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Skin Biopsies New Jersey

Dr Kaplan offers skin biopsies in New Jersey for patients wishing to diagnose skin conditions and remove abnormal tissue. Samples are processed and sent to a laboratory for a pathologist to examine, with results usually returning within one to two weeks.

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What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is a quick procedure in which skin samples or cells are removed from your body and sent to a laboratory for examination.

Typically, skin biopsies are taken by a dermatologist, but in some cases, they can be performed by plastic surgeons, such as Dr Kaplan.

Aside from performing a biopsy to test for underlying disease, we can perform cosmetic biopsies if you want to remove lesions for aesthetic purposes. Or, if you’re hoping to have cosmetic surgery, a biopsy may be necessary so we can ensure your skin is healthy enough for your desired procedure, and determine the next steps for treatment if anything abnormal is found.

Dr Kaplan is more than a plastic surgeon. His goal is to do whatever is in his power to ensure that you feel like your best self, which sometimes requires a skin biopsy.

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Do I need a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy may be necessary if you relate to any of the following:

  • You have skin lesions (warts, moles, tags, discoloration, etc.) that are not aesthetically appealing to you, and you need to test them before moving forward on their removal.
  • You plan on getting a cosmetic procedure, surgical or non-surgical, but you have some areas on your skin that are concerning and may need testing before going forward.
  • You are simply concerned that your lesions may be cancerous or linked to diseases and want them removed and tested by a pathologist.

If you relate to one of these circumstances and are based in New Jersey, please contact our team today.

How is the sample taken?

There are three main methods for taking a sample during a skin biopsy, each using a different medical instrument. In each method, local anesthesia is administered.

Shave Biopsy

In shave biopsies, we remove a section of one of the top layers of skin with a razor-like tool.

Punch Biopsy

In punch biopsies, we remove a core of skin that includes deep layers of tissue with a circular tool.

Excisional Biopsy

In excisional biopsies, we remove a lump or suspicious tissue in the skin with a scalpel. The sample includes both normal skin and some of the deeper, fatty layers. This is the technique Dr. Kaplan uses for most biopsies. This method is called an incisional biopsy when only a portion of the lump or abnormality is removed.

Why is a skin sample taken?

Typically, the skin samples taken during biopsies are used to diagnose conditions or diseases, including but not limited to:

  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Infection
  • Skin cancers 
  • Rashes and irritations

However, they can also help eliminate the appearance of lesions such as warts, skin tags, discoloration, moles, and so on.

How long do the lab results take?

Once skin biopsies are processed and sent to a laboratory to be examined by a pathologist, and results usually return within one to two weeks.

How much does a skin biopsy cost in New Jersey?

The cost of a skin biopsy will depend on the coverage of your insurance plan and the complexity of the lesion.

Any type of biopsy is usually covered by health insurance. If your health insurance covers your skin biopsy, your out-of-pocket cost will only be between 10 and 40 per cent of the total cost of the procedure. If your insurance does not cover your skin biopsy, it is most likely because you have not reached your deductible yet.

What’s the recovery like?

Skin biopsy wounds typically are tiny and not overly visible, although may require stitches. The wound from your skin biopsy should heal completely within two months but any bleeding should last no more than a few days.

Wounds on your legs and feet tend to heal slower than the rest of your body. You’ll be asked to keep the wound covered and clean it twice daily for the first two to three days following your biopsy.

Biopsies can cause a small scar, which may be more prominent in some patients than others. Scars fade gradually.

Why would Dr Kaplan need to perform a skin biopsy as a plastic surgeon?

There are two everyday situations where Dr Kaplan will perform biopsies:

  1. If a patient comes into Dr Kaplan’s office with concerns over the appearance of lesions such as warts, moles, tags, or discoloration, he will first perform a biopsy.  The results will rule out any skin diseases before taking action to remove the lesions.
  2. If a patient wishes to undergo cosmetic surgery, but Dr Kaplan discovers abnormalities such as lumps, sores, or discoloration on the body, he may perform a biopsy to determine the condition and its degree of seriousness.  The result will determine if your skin is healthy enough to go ahead. Do not be alarmed if Dr Kaplan decides a skin biopsy is needed, it is simply for your safety.

In both cases, if skin cancer, disease or an infection is detected, Dr Kaplan will be transparent about what he can do to help and advise you where to go for treatments that are out of his expertise. Dr Kaplan will wait until you have completed any course of treatment for your diagnosis before moving forward with any type of cosmetic procedure, surgical or non-surgical.

Schedule a consultation

If you’re interested in moving ahead, the first step is to book a consultation with Dr Kaplan. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your skin, medical history, our recommended approach, costs, and any questions you may have.

To book an appointment, please get in touch through any of the following methods:

“I have been seeing Dr Kaplan since 2018. Dr Kaplan has a very unique personality with a great sense of humor that immediately makes you feel welcomed and at ease. He always starts off by asking you what you’ll like to get done and then he gives you an honest professional opinion based on what he sees and what can benefit you.”

Sonji L, Yelp

“Dr Kaplan was so knowledgeable and helpful. He suggested what made me look and feel more like myself in a great way. Down-to-earth and funny doctor, sweet staffs, clean office. Would love to be back for any beauty touch ups.”

Aris, Groupon