.
The main procedures
A shave or punch biopsy takes a small sample of a lesion for testing while leaving most of it in place. An excision biopsy removes the whole lesion with a margin of normal skin, and is used when the suspicion is higher or the lesion is small enough to remove in one go. Your GP will explain which is appropriate and why.
Good to know
A biopsy is not a treatment decision. It is a fact-finding step. What happens next depends on what the pathologist reports.
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What the appointment is like
The area is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic, which stings briefly and then removes sensation entirely. The procedure itself is usually five to twenty minutes. You will feel pressure and movement but not pain. Stitches are placed where needed and a dressing applied.
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Healing and stitches
Keep the dressing dry for the time your doctor specifies. Stitches on the face usually come out in five to seven days, on the body in seven to fourteen days, and on the back or leg sometimes longer. We book the removal appointment before you leave. Some scarring is normal and settles over months.
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Getting the result
Tissue goes to the laboratory and results usually return within one to two weeks. You will be asked to book a follow-up. If the result shows a skin cancer that has not been fully removed, your GP will discuss a wider excision or referral.
Procedures in our treatment room.
Performed under local anaesthetic by appointment.
Tap to learn more
Punch biopsy
Bulk billedPunch biopsy
Bulk billedA small circular core taken through the full thickness of the skin, often closed with one or two stitches.
Book online →Excision biopsy
Bulk billedExcision biopsy
Bulk billedThe whole lesion removed with a margin of normal skin and closed with sutures.
Book online →Suspicious moles
Bulk billedSuspicious moles
Bulk billedLesions that have changed in size, shape or colour, or that look atypical on dermoscopy.
Book online →Cysts and lumps
Bulk billedCysts and lumps
Bulk billedRemoval of troublesome sebaceous cysts, lipomas and other benign lumps where appropriate.
Book online →Stitch removal
Bulk billedStitch removal
Bulk billedBooked before you leave, with a wound check at the same appointment.
Book online →What to expect.
What happens on the day and afterwards.
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Assessment and consentYour GP examines the lesion with dermoscopy, explains the procedure and the likely scar, and takes written consent.
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Local anaestheticThe area is cleaned and numbed. The injection stings for a few seconds; after that you feel pressure only.
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The procedureFive to twenty minutes depending on the lesion. Stitches are placed if needed and a dressing applied.
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Results and stitch removalPathology returns in one to two weeks. Stitches come out at a booked appointment and the wound is checked.
Bring with youMedicare cardA list of blood-thinning medicinesDetails of any anaesthetic reactionsLoose clothing over the area
Who you'll see.
Dr Mustafa Hafiz focuses on skin procedures at this practice.
Focuses on this area
General Practitioner · Medical Director
Dr Mustafa HafizMChD, FRACGP
Skin cancer checks and minor procedures, men's health, mental health and family medicine.
Available Mon · Tue · Wed · Fri · Sun
Focuses on this area
General Practitioner
Dr Mohammed HossainMBBS, FRACGP, Diploma in Dermatology
Chronic and complex conditions, heart, gut and kidney health, weight management.
Available Mon · Wed
Focuses on this area
General Practitioner
Dr Zainab ShiraziDiploma in Dermatology
Women's health, children's health and skin conditions.
Available Mon · Tue · Wed · Fri · Sat
General Practitioner
Dr Robert ReidMBBS · In general practice since 1980
Mental health, chronic illness, disability care and general family medicine.
Available Ask reception
Fees and bulk billing.
Medically indicated biopsies and excisions are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card.
Full fee guide
100% bulk billing clinic
Standard GP consultations at Toongabbie Doctors are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card, so there is no out-of-pocket cost to see your doctor.
Biopsies and excisions of clinically suspicious lesions are bulk billed for eligible patients.
Pathology on the sample is bulk billed when the test is Medicare-eligible.
Removal of a lesion for appearance alone is a cosmetic procedure and attracts a private fee, quoted in advance.
Common questions.
Questions about skin procedures.
The local anaesthetic injection stings for a few seconds. After that the area is numb and you feel pressure and movement but not pain. Aching afterwards is usually managed with paracetamol.
Any procedure that breaks the skin leaves a mark. Your GP will tell you the likely size and direction before starting, and scars usually fade considerably over six to twelve months.
Yes. Local anaesthetic does not affect your ability to drive. Procedures on the hands or feet occasionally make driving uncomfortable, so plan accordingly.
Usually one to two weeks. You will be asked to book a follow-up appointment, and urgent results are phoned through sooner.
Do not stop any medicine without advice. Tell your GP what you take at the assessment appointment and they will decide what is safe.
Related services.
Skin Cancer Checks and Minor ProceduresSkin checks, biopsies, excisions, cryotherapy and wound care.Learn more →Wound and Dressing CareDressings, wound reviews and stitch removal in our treatment room.Learn more →CryotherapyFreezing warts, sun spots and other surface skin lesions.Learn more →Cosmetic ConsultationsMedical assessment and honest advice before cosmetic treatment.Learn more →
A spot that needs testing?
Book a skin assessment and, where it is needed, have the biopsy or excision done here rather than waiting for a referral.
Three ways to book: HotDoc · online · or by phone on (02) 7813 6000.
Toongabbie Doctors · Shop 1, Toongabbie Point
Monday to Friday8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday8:00am - 1:00pm
SundayClosed
ParkingFree via Cox Lane