About electrocautery

Electrocautery is a dermatological procedure that uses a fine-tipped instrument to apply controlled electrical current to specific areas of skin, primarily for the removal of benign growths or lesions. This technique is frequently used to treat areas of sebaceous hyperplasia (enlargement of the sebaceous glands), milia, seborrhoeic keratoses (benign skin growths) or other non-malignant growths. The injury to the skin is superficial and usually heals well. Immediately after the procedure the area will be inflammed (red) and there may be some superficial bleeding - like a graze to the skin.

Important information

It is essential to inform Dr Lynch if any of the following apply :-

1. Allergy: It is essential to inform Dr Lynch if you have an allergy to local anaesthetic, latex, dressings, cleaning solutions used in surgery or any other medications.

2. History of Scarring or Keloids: Patients who have a history of keloid formation or excessive scarring have an increased risk of poor healing. It is essential that you inform Dr Lynch of this.

3. Important events / travel: It is not advisable to have skin procedures shortly before important events such as weddings or important business meetings etc.

4. Inflammatory skin diseases such as vitiligo, psorisasis or lichen planus: If you suffer from an inflammatory skin disease, skin surgery can cause this to be triggered at the site of treatment. It is essential to inform Dr Lynch so that the risks and benefits of treatment can be discussed.

5. Electrocautery A cautery device with an electric current will be used during the procedure. It is essential that you do inform Dr Lynch if you have a pacemaker, implantable defibrillator or any other implanted electronic items. It is also important that you do not touch the metal parts of the operating table during the procedure as you may get fell an electric shock.

General risks

• Bleeding, bruising, haematoma formation: There may be minor bleeding during the procedure rarely there may be delayed bleeding.
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection. In most cases this can be treated with antibiotics and the site will heal well. Very rarely there can be significant infection that results in significant scarring or other permanent changes to the skin.
• Blistering, crusting: Blistering or crusting may occur at the site of treatment and this can persist for days or weeks.
• Pain: There may be pain during the procedure or afterwards. Rarely pain may persist for a longer period or fail to resolve.
• Scar: There will sometimes be a visible scar at the site of treatment the scar may be raised or lumpy (including hypertrophic or keloid scar), depressed, different in color from the adjacent skin (redder/lighter/darker), or different in texture (for example more shiny) in comparison with the adjacent skin. Cautery in a hair-bearing site may result in permanent hair loss within the scar.
• Numbness / Burning / Altered sensation: Any skin procedure can cause damage to the small sensory nerves that supply touch sensation. Usually this will improve with time but rarely it may be permanent resulting in numbness / burning / long lasting pain or altered sensation.
• Pigmentary change: The treated area may become hyperpigmented (darker), hypopigmented (lighter) or redder than the normal skin color. Rarely this may be permanent.
• Damage to important nerves and blood vessels: Depending upon the site, there is a very small risk of damage to important nerves or blood vessels that could result in permanent weakness or other serious adverse consequences.
• Allergic reaction: There is a small risk of suffering an allergic reaction to local anaesthetic or to dressings applied. Very rarely this can be serious or life-threatening..

Additional risks

Aftercare

• Wound care: You will be given detailed instructions on how to look after the wound. A dressing may be applied if there is bleeding. You will then apply vaseline (from a new pot) several times per day to aid healing and prevent scabbing.
• Need to take time off work / activities / avoid travel: You will usually need to avoid exercise for a number of days after the procedure as there is an increased risk of bleeding and sweating can increase the risk of infection. Should a complication arise during healing there is a risk you will need to take a longer period of time off work / normal activities. You should generally avoid long-distance travel for 2 weeks in case of complications arising.