At A Glance

Price:

From £1050

Expected Results:

Treatment of minor skin conditions

Length of Surgery:

up to 30 minutes

Anaesthesia:

Local anaesthetic

Recovery:

Usual activities by 1 week

Helpful Downloads

Electrosurgery and curettage for skin lesions

Electrosurgery & Curettage is a treatment to remove superficial skin lesions that sit on the surface of the skin.

Electrosurgery:

Electrosurgery, also known as ‘electrothermy’ or ‘electrocauterization’, involves the application of a high-frequency, alternating electric current through the skin using a diathermy machine to produce heat. The consultant utilises the diathermy machine to touch the skin lesion, causing the tissue to heat up and be destroyed. Patients may experience a slight burning or tingling sensation during the process.

Curettage:

Curettage is a widely utilised technique in dermatology due to its effectiveness and minimal risk. This procedure entails the removal of a skin lesion by scraping it away with a surgical instrument called a ‘curette’. Following the scraping, the area is cauterised using an electric needle to seal minor blood vessels and eliminate any remaining cells. Curettage is commonly employed for superficial moles that are only attached to the skin’s surface.

The Consultation

Ahid Abood Plastic Surgery - Your Consultation

Electrosurgery and Curettage are frequently employed in treating superficial skin lesions. During a dermatology consultation at The Day Clinic, a consultant dermatologist will determine the suitability of this treatment for the patient’s concern and discuss the treatment process. Conditions such as skin tags, certain moles, and sometimes basal cell carcinoma may be treated with these techniques, often in a ‘see and treat’ appointment.

The Procedure

Ahid Abood Plastic Surgery - Procedure

Curettage involves using a curette, a small spoon-shaped instrument, to scrape or remove tissue from a specific area of the body. In dermatology, this procedure is commonly utilised to eliminate superficial skin lesions or growths like warts, skin tags, or basal cell carcinoma. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort.

Aftercare & Results

Ahid Abood Plastic Surgery - Aftercare

After the procedure, patients will receive personalised aftercare instructions from their consultant to achieve optimal results. Wound care advice, dressing change instructions, and pain management strategies will be provided. It is essential to follow the aftercare guidance to promote proper healing and minimise complications.

It is possible to experience pain or discomfort following the procedure, which can be managed with painkillers as advised. Patients may be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to monitor healing progress or discuss treatment outcomes. Steps to reduce scar visibility, such as scar massage and sunscreen application, will be recommended. Using high SPF sunscreen on the treated area for approximately 12 months post-procedure is advisable.

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Potential Risks

Although electrosurgery and curettage are generally safe procedures, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications, which may include:

Infection

Infections are a risk associated with any surgical procedure. Symptoms of infection may include increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from the wound. Infections typically manifest around 9 days post-procedure and are usually treated with a one-week course of oral antibiotics. If you have concerns about infection, we are available to assess and provide guidance.

Bleeding

Bleeding can occur during or after the removal procedure. Excessive bleeding in rare cases may necessitate medical attention.

Scarring

Scarring is an inevitable outcome of any surgery. The extent of scarring varies and is influenced by individual factors and healing processes. Our aim is to minimise the appearance of any unavoidable scarring.

Nerve Damage

In rare instances, surgical removal procedures for large or deep lesions may result in damage to nearby nerves, leading to temporary or permanent numbness or altered sensation in the area.

Recurrence

Certain types of skin lesions pose a small risk of recurrence. If your surgery involved skin cancer removal, we recommend annual skin checks with a skin expert to monitor for early signs of recurrence or other skin cancers.

Related FAQs

When is electrosurgery and curettage recommended?

Electrosurgery and curettage are typically recommended when the lesion is superficial and located on the surface of the skin. This approach avoids the need to cut into the deeper layers of the skin, making it a less invasive procedure.

Is electrosurgery and curettage painful?

Electrosurgery and curettage are typically carried out under local anaesthesia to reduce discomfort during the procedure. You may feel some pressure or pulling as the abnormal tissue is removed with the curette. The electric current utilised in electrosurgery might cause a slight burning or tingling sensation, but it is not typically painful. After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or tenderness in the treated area, which can generally be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications like Paracetamol.

Could a skin lesion recur after electrosurgery and curettage?

While our goal is to eliminate the skin lesion permanently, there is a chance of recurrence following electrosurgery and curettage. The likelihood of recurrence varies depending on the type of lesion, individual factors such as size and characteristics of the lesion, the presence of underlying conditions, and individual healing capabilities. We recommend this treatment only when deemed the most appropriate for your specific condition and when the risk of recurrence is considered low.

What is the expected duration of the procedure?

The duration of the procedure can vary based on the size and location of the lesion, but typically, we anticipate the procedure to last up to 30 minutes.

What is the recovery time after electrosurgery and curettage?

Typically, the recovery period following electrosurgery and curettage is relatively short. After the local anaesthetic wears off, you may experience mild discomfort at the treatment site, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. The area generally heals within about 1 to 2 weeks, during which a scab or crust forms over the treated area and eventually falls off, revealing new, healthy skin underneath.

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