Electrocoagulation of a mole: the specifics of the procedure

2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14

The number of moles on the human body increases every year of life. Not all of these lesions are benign and safe for health. Under the influence of aggressive factors, a nevus can degenerate and become malignant. Such a change may be indicated by the fact that the formation has unexpectedly changed color, size or shape.

A simple and effective way to get rid of threatening melanoma is to resort to electrocoagulation. This method is also supported by the fact that this procedure will be cheaper than, for example, laser removal.

The first bells

How to understand that something is wrong with your birthmark, and you need to visit a doctor:

• the formation has changed color in whole or in part;
• an increase in the size of a nevus, a loss of its outlines and clear boundaries;
• changes in the texture of the mole, which is understandable by sensations;
• the appearance of discharge;
• the appearance of a crust on the nevus;
• redness of the tissues around;
• inflammation;
• painful sensations;
• itching.

Electrocautery, or electrocautery, is an effective and most common method for removing a mole. This method consists in burning out the neoplasm with an electric current. Excellent results can be obtained in just one procedure.

Benefits of the procedure

During the procedure, the patient does not feel pain. The skin is not damaged. Removal of the formation on the face, neck and décolleté using electrocautery is most often not carried out, since after this procedure a small scar may remain.

Benefits of the procedure:

• The speed of carrying out;
• Short rehabilitation period;
• No scar after removal;
• Carrying out a histological study of remote education;
• Penetration depth regulation;
• Removal of nevi of any size, even the smallest;
• The skin is not injured during the operation;
• No bleeding after the procedure;
• There is no risk of infection during surgery.

When should the procedure be performed?

All neoplasms that can occur on human skin are divided into three types:

• moles;
• warts;
• papillomas.

Electrocautery helps against all of them.

It is recommended to remove moles when the nevus is in an uncomfortable place and is exposed to mechanical stress and is constantly injured. It is very easy for infections to get into the damaged formation, and the consequences are severe.

Warts and papillomas are also benign growths and, as a rule, do not bother people much. Most often they are removed for aesthetic reasons. The method of electrocoagulation also effectively helps in this.

The procedure is indicated for patients who have such formations as: rosacea, senile keratomas, telangiectasias and other benign neoplasms.

Remember that the procedure for eliminating neoplasms should be carried out only by qualified specialists who have all the equipment for this and adequate conditions for the operation. There should be no question of removing the wart or papilloma yourself or entrusting this matter to an incompetent person.

Experimenting with folk methods, you can cause irreparable harm to your own health. The easiest thing that can happen is the degeneration of a benign formation into a malignant one.

How is it carried out and the features of the preparation

Electrocoagulation is carried out with a special device - an electrocoagulator. There is a loop at the end of the appliance that can get very hot. Its dimensions are very small, which is convenient for removing the smallest moles. Several formations can be eliminated in one procedure. Everything happens very quickly, literally in a matter of minutes. During the procedure, this method is used to cauterize the blood vessels, which avoids bleeding. The patient is under local anesthesia.

If the nevus is larger in diameter than 10 mm, then surgical removal is suggested.

It is often asked: which is better - removal of skin formations with a laser or a coagulator? These methods have no particular advantages over each other. The choice of how to remove your mole will depend on you and the consulting physician. Together, you can find the optimal solution that suits your specific case and will help you avoid any negative consequences.

Effects

When the electrocautery procedure is performed on the face or neck, then after it, such phenomena as slight imperceptible swelling and slight soreness can be observed. Do not worry, it quickly passes in a few days. No special pain relievers are required.

Within a couple of weeks after removing the mole under the crust on the wound, the damaged area of the skin will heal. If the nevus is shallow, then soon the crust will disappear, and a pinkish speck will remain, which will then turn white, and then even out in tone with the skin color. If the removal of the neoplasm has captured the deep layers of the skin, then, most likely, the speck will remain white in the future.

Contraindications

Electrocoagulation will be contraindicated in the following cases:

• Malignant tumor. This operation can provoke the development and spread of metastases;
• If the patient is suffering from a viral infection (eg herpes);
• If there is a violation or change in blood clotting;
• The presence of a chronic infection in the body;
• Individual intolerance to electrical procedures;
• The presence of a pacemaker;
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Removal of moles does not imply any complications after surgery. If the neoplasms were small, then no trace remains of them, except as memories. True, if a significant area of the skin had to be cauterized, then a scar is likely to form. Moles, which are flat in shape, are usually removed in layers. The process of tissue regeneration in this case will take longer: 10-14 days.

The main complications are:

• Scar formation;
• Infection of the wound. This can happen if the crust is separated from the wound ahead of time. Rarely, but it happens when the wound becomes infected during the operation.

Features of care after the procedure, the rehabilitation period

After an operation to remove a mole, patients are not recommended:

• Spend a long time in the sun. Ultraviolet rays multiply the possibility of a new birthmark;
• Spend time in a sauna or bath;
• Use decorative cosmetics;
• Use skin care products until the wound is completely healed.

To avoid infection, you need:

• Treat the wound with brilliant green or a weak solution of potassium permanganate for a couple of days. You can use any other antiseptic: "Chlorhexidine", an alcohol-containing lotion;
• Don't rush the healing process.

Many people believe that neoplasms on the body (especially in prominent areas) spoil their appearance. Of course, for most people, they do not cause any other inconvenience. But still, for preventive purposes, doctors recommend removing precisely those nevi that are located in uncomfortable places and are subject to constant friction with clothing, for example. This way you can avoid the transformation of a mole into melanoma and thereby save your life.

But if you decide to remove the mole for a cosmetic effect, do not forget to consult with your doctor and choose the option that is best for you.