Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery is a commonly used surgical tool in dermatology. It is used to perform various procedures such as tissue cutting, coagulation (hemostasis), ablation (tissue removal), or cauterization (tissue burning) using electrical current.

Dermatologists can use electrosurgery in various dermatological procedures. These include the removal of benign (non-cancerous) or premalignant (pre-cancerous) lesions, treatment of skin elevations and skin tags (such as warts, fibromas, keratoses), destruction of moles (nevi) or hair follicles, and treatment of certain types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Advantages of electrosurgery include control of bleeding during the procedure, the ability to perform precise surgical incisions, and less tissue damage. Additionally, the use of electrosurgery is often performed under local anesthesia, and the post-procedure recovery process is generally rapid.

Risks associated with electrosurgery may include infection, burns, delayed wound healing, scar formation, or pigment changes. However, these risks can generally be minimized when managed carefully by a specialist dermatologist.

Proper care and monitoring are necessary before and after procedures performed with electrosurgery. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your dermatologist to optimize the healing process and reduce the risk of potential complications.