How long does an excisional biopsy take to heal?

September 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to dermatologists, most skin biopsy sites heal within one to two weeks, though the process is multi-phased and factors vary. The ultimate healing timeline for an excisional biopsy is influenced by the size of the wound, location on the body, and your overall health.

Quick Summary

The initial wound healing from an excisional biopsy typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, but complete tissue remodeling and scar maturation can continue for months to a year, depending on the wound's size and location.

Key Points

Initial Healing: Surface wounds typically heal within 1–3 weeks, with sutures often removed after 1–2 weeks, depending on the location and depth.
Long-Term Remodeling: Complete tissue strengthening and scar maturation can take 6 months to over a year.
Location Matters: Biopsies on the face tend to heal faster than those on areas with more movement or poorer circulation, like the legs.
Proper Aftercare is Key: Diligently following wound care instructions, including keeping the area clean and moist, is crucial for optimal healing and minimal scarring.
Minimize Scarring: Protecting the wound from sun exposure is critical for preventing permanent discoloration.
Know When to Call a Doctor: Seek medical advice for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever.

Understanding the excisional biopsy healing timeline

After an excisional biopsy, the healing process occurs in distinct phases. The initial phase involves the closure of the wound, followed by a longer period of tissue remodeling. The total healing time is not a single event but rather a process that unfolds over several months. Following your doctor's specific aftercare instructions is crucial for promoting a swift and complication-free recovery.

The initial recovery phase (1-3 weeks)

The first few weeks are the most critical for immediate wound closure and initial recovery.

Days 1-3: You will likely experience some mild discomfort, bruising, and swelling around the biopsy site. A bandage or dressing will cover the area to protect it. It is important to keep the wound clean and dry during this time, often for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Days 4-14: After the initial protective period, you will typically begin daily wound care. This involves gently cleaning the site and applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline or Aquaphor) to keep it moist, which promotes faster healing and reduces scarring. Your dermatologist may provide specific instructions on how to remove and replace bandages. Sutures are often removed within 7 to 14 days, though dissolvable sutures may remain for longer.
Weeks 2-3: By this point, the surface of the wound should have closed. You may still see some redness, and the area might feel a bit tender. Activity restrictions, such as avoiding strenuous exercise, are often eased around this time.

The long-term healing phase (months to a year)

The wound may look healed on the surface after a few weeks, but the deeper tissue is still undergoing remodeling and strengthening.

3 Weeks and beyond: Scar massage can be started around this time if recommended by your doctor. Using a plain moisturizer with firm, circular motions can help improve the scar's appearance.
6-12 Months: The wound and scar tissue continue to remodel and strengthen. The redness of the scar will gradually fade. Protecting the site from sun exposure is especially important during this period to prevent hyperpigmentation.
1-2 Years: The scar reaches its final color and maturity. Its appearance may continue to improve subtly over this period.

Factors that influence excisional biopsy healing time

Several variables can affect how quickly and well your excisional biopsy heals. Understanding these can help you manage expectations.

Biopsy location: The body part where the biopsy was performed significantly affects healing time. Areas with less movement, like the face, tend to heal faster than those with more movement or poor circulation, such as the legs and feet.
Biopsy size and depth: Larger and deeper excisions, which involve multiple layers of skin, require a longer healing period than smaller, superficial ones. Some larger excisions may even require a skin graft, which extends the recovery time.
Your general health: Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or a compromised immune system, can slow down the healing process. Your body's ability to repair itself is directly tied to your overall health.
Aftercare adherence: Following your doctor's specific wound care instructions is one of the most critical factors for a smooth recovery. Proper cleaning, keeping the wound moist, and avoiding strenuous activity all play a key role.
Complications: The development of complications like infection, excessive bleeding, or fluid accumulation (seroma) can delay healing and require further medical intervention.

Excisional Biopsy Aftercare: A Comparison


Aftercare Aspect	First 1-2 Weeks	3+ Weeks (Post-Suture Removal)
Wound Care	Keep clean and covered with bandage; use petroleum jelly. Avoid soaking in tubs, pools, or hot tubs.	Keep clean. Scar massage with a gentle moisturizer can begin if advised by your doctor.
Activity	Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or anything that stretches the skin around the wound.	Gradually resume normal activities, avoiding high-impact exercise that may still irritate the site.
Sun Protection	Keep the wound covered completely to protect from sun exposure, which can worsen scarring.	Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily to the scar and surrounding skin.
Monitoring	Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever.	Continue to monitor the scar for changes. Consult your doctor if concerns arise.

Conclusion: Navigating your healing journey

While the initial surface healing of an excisional biopsy typically takes a few weeks, the complete, deeper healing process extends for several months. Patient health, biopsy location, and diligent aftercare all contribute to the final outcome, including the appearance of any residual scarring. You can significantly influence the recovery by carefully following your physician’s instructions for wound care and activity levels. For detailed guidance on proper wound management, the American Academy of Dermatology offers useful resources on skin biopsy wound care.

Remember that each person's body heals at its own pace. If you have any concerns about your recovery or notice signs of infection, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Your doctor is your best resource for personalized advice throughout the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the early stages, the wound will be red, slightly swollen, and possibly bruised. As it heals, a new layer of skin will form over the site. Over several months, the redness will fade, and the scar will mature and become less noticeable.

You can support the natural healing process by following all aftercare instructions, keeping the wound clean and moist with petroleum jelly, avoiding strenuous activity, and protecting the site from sun exposure. Good nutrition and hydration are also helpful for recovery.

Most patients can return to non-strenuous daily activities within 1–2 weeks. However, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or activities that stretch the wound area should be avoided for several weeks, especially if the biopsy was in a high-motion area.

Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common for the first few days after the procedure and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs. The discomfort should steadily decrease over time.

Yes, most excisional biopsies result in a scar. The size and appearance of the scar depend on the wound's size, location, and your individual healing characteristics. Proper wound care and sun protection are key to minimizing its appearance.

Contact your doctor if you experience increasing pain, spreading redness, swelling, warmth around the site, pus-like drainage, fever, or if the wound reopens. These could be signs of an infection or other complications.

You can typically shower the day after a skin biopsy, but you must keep the site clean and dry. Your doctor will advise you to avoid soaking the wound in baths, hot tubs, or pools until it is fully healed, which may take about a week.