Is a skin excision painful?

All procedures at Main Street Medical Centre are performed under local anaesthesia. We use specialized 'Comfort First' techniques to ensure the area is completely numb, so you should not feel pain during the procedure.

How long do biopsy results take?

Every sample is sent immediately to Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology (SNP). Results are typically available within a few business days. We usually schedule a follow-up appointment within 7–10 days to discuss findings and remove stitches.

Do I need a referral for skin surgery?

No. You can book a consultation directly with our skin-trained GPs in Pialba. They will assess the lesion and determine the most appropriate surgical pathway for you.

Skin Biopsy & Excision Hervey Bay – What to Expect and Aftercare

Last reviewed September 2026

This page explains your treatment options after a skin check has identified a lesion requiring removal. If your GP has recommended a skin biopsy Hervey Bay procedure or surgical excision, here is everything you need to know about what happens next.

At Main Street Medical Centre in Pialba, our GPs can perform skin biopsies and excisions on-site. We can coordinate the procedure, pathology processing, wound care advice, and follow-up within the practice.

Book your treatment appointment CALL (07) 4325 4000

Procedure room for skin biopsy and excision at Main Street Medical Centre Hervey Bay

Biopsy vs Excision — Understanding Your Treatment Options

A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis to confirm a diagnosis. A surgical excision removes the entire lesion plus a margin of healthy surrounding tissue for treatment purposes. After your skin check identifies a lesion of concern, your GP will recommend one of these two approaches depending on the nature and appearance of the spot. Where a lesion requires more extensive removal, your GP may recommend skin cancer surgery at the practice.

Biopsy vs Excision — Understanding Your Treatment Options
	Skin Biopsy	Surgical Excision
Purpose	Diagnostic — removes a tissue sample for laboratory analysis to confirm what the lesion is	Therapeutic — removes the entire lesion plus a margin of healthy surrounding tissue
When used	When your GP needs a pathology report before deciding the next step	When the lesion’s appearance strongly suggests skin cancer or when complete removal is the goal
Tissue removed	A small sample (part of the lesion)	The full lesion plus a safety margin of clear skin
May be followed by	Wider excision if pathology confirms cancer	Re-excision only if pathology shows margins are not clear
Typical duration	10–20 minutes	20–45 minutes depending on size and location

In some cases, an excisional biopsy serves both purposes at once — removing the entire lesion while also providing tissue for pathology analysis. Your GP will explain which approach is most appropriate for your specific situation during your consultation. For further information on skin cancer diagnosis and treatment pathways, the Cancer Council Australia provides trusted patient resources.

Types of Skin Biopsy Procedures Available in Hervey Bay

The biopsy technique your GP recommends depends on the size, location, depth, and suspected nature of the lesion identified during your skin check. Each method has specific advantages depending on the clinical situation.

Punch Biopsy

A small, circular cutting instrument removes a cylindrical core of skin tissue through all layers. This technique is ideal when your GP needs a full-thickness sample for accurate pathology analysis. Punch biopsies typically require one or two sutures to close. May be used for: Rashes, inflammatory conditions, suspected melanoma, and lesions requiring full-thickness analysis.

Shave Biopsy

A thin layer of the lesion is removed from the skin surface using a specialised blade. This technique is quick, minimally invasive, and often does not require sutures. The wound typically heals within one to two weeks. May be used for: Raised lesions, suspected basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), and superficial growths where full-thickness sampling is not required.

Excisional Biopsy

The entire lesion is removed along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This technique serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as it can completely remove small skin cancers in a single procedure. May be used for: Suspected melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and lesions where complete removal is the clinical goal.

Your GP will choose the technique based on the specific lesion and their clinical judgement. Not every method is appropriate for every situation, and your doctor will explain why a particular approach has been recommended for you.

Your GP has identified a lesion that needs attention? Book Your Treatment Appointment or call (07) 4325 4000

Our Patient Comfort Protocol

We understand that hearing you need a procedure can cause anxiety. Our team has developed a comprehensive comfort protocol to ensure your skin biopsy Hervey Bay experience is as stress-free as possible.

Local Anaesthetic for Comfort

Every procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. We aim to minimise discomfort by using fine-gauge needles and buffer solutions during the numbing process. You may feel a brief sting as the anaesthetic is administered, and most people feel pressure rather than pain. If you feel sharp pain at any point, let your GP know so more anaesthetic can be given.

Procedure Room

Our procedure room features appropriate lighting, sterile instrument trays, climate control, and disposable equipment — maintaining infection control protocols for every procedure.

Clear Communication Throughout

Your GP explains each step before and during the procedure, so you always know what is happening. You are welcome to ask questions at any point, and we can pause if you need a moment.

Dr Nadeesh Seneviratne holding a dermatoscope at Main Street Medical Centre Hervey Bay

Dr Nadeesh Seneviratne (MBBS, FRACGP) holds a Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer from the University of Queensland, plus a Diploma of Dermoscopy.

The Procedure Step-by-Step

Your skin check has already identified the lesion. Here is what happens from the moment you arrive for your treatment appointment.

Pre-Procedure Consultation: Your GP re-examines the lesion, confirms the recommended technique (biopsy type or excision), and discusses the expected outcome. You have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions.

Informed Consent: Your doctor explains the procedure, potential risks, alternatives, and expected recovery. You provide written consent before anything proceeds.

Possible Risks Your GP Will Discuss

Like any minor surgical procedure, skin biopsies and excisions carry some risks. These are uncommon but your GP will explain them as part of the consent process: bleeding or bruising at the wound site, infection, scarring (including raised or widened scars), wound opening or delayed healing, temporary numbness or tingling near the site, and, rarely, allergy to local anaesthetic or wound dressings.

Preparation and Anaesthesia: The treatment area is cleaned with antiseptic solution. Local anaesthetic is administered to completely numb the site. Within a few minutes, the area is fully numbed.

The Procedure: Your GP performs the biopsy or excision using the selected technique. You may feel pressure or pulling sensations, and you shouldn’t feel sharp pain. Duration is typically 10 to 45 minutes depending on the method and lesion complexity.

Questions about your upcoming procedure? Call (07) 4325 4000

Wound Closure and Dressing: If sutures are required, your doctor carefully closes the wound using techniques that follow natural skin tension lines. A sterile dressing is applied and you receive detailed aftercare instructions.

Pathology Submission: Your tissue sample is sent to a pathology provider (for example, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology) for detailed microscopic examination. You are free to go home shortly after the procedure.

Stitches and Scarring Minimisation

Scarring is one of the most common concerns patients raise before a skin biopsy or excision. While any incision will leave some mark, our GPs use careful closure techniques to support good healing and minimise scarring where possible.

Tension Line Alignment

Wherever possible, incisions are made along your skin’s natural tension lines (also called Langer’s lines). Wounds aligned with these lines heal flatter and less visibly because they experience less pulling force as they close.

Layered Closure Technique

For excisions, your GP may place dissolvable sutures beneath the skin surface to reduce tension on the outer closure. This layered approach means the visible sutures bear less stress, promoting a finer scar.

Suture Removal Timing

Sutures are typically removed 5 to 14 days after the procedure, depending on the body site. Timely removal reduces the risk of suture marks — small dots along the scar line caused by sutures left in too long.

Most skin biopsy and excision scars fade considerably over 6 to 12 months. Your GP can discuss scar management options at your follow-up appointment if you have concerns about how the wound is healing.

Pathology Results and What They Mean

The pathology report is the most important outcome of your procedure. It confirms the exact nature of the lesion and determines whether any further treatment is needed.

Understanding Your Pathology Report

Turnaround Time: Most results are available within 5 to 10 business days, but timeframes can vary. Complex cases requiring additional analysis may take slightly longer.

Clear Margins: If the lesion was a skin cancer, the pathologist reports whether clear margins were achieved. Clear margins mean no cancer cells were detected at the edges of the removed tissue, indicating complete removal.

Further Treatment: If the report reveals skin cancer, your GP will discuss the recommended next steps. This may include wider excision to achieve clear margins, or referral to a specialist depending on the type and stage of cancer identified.

Benign Results: If pathology confirms a benign lesion, you can have peace of mind knowing the growth is not cancerous. Your GP may recommend ongoing skin surveillance or no further action.

We’ll aim to contact you once your GP has reviewed the pathology report, or you can book a follow-up appointment to discuss the results. Sutures are removed if applicable, and any further treatment is planned at this visit. This follow-up typically occurs within 7 to 14 days of your procedure.

Ready to book your follow-up or treatment appointment? Book Online Now or call (07) 4325 4000

Wound Care and Recovery

Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing after any skin procedure. Your GP will provide wound-specific instructions, but here are the general guidelines that apply to most skin biopsies and excisions. Read more about what happens after a skin biopsy.

First 24–48 Hours

Keep the wound clean and dry. Leave the original dressing in place unless instructed otherwise. It is normal to experience mild discomfort, slight swelling, and minimal bleeding or oozing through the dressing.

Days 2–7

Gently clean the area daily with mild soap and water, pat dry, and apply a fresh dressing as instructed. Avoid strenuous physical activity, swimming, and activities that may stretch or stress the wound.

When to Contact Us

If you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, persistent pain, unusual discharge, or fever, contact our clinic promptly on (07) 4325 4000 during business hours (Mon–Fri 7:30am–5:30pm).

After hours: for non-emergency care outside clinic hours, visit the Hervey Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (5/166 Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba – open 7 days, 8 am to 8 pm, walk-in, bulk billed), or call 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84.

If severe bleeding will not stop with firm pressure, or you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or feel very unwell, call 000 immediately or attend Hervey Bay Hospital Emergency Department (Cnr Urraween & Nissen Roads).

Light walking is generally fine from day one. Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, though you should avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for approximately one week, or longer for larger excisions.

Our Clinical Team

Our GPs perform skin biopsies and excisions and use clinically appropriate techniques for assessment and minor procedures. When you attend Main Street Medical Centre for your skin biopsy Hervey Bay or excision, your doctor will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.

Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) – University of Queensland

Dr Nadeesh Seneviratne

Dr Nadeesh (FRACGP) holds a Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) from the University of Queensland. His work includes dermoscopy and minor procedures such as biopsies, excisions, and flap closures where clinically appropriate.

View Dr Nadeesh’s Full Profile →

Male GPs

Skin procedure appointments available where clinically appropriate

Dr Moe Thu skin biopsy and excision Hervey Bay

Dr Moe ThuFRACGP • Skin Cancer Surgery

Dr Yan Paing Oo skin biopsy and excision Hervey Bay

Dr Yan Paing OoFRACGP • Skin Cancer Surgery

Dr Lachlan Davis skin procedures Hervey Bay

Dr Lachlan DavisFRACGP • Skin Procedures

Dr Haseeb Ahmed skin procedures Hervey Bay

Dr Haseeb AhmedFRACGP • Skin Procedures

Female GPs

Skin checks and procedures where clinically appropriate

Dr Zin Zin ThantFRACGP • Skin Check GP

Dr Priyani Perera, GP (FRACGP) at Main Street Medical Centre in Hervey Bay

Dr Priyani PereraGP, FRACGP • Skin Checks

Want to choose your preferred GP for your procedure? View Available Appointments

Skin Biopsy and Excision Costs in Hervey Bay

Understanding costs helps you plan for your treatment. At Main Street Medical Centre, we provide transparent pricing before any procedure is performed.

✓ Bulk Billed Skin Checks

Skin checks are bulk billed as eligible Medicare services for Medicare card holders. Eligibility applies. Some non-Medicare services may attract a fee.

Skin Surgery Fees Apply

When a skin biopsy or excision is required, standard surgical fees apply. The cost varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, lesion size, body location, and whether additional techniques such as flap closures are needed.

For detailed fee information, please visit our Fees Page or speak with our reception team when booking your treatment appointment. Medicare rebates apply where applicable to skin biopsy and excision procedures, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. If you have private health insurance, check with your fund whether any benefits apply to out-of-hospital procedures.

How to Prepare for Your Procedure

Your skin check is done and your GP has recommended a biopsy or excision. Here is how to prepare for your treatment appointment.

Arrive with Clean Skin: Shower on the day of your appointment and avoid applying body lotions, perfumes, or oils to the treatment area. For facial procedures, arrive without makeup.

Review Your Medications: Let your GP know about all medications you take, including blood thinners, aspirin, and supplements. Your doctor will advise if any medicines need special consideration before the procedure — do not stop blood thinners unless your GP advises.

Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the treatment site. A clinical gown will be provided if needed.

Plan for Afterwards: Most people can drive home after local anaesthetic. If you feel faint, very anxious, or the procedure is in an area that may affect comfort or movement, consider having someone drive you.

Prepare Your Questions: Write down any concerns about the procedure, recovery, or scarring. Our doctors are happy to address everything during the pre-procedure consultation.

Ready to schedule your skin procedure? Book Your Treatment Appointment or call (07) 4325 4000

Related Skin Cancer Services in Hervey Bay

Main Street Medical Centre provides comprehensive skin cancer care at our Pialba practice. Whether you need a preventative skin check or treatment for a diagnosed lesion, our team can help.

Full Body Skin Checks

Comprehensive head-to-toe examinations using dermoscopy for early skin cancer detection.

Focused Spot Checks

Quick clinical assessment for patients concerned about up to 4 specific moles or lesions.

Cyst and Tag Removal

Professional removal of benign lumps, bumps, and skin tags for comfort and aesthetics.

Cryotherapy

Precision liquid nitrogen freezing treatment for sunspots, warts, and minor skin lesions.

Patients with numerous moles often pair their biopsy plan with mole mapping in Hervey Bay so future changes are easier to track.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Biopsy and Excision

Is a skin biopsy or excision painful?

We use local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area before any incision is made. You may feel a brief sting during the initial injection, and most people feel pressure or tugging rather than pain during the procedure. If you do feel sharp pain at any point, let your GP know so more anaesthetic can be given.

How do I know if I need a biopsy or a full excision?

Your GP determines this based on the clinical appearance of the lesion, its size, location, and level of suspicion identified during your skin check. In many cases, your doctor will explain the recommendation at your skin check appointment before you attend for the procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

A skin biopsy typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, while an excision takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size and location of the lesion. Including consultation time and wound dressing, allow approximately 45 minutes to one hour for your appointment.

Will I have a permanent scar?

Any procedure involving an incision will leave some mark on the skin. However, our GPs use techniques that follow natural skin tension lines and layered closure methods to minimise scarring. Most scars continue to fade over 6 to 12 months and become much less noticeable over time.

How many stitches will I need?

This depends on the procedure type and wound size. A punch biopsy may need one or two sutures. A shave biopsy often requires no sutures at all. Excisions typically require several sutures, and larger excisions may involve both deep dissolvable sutures and external sutures for optimal closure.

How soon will I receive my pathology results?

Most results are available within 5 to 10 business days, but timeframes can vary. Our clinical team will aim to contact you once your GP has reviewed the report, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled to discuss results and remove sutures if applicable.

Can I drive home after the procedure?

Most people can safely drive home after a procedure performed under local anaesthetic. If you feel faint, very anxious, or the procedure is in an area that may affect comfort or movement, we recommend having someone drive you.

What if my pathology results show cancer?

If your pathology report indicates skin cancer, your GP will discuss the findings and recommended treatment options with you at your follow-up appointment. Many skin cancers can be treated in general practice with appropriate procedures. Your GP will discuss the most suitable option for your situation, and referrals are arranged if needed. The RACGP provides clinical guidelines that inform the treatment pathways our GPs follow.

What if the margins aren’t clear?

If the pathology report shows that cancer cells extend to the edge of the removed tissue, your GP will discuss a re-excision — a second procedure to remove a wider margin of tissue. This is a common and routine part of skin cancer treatment and ensures complete removal.

Haven’t Had a Skin Check Yet?

Start Here — Our Skin Cancer Services Overview

Ready for Your Treatment Appointment?

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71 Main Street, Pialba QLD 4655 • (07) 4325 4000

Serving Pialba, Point Vernon, Eli Waters, Scarness, Torquay, Urraween, Kawungan, and the broader Fraser Coast.