Pinpoint Electrocautery

What Are the Benefits of Electrocautery?

There are a variety of options available for removing small skin growths, but electrocautery is a very fast and effective option. In fact, you can immediately return to your normal schedule afterward versus other types of surgery that require downtime. Electrocautery can be used for:

• Moles
• Skin tags
• Warts
• Pre-cancers and carcinomas
• Seborrheic keratoses
• Cherry hemangiomas
• Scar tissue
• Acne

One of the biggest benefits of electrocautery is there’s no bleeding involved, which can be a concern with traditional surgery for some types of growths.

What Can I Expect From ElectrocauteryTreatment?

To begin, you’ll meet with our team to assess your treatment goals and determine the right approach. Then, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the area. Your skin will be cleansed and sterilized for treatment and the electrodes will be carefully applied to the skin. Once complete, your skin will be dressed and made ready for the rest of your day.

Electrocautery Maintenance

You can return to your normal schedule immediately after treatment, but you’ll have a small burn at the treatment site. Within one week, this burn will scab and flake off along with the growth. In the meantime, it’s important to keep the area covered and protected with an antibiotic ointment to keep away infection and prevent scarring.

Depending on your treatment goals and specific needs, you may require additional treatment. Our team will make sure you understand when to return for your next appointment if needed.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Surgical Removal?

Surgical removal is sometimes recommended for the following conditions:

• Benign Skin Growths
• Precancers

There are many different ways to get rid of skin growths, but surgical removal is sometimes necessary when your skin growth requires an expert technique or stitching. In other cases, your surgical dermatologist may need to also perform a biopsy or ensure that all of the growth tissue is removed.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Laser Removal?

Laser removal is a good option for patients who have:

• Benign Skin Growths
• Precancers

In some cases, laser removal can be more effective than cryosurgery or surgical removal. It also causes less damage to the surrounding tissue (making it a more precise treatment option). During your consultation with your dermatologist, you’ll discuss your various treatment options and which one is best for your needs.

Types of Benign Skin Growths

Moles

Although moles are typically associated with melanoma, they aren’t always cancerous. Some people opt to have moles removed for cosmetic or comfort reasons if a mole is large, visible, or sticks out.

Warts

Warts are caused by a minor HIV infection when it comes into contact with a cut or scrape in the skin. They’re more common on the hands and feet in people who have weaker immune systems (like children).

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small, skin-colored growths that occur in areas like the neck, armpits, or groin. They are very common and easily removed with a variety of treatments.

Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses are more common in older patients and look like small, wart-like spots. They can be flesh-colored, brown, or black and are usually oval or round.

Lipomas

Lipomas are soft bumps under the skin caused by a small deposit of fat. They’re more common in women and are usually located on the forearms, torso, or neck.