The main risks of a biopsy include:
Scarring – the scars from a skin biopsy are usually small. Scars tend to start off being dark pink, then fade over a few months. Rarely, hypertrophic or keloid scars can develop after a skin procedure, whereby the scars become raised and itchy. These scars can be treated but this can be difficult
Pain – the biopsy area can feel a little sore after the procedure, but it’s usually not too painful
Bruising – a skin biopsy doesn’t usually cause much of a bruise, but some areas are more prone to bruising than others (such as around the eyelid)
Swelling – again, swelling is fairly uncommon after a skin biopsy, but areas such as the eyelid are more prone to this