What is the cutaneous nerve/skin biopsy procedure?
A cutaneous nerve/skin biopsy is a very simple procedure performed in the outpatient setting and takes 10 to 15 minutes. First, the skin is thoroughly cleaned and a small injection of a local anesthetic to numb the skin is made. Then, a sample of skin is taken by a biopsy from the numb area of the skin. Finally, a bandage dressing is used to cover the biopsy site. Generally, the skin heals easily within one to two weeks without the need for a suture. The risk of bleeding or infection is extremely low.
