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Skin Biopsy
A biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin tissue for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment or both.
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Last Reviewed July 16th 2020
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A biopsy is commonly done if you have a lump or swelling of a part of the body where there is no apparent cause. In these situations, often the only way to confirm whether the area of concern is cancerous is to perform a biopsy to look at the cells under the microscope.
If we believe it necessary after your consultation or if you are interested in examining a skin complaint further, we may undertake a skin biopsy to check there are no underlying problems.
Skin Biopsies are currently only available at our London Harley Street clinic and are open for both current patients of The Private Clinic and those who have not yet been to the clinic.
Procedure Time
30 mins
No. of Treatments
2 Treatments
Downtime
24 - 48 hours
Results Last
4 - 6 months
Final Results
8 - 10 weeks
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin tissue for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment or both. If needed, the sample is sent for histopathological analysis for confirmation of diagnosis and, if necessary, further treatment will be planned accordingly.
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Before & After
Take a look at the Before and After photos to see how we have helped change our patients’ lives.
What to Expect
The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 35 years with thousands of people placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.
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The Procedure
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Aftercare
Skin Biopsy Treatment
If we believe it necessary after your consultation or if you are interested in examining a skin complaint further, we may undertake a skin biopsy to check there are no underlying problems.
Skin Biopsies are currently only available at our Leeds and London Harley Street clinics and are open for both current patients of The Private Clinic and those who have not yet been to the clinic.
What happens during a biopsy?
Local anaesthetic will be applied to numb the area and your dermatologist will remove your lesion or skin sample. The method they use will depend on the nature of your skin complaint, but may consist of one of the following:
- Shave Biopsy – A razor-like tool is used to literally ‘shave’ the tissue or top layers of skin (epidermis and a portion of the dermis) for examination. This form of biopsy is often used for skin tags and more superficial blemishes on the skin.
- Punch Biopsy – A small, circular tool is used to remove a sample of skin including deeper layers (epidermis, dermis and superficial fat).
- Excisional Biopsy – In an excisional biopsy the entire lesion will normally be removed alongside a margin of normal skin around the problem area.
- Curettage Biopsy – Often performed for superficial skin lesions, a small scoop-like instrument is used to scrape the lesion off the skin.
After your biopsy, if necessary, the area will be sealed through either stitches or cauterisation, which uses heat to seal the skin. Your dermatologist will advise on the best method for you and will explain your options thoroughly during consultation and treatment.
After Your Skin Biopsy Treatment
Your dermatologist will advise you if further analysis of your skin samples will be required, depending on the nature of your skin complaint. They will inform you on how long the process of skin biopsy will take and will advise, if necessary, on any further treatments or tests that may be taken.
Our Medical Team
We are proud to have a knowledgeable team specialised in skincare, headed by leading UK dermatologist Dr Noor Almaani, with close collaboration from Dr. Rishika Sinha. We understand the stress that being unsure about a skin condition can bring, and aim to make the process as straightforward and easy as possible. We use the most advanced equipment and work with only the most professional staff to help you get the answers and results you want.
After Your Skin Biopsy Treatment
Your dermatologist will advise you if further analysis of your skin samples will be required, depending on the nature of your skin complaint. They will inform you on how long the process of skin biopsy will take and will advise, if necessary, on any further treatments or tests that may be taken.
Our Medical Team
We are proud to have a knowledgeable team specialised in skincare, headed by leading UK dermatologist Dr Noor Almaani, with close collaboration from Dr. Rishika Sinha. We understand the stress that being unsure about a skin condition can bring, and aim to make the process as straightforward and easy as possible. We use the most advanced equipment and work with only the most professional staff to help you get the answers and results you want.
FAQs
The size and shape of a woman’s bust can cause a great feeling of unhappiness and insecurity. In cases like these, a breast augmentation is a great way to provide both a safe and convenient solution to help restore confidence. There are many reasons why our patients decide to go ahead with breast augmentation but here at The Private Clinic we have a team of expert breast surgeons using the best techniques to help provide you with the results that you wish to achieve. All patients are handled with sensitivity and discretion. If you are over 18 years old, in good health and generally feeling fit and well then you will be suitable for a breast augmentation. However, in some cases, a breast augmentation may not be suitable for the results that you are expecting and in such cases an alternative or combined surgery method may be advised. The best way to ascertain your suitability for any type of surgery is to book a consultation to speak with your chosen surgeon. To book a consultation with our highly experienced surgeons click here.
The right implant for you will be decided on by one of our expert breast surgeons. Your chosen breast implant will take into consideration your natural breast size and your body shape and frame. It is not possible to give an idea of one type of breast implant as different implant sizes, shapes and profiles will not all look the same on every patient. For each implant there are usually up to 4 different profiles which range from low to extra high and these decide on how much of the implant projects away from the chest wall. A low profile will usually deliver more of a subtle or natural result but in certain cases the surgeon may advise that you go for a higher profile implant so that your breasts will be more in proportion to your body, therefore achieving a more natural result. Your surgeon will then discuss implant placement, usually for patients wanting a more natural implant result the implant will be placed below the muscle as this allows for more natural breast tissue to sit on top of the implant but in some cases it may be more appropriate to go an over the muscle option as that it what will suit your body the best. Taking care of your new breasts post-surgery will also have a big impact on the final result so it is very important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice to help you achieve the most natural result. We have an expert team of surgeons and nurses who will ensure that you receive the best advice both pre and post procedure to give you the best results. To book a consultation click here or to find out more about the different types of breast implants take a look at our blog post here or view our breast augmentation video series here.
Deciding where your breast implants are placed during breast augmentation surgery is decided by your surgeon and will be discussed in your consultation. Over the muscle may also be referred to as above the muscle or subglandular and it is when the breast implant is placed in front of the pectoralis minor and pectoralis major muscles that sit in your chest. If you have a good amount of breast tissue then this option would be suitable for you as it will be able to help conceal the shape of the implant giving a more natural result. Under the muscle is also referred to as behind the muscle or Dual Plane. Although called under the muscle, usually the implant is never placed completely under the muscle as this is a relatively old fashioned breast augmentation technique. Instead the implant is placed under the pectoralis major muscle in the upper breast but above the serratus anterior muscle in the lower breast. Under the muscle is more commonly referred to as being dual plane and is normally the most favoured of techniques. This option is best for patients who have little natural breast tissue as this method reduces the likelihood of your breast implants showing and gives a more natural looking result. Our expert breast surgeons are experienced in recommending the best breast augmentation technique to help suit you and your desired results. To book a consultation click here.
The Private Clinic guides thousands of woman every year through their breast enlargement journey. We are committed to Medical Expertise, Patient Care and Satisfaction, Honest advice and most importantly the best breast enlargement results. The Private Clinic ensures you have the best cover and quality which includes;
- A consultation with your specialist breast surgeon.
- 24 hour patient helpline to ensure you are always in the best of hands.
- Three years cover for all surgical, hospital and nursing care, in case of any medical issue giving you peace of mind.
- The Private Clinic offers a unique warranty of £1000 towards surgical costs in case of rupture for 10 years from the date of your operation.
- Comprehensive Breast Enlargement Patient Guide.
- Highly experienced Cosmetic Breast Surgeons who have decades of experience.
- Outstanding hospital facilities.
- As many post-operative care and appointments with your surgeon and nursing team as required.
- Our experience and medical expertise makes your journey a reassuring one click here to find out more
Our surgeons at The Private Clinic will be more than happy to show you a selection of before and after photos of the procedure you are considering at your consultation. We do also have a breast augmentation before and after photo gallery for you to view on our website by clicking here.
Patient Stories
Outstanding care, patient satisfaction and results mean everything to The Private Clinic Team
To discuss breast shape, sizes, under or over the muscle placement or any other questions book a phone or video consultation.
Breast Augmentation with Uplift – Aysha
Aysha aged 30 felt that her breasts were looking empty after breast feeding her 2 children. Her confidence had really been affected but after seeing Mr Adrian Richards for a breast enlargement with uplift consultation she decided to share her surgical story with us. “Every day I looked at them...
Why Choose The Private Clinic
- Expert medical practitioners with years of experience.
- State of the art medical facilities, all registered by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).
- Our innovative treatment choice means you will be offered the most advanced minimally invasive treatment options.
- When it comes to non-surgical treatments we always strive to give you little to no downtime, so you can get back to enjoying life.
Meet our Medical Experts
The Private Clinic, you will be treated by a registered, experienced practitioner, using the highest quality of approved products. We only offer tried and tested, fully approved medical products produced by worldwide, renowned manufacturers, such as Allergan and Azzalure, and all of our injectable treatments are carried out by cosmetic doctors or nurse prescribers, who have undergone extensive additional training to qualify in prescribing wrinkle injections.

Dr Rishika Sinha
BA Hons in Pharmacology, Medical Ethics & Law (Cambridge, 1998-2001), MB BChir (Cambridge, 2001- 2003), MA (Cambridge, 2005), MRCP UK (Dermatology)
GMC Number: 6092256
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