What are the post-procedure care instructions for a skin biopsy of two lesions, one on the left side of the neck and one on the left middle back, using a dermablade?

Post-Procedure Care for Dermablade Skin Biopsy

Wound Care Instructions

Keep the biopsy sites clean and covered with a simple dressing, changing it daily until the wounds are fully healed. 1, 2

Immediate Post-Procedure Care (First 24-48 Hours)

• Apply pressure to the biopsy sites if any bleeding occurs, as minor bleeding is the most common immediate complication after skin biopsy 2
• Keep the wounds covered with a clean, dry bandage for the first 24-48 hours to protect against infection 1
• Avoid getting the sites wet during the first 24 hours to minimize infection risk 1
• Apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment to keep the wound moist and promote healing, though systemic antibiotics are not routinely necessary 3

Ongoing Wound Management

• Change dressings daily after the first 24 hours, cleaning gently with soap and water 1, 2
• Continue applying petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment until the wounds are completely healed 3
• Watch for signs of infection including increasing redness, warmth, swelling, purulent drainage, or fever, which should prompt immediate medical attention 2
• Avoid strenuous activity that could disrupt the healing wounds, particularly for the neck lesion where movement is frequent 1

Location-Specific Considerations

Neck Biopsy Site

• Minimize neck movement when possible during the first few days, as the neck is a high-motion area that can delay healing 1
• Be particularly vigilant for bleeding at this site due to the rich vascular supply of the neck 2

Back Biopsy Site

• Avoid tight clothing that rubs against the biopsy site 1
• Consider having assistance with dressing changes since the middle back is difficult to reach 1

Expected Healing Timeline

• Dermablade biopsies typically heal within 1-2 weeks depending on the depth of the biopsy and individual healing factors 1, 3
• Scarring is expected but can be minimized with proper wound care 3
• Hypertrophic or keloid scars are possible complications, particularly in patients with darker skin types, and early intervention with intralesional triamcinolone may be beneficial if excessive scarring develops 3

Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention

• Excessive bleeding that does not stop with 10-15 minutes of direct pressure 2
• Signs of infection as described above 2
• Wound dehiscence or separation of the wound edges 2
• Increasing pain beyond the first 24-48 hours 1