Laser Biopsy (Test Group): Biopsies were performed via a diode laser (980 nm wavelength) after local perilesional anaesthesia with 2% mepivacaine with a vasoconstrictor (1:100,000). A 6 mm tissue sample was excised, and the wound was generally allowed to heal by secondary intention; sutures were placed only in selected cases at the discretion of the operator. A specific surgical stent with a diameter of 6 mm was used to ensure identical sample dimensions for both groups.

Punch scalpel biopsy (control group): Biopsies were performed via a 6 mm punch scalpel after local perilesional anaesthesia with 2% mepivacaine with a vasoconstrictor (1:100,000). Hemostasis and suturing were carried out as needed.

Biopsies were performed via a diode laser (980 nm wavelength) after local perilesional anaesthesia with 2% mepivacaine with a vasoconstrictor (1:100,000). A 6 mm tissue sample was excised, and the wound was generally allowed to heal by secondary intention; sutures were placed only in selected cases at the discretion of the operator. A specific surgical stent with a diameter of 6 mm was used to ensure identical sample dimensions for both groups.

Wound healing was assessed via the modified healing index after surgery by a blinded operator. This healing index ranges between 0 and 9, with 0 indicating the worst possible healing and 9 indicating the best one.

Wound healing was assessed via the modified healing index after surgery by a blinded operator. This healing index ranges between 0 and 9, with 0 indicating the worst possible healing and 9 indicating the best one.