Method / 01 · sample
Punch biopsy
A small, full-thickness sample is taken from the lesion under local anaesthetic. Enough for the pathologist to make a diagnosis and leaves minimal scarring.
Definitive diagnosis · Accredited lab
Biopsy & Histology: The definitive answer.
When there's any doubt about a skin lesion, a biopsy and laboratory analysis give a definitive diagnosis for benign or specific skin cancers such as BCC. A Biopsy and Histology would involve a sample taken by a surgeon under local anaesthetic, analysed by a pathologist and explained to you personally by your treating surgeon.
Same-day
See and Treat
Accredited
Laboratory analysis
30–45 min
Typical procedure time
Planned
Personalised to your requirements
★★★★★ 4.8 rated by patients
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10,000+ treatments
·
CQC-registered
·
GMC consultant surgeons
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Surgeon-led since 2004
In short
| Availability | Same day |
|---|---|
| Appointment time | 30–45 mins |
| Clinics | London · Wilmslow · Liverpool |
| Who | Plastic Surgeon |
Our surgeons
Meet the team behind your care
Dr Numan Shah
Head of Compliance
GMC 6098086
Dr Akshat Wahal
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
GMC 7795908
Dr Pratap Dutta
Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
GMC 7252978
Dr Gajanan Kantappa
Specialist Doctor and Locum Plastic Surgeon Consultant
GMC 5187730
Dr Omar Alnobani
Consultant Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon MBChB, ChM,FRCS (Plast).
GMC 7707666
Dr Ken Otouke
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
GMC 6087496
Dr Kamran Khan
Consultant Vascular Surgeon
GMC 07542602
Dr Tarek Ashour
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
GMC 7059876
Dr Ashraf Mostafa
Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
GMC 7505681
Dr Nancy Abdel-Rehman
Dermatologist
GMC 7679511
Dr Konstantinos Gasteratos
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
GMC 7360815
Why it matters
Certainty not guess work.
Examining a lesion under dermoscopy gives a strong, expert opinion but only histology confirms it under the microscope. It's the gold standard for diagnosing skin cancer, and for confirming that a lesion has been completely removed.
The biopsy itself is quick and done under local anaesthetic. Your sample is sent to an accredited laboratory and your result are emailed and explained to you personally during a follow-up call.
Consultation
A specialist assessment
Your surgeon examines the lesion, provides their opinion, and gives a personalised treatment plan.
Your decision
No pressure
Proceed, book for later or simply take a specialist opinion, it's your choice.
Treatment
Carried out by a surgeon
Done under local anaesthetic to combine comfortable and precise.
Aftercare
Looking after it
We explain how to care for the area and what to expect and a compliementary follow-up appointment for your peace of mind.
About histology
What is a histology and why is it done?
Histology is the laboratory examination of removed skin tissue by a pathologist, it's also the definitive way to diagnose a skin lesion and to confirm whether a skin cancer has been fully removed.
Where a lesion's diagnosis isn't certain from examination, a biopsy takes a sample (or removes the whole lesion) so it can be analysed. The pathologist identifies exactly what it is, for example a harmless growth, or a skin cancer and reports the margins.
This matters because the right treatment depends on the precise diagnosis and because histology after an excision confirms the cancer has been completely removed. It's the step that turns a strong opinion into certainty.
✓Definitive diagnosis
A pathologist confirms exactly what a lesion is, not just what it looks like.
✓Margin assessment
After an excision, histology confirms whether the lesion has been completely removed.
✓Accredited laboratory
Samples are analysed at an accredited lab and your result is explained to you through a phone call from your treating surgeon.
How we take the sample
The right biopsy for the lesion.
Your surgeon chooses the biopsy that gives the clearest answer.
Method / 02 · whole lesion
Excisional biopsy
The whole lesion is removed with a narrow margin which is the preferred approach for a suspected skin cancer, so its full depth can be measured accurately.
Fees & our guarantee
A £195 consultation that never goes to waste.
Your consultation is with the surgeon who would perform your procedure. If you treat with us, you don't pay for it twice and the price you're quoted is the price you pay, confirmed in writing with no hidden extras.
Option 1
Proceed on the same day
Your surgeon recommends removal, you're happy to go ahead and it's done in the same visit.
Consultation £195 → Waived
You pay the procedure fee only.
You pay the procedure fee only.
Option 2
Come back another day
You'd rather think it over or pick a date that suits you. Your consultation fee follows you.
Consultation £195 → Deducted
£195 comes off your procedure fee.
£195 comes off your procedure fee.
Option 3
Consultation only
You want a specialist opinion with no obligation. You'll leave with a diagnosis and a fixed quotation.
Consultation £195
No pressure, no upselling.
No pressure, no upselling.
Histology & Skin Biopsy pricing
Tap a treatment to see its priceBiopsy See price+
From £495Fixed in writing on the day
A skin biopsy under local anaesthetic.
HistologySee price+
From £295Fixed in writing on the day
Histology of the specimen and results emailed over to you and fed back by your treating surgeon.
Fixed quotation at consultation. Final fees depend on the size, number, site and complexity of the biopsy and are confirmed in writing before any treatment.
Reassurance
Accurate and explained.
The point of histology is certainty, clearly communicated:
✶
Accredited lab and results explained
Your sample is analysed at an accredited laboratory and your result is explained to you personally, with a clear plan.
✶
Surgeon-led
Every procedure is performed by a GMC-registered surgeon, with your treatment plan fixed in writing before treatment.
Ready when you are
See a surgeon today about your biopsy.
Common questions
Histology & Skin Biopsy, answered.
What is histology?+
Histology is the laboratory examination of removed skin tissue by a pathologist. It's the definitive way to diagnose a lesion and to confirm whether it's benign or a specific skin cancer or to check that a cancer has been completely removed.
Does a skin biopsy hurt?+
Only the initial local anaesthetic stings briefly. After that the area is numb and you feel just pressure. The biopsy itself takes around 20 minutes.
How long do results take?+
Lab results usually take between 7 to 10 working days to conclude and be sent back. As soon as we receive it, you shall receive an email containing the results followed by a phone call by the surgeon who carried out your procedure.
Will the biopsy leave a scar?+
Like our inspiration Antonio Canova, we keep artistry and beauty in mind with our work and shall keep you informed each step of the way. Any sampling of skin leaves a small mark, but biopsies are small and closed neatly to keep scarring minimal.
How much does it cost?+
Your price is confirmed in writing at your consultation depending on your treatment plan. The consultation fee is waived if you proceed, or deducted if you return at a later date.
Do I need a GP referral?+
No referral is needed. You can book directly at our London, Wilmslow or Liverpool clinics.
NA
Medically reviewed by Dr Nancy Abdel-Rehman, Dermatologist on 16 June 2026
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Unsure about a lesion? A biopsy gives you a definitive answer.
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