What to expect for punch biopsy tomorrow?

[BlueTaelon]

Went to the Dr today for my ER follow up and asked about a thing on my hand that ive had about 2 years that itches, sometimes hurts and changes color/shape on a regular basis. He scheduled me for a punch biopsy tomorrow afternoon. I know they will inject numbing stuff then cut it out but will it be painful? I know dd8 had a biopsy when she was 3 and she swore it hurt badly even though she was numb but lidocane doesnt work that well on her. Oh, they said I may or may not have a stitch.

 

Advice from someone whose btdt?

[Mrs Mungo]

I have only had them in my breast. They used lidocaine. The lidocaine going in was pretty burn-y, that was probably the most painful bit. It didn't hurt after that; they didn't do a stitch; it was simple.

[Kate in Arabia]

My ds had one done on his leg last year.  The dermatologist gave him an injection first, which hurt a bit (like any shot), but then he didn't feel anything.  The dr said a stitch isn't always necessary, but because of the location on ds -- and his sporty activities -- she put one in.

[EKS]

The injection to numb the area will hurt a bit, sort of like a bee sting but a much shorter duration (like a few seconds).  The biopsy itself shouldn't hurt at all.  It may feel a bit sore after the anesthetic wears off, but it won't be too bad.

[Mommyof4ks]

I have had a few, and they were not bad at all. The one on my neck hurt a bit, because I had to turn my head to drive, and that pulled on the stitch, but it went away after a few days. Even if you have to go back and have more removed, it is not a big deal. I was terrified, but it did not hurt.

[Forget-Me-Not]

I had one done on my thigh a couple of years ago.  The injection was the worst part.  I had 2? stitches and a bandaid. 

[umsami]

I've had 30+, sadly.

 

Usually the lidocaine doesn't hurt…but it really depends on the skill of the PA/RN who administers it.

 

So, you get numbed….then the doctor comes in…does the biopsy…then usually one or two stitches and a band-aid.  You should not feel anything other than perhaps pressure.

 

You'll be given aftercare instructions…and will return in about 10 days to get the stitches removed (which doesn't hurt).

[Dana]

Some areas are more annoying as they heal than others.

I've had punch removals on my back. Not nearly as many nerve endings as just a mole removal in my palm.

Follow aftercare instructions. I don't look when they do the shot or removal.

I've developed an allergy to neosporin, so I just use Vaseline to keep the wound moist while it heals.

 

You'll do fine.

[Joker]

I agree with everyone else so far.

 

The only other thing I would mention is to make sure you eat before and pack a juice box and some crackers. I never feel pain with the procedure but I have a tendency to be nervous and my blood pressure drops, which makes me feel woozy. The nurse at my last one said it happens often. The juice and crackers help a lot.

[J-rap]

I had one on my arm a couple years ago.  I don't even remember the appointment, so it must not have been too bad.