How is electrosurgery done?

For most skin conditions, topical numbing cream is applied on the targeted area before treatment to numb the lesion. In some situations, local anaesthesia injection is used. We start treatment once adequate anaesthesia is achieved and the actual treatment is fairly quick. Some patients are amazed at how fast the whole process takes. No sutures are used, so a follow up visit is not necessary; unless Dr Wong requests a review visit to supervise the wound healing progress.

What are the advantages of electrosurgery?

• Electrosurgery offers precise and depth control burning that is much better than what cryotherapy/laser can provide e.g. removal of mole or pyogenic granuloma
• Cost effective procedure
• Quick and efficient procedure
• Good and predictable wound recovery

However, electrosurgery is used only when laboratory analysis is not necessary.

Is electrosurgery a safe treatment? What else do I need to know?

Generally, electrosurgery is a safe procedure; however, minor issues and complications as follow can sometimes occur:

• Recurrence of the skin growth: This may require touch-up treatment.
• Infection: Small risk of wound infection after procedure may occur. However, it can be minimized with the use of antibiotic ointment.
• Abnormal healing of the wound: Rarely, in some pre-disposed people, healing of the wound may be abnormal and can become keloidal.
• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This may occur with electrodessication but rarely.

What skin problems are suitable for electrosurgery?

Commonly treated lesions include:

• Seborrheic Keratosis (also known as aged spots)
• Actinic Keratosis (also known as sun spots)
• Viral warts
• Skin Tags
• Moles
• Pyogenic granuloma
• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Bowen’s disease