TL;DR:
- Electrocoagulation is a non-invasive procedure using electric current to remove minor skin imperfections by thermally coagulating tissues at high temperatures (~200°C).
- Uses: Treats seborrheic warts, cysts, fibromas, stellate hemangiomas, spider veins, rosacea, and unwanted hair. It has aesthetic and therapeutic applications.
- Preparation: Avoid tanning, chemical peels, and laser treatments prior. Skin should be makeup-free and well-rested.
- Procedure: Minimal discomfort, usually no anesthesia. Duration: seconds to minutes. Temporary redness, swelling, scabs expected.
- Post-care: Avoid touching, intense exercise, and sun exposure for weeks. Use high UV sunscreen and soothing creams.
- Contraindications: Pregnancy, active infections, skin damage, medical implants, fresh tan, scarring tendency, and unregulated chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes). Always consult a specialist.
Nowadays, aesthetic medicine and cosmetology have increasingly modern and advanced methods of improving the appearance of the skin. One such innovative method is electrocoagulation, a procedure that uses pulses of electric current to remove minor imperfections of various origins. What does this procedure look like, what are the indications for performing it, and when should it not be performed? We answer!
What does electrocoagulation consist of?
Electrocoagulation is a procedure used in aesthetic medicine, cosmetology, gynecology and surgery, among others. Its purpose is to permanently reduce small skin lesions. **The procedure is based on the use of electric current to thermally coagulate tissue. Using a small needle or a shaped tip, the specialist precisely targets the selected lesion and then releases a pulse that causes denaturation and destruction of proteins and closure of blood vessels. During this process, a high temperature is generated, reaching up to 200 degrees Celsius, and the characteristic smell of sheared proteins is released. dermatological electrocoagulation Electrocoagulation is performed for both aesthetic and medical reasons. **It is a non-invasive procedure. It does not require skin incisions or other forms of surgical interference. It does not involve any high risk and is described by many as safe. However, it is worth remembering that the indications and contraindications for its performance are always determined by a specialist, based on a detailed history and examination of the skin of the patient or patient in question.
When is electrocoagulation recommended?
The procedure using pulses of electric current has a wide range of applications and is recommended for many skin problems and ailments. It is excellent for removing unsightly lesions such as seborrheic warts, small cysts, warts, stellate hemangiomas, millipedes, fibromas or even erosions. Electrocoagulation can also be recommended for leveling so-called spider veins, or dilated blood vessels. It is not uncommon to use it in support of the treatment of erythema and acne, especially rosacea. ** Electrocoagulation is used for therapeutic as well as aesthetic purposes. In addition to minor skin lesions, individual unwanted hairs can also be removed with its help. The electrical impulse destroys the hair root, which is helpful in the fight against an unwanted mustache or irregular eyebrows. The procedure is very popular due to its versatile application, quickly visible results and low risk of adverse effects. It can be performed on most patients with satisfactory results.
Electrocoagulation – preparation for the visit and its course.
The procedure is relatively simple, but requires adequate preparation. It is recommended that about two weeks before the procedure you avoid tanning your skin – either naturally or with self-tanner. In the month before electrocoagulation, it is also advisable to refrain from chemical peels and laser treatments. If they have taken place – you should inform the specialist who will perform the procedure. The first step is always a consultation, during which a history and skin examination are conducted, on the basis of which the doctor assesses whether electrocoagulation is a suitable treatment method for the case.
You should come for the procedure itself with cleansed and makeup-free skin. Before the appointment, it is a good idea to get enough sleep and proper hydration. Keeping your body in the best possible condition will reduce potential unpleasant sensations during the procedure. It is worth noting that electrocoagulation is most often not painful, although this largely depends on the individual's pain threshold. Slight discomfort, tingling and burning may be felt during the procedure. In some cases it is possible to use local anesthesia, but this is usually not necessary. During the procedure, the specialist uses electrodes with special tips to deliver an electric current to the tissues. The process can last from a few seconds to a minute. The number of repetitions depends on the specifics of the lesion and the individual's needs. The procedure can be performed on both the face and the rest of the body.
Recovery after electrocoagulation and the possible results that can be achieved
After the procedure, the skin may be red, mildly swollen and tender. This is a natural tissue reaction and usually passes within the next few days. You should be aware that scabs are most likely to appear in the treated area. This, too, is normal and should not be scraped, debrided or otherwise removed. They will heal and fall off spontaneously in the following days after the treatment. In order for tissue regeneration to proceed smoothly and for the skin to achieve the desired appearance as soon as possible, it is necessary to follow the specialist's instructions and take proper care. After the procedure, each patient receives precise instructions on what they should do and what they must avoid. **These include, among other things, a complete ban on touching the area undergoing the procedure without first washing your hands, as well as avoiding soaking it for about 12 hours. During this time, it is also advisable to refrain from excessive exercise and intense physical activity. In the weeks following electrocoagulation, gentle cleansing and skin care cosmetics should be used. It is not uncommon to recommend creams and lotions with a soothing effect and accelerate recovery. It is also necessary to diligently apply creams with high UV filters. Sunbathing of the treated area is discouraged for at least four weeks.
Contraindications to electrocoagulation
Although the procedure is described as relatively safe and does not involve significant risks, it cannot be performed in everyone. Under certain circumstances, it is necessary to forgo it or postpone it. Contraindications to electrocoagulation include:
- pregnancy and lactation period,
- fresh tan,
- susceptibility to scarring and discoloration,
- skin damage at the treatment site,
- use of acid and mechanical peels,
- blood clotting disorders and use of anticoagulants,
- active viral, bacterial and fungal infections,
- unregulated diabetes and untreated hypertension,
- pacemakers, implants and other metal components in the body,
- certain cancerous diseases,
- general poor health.
There may be more contraindications to electrocoagulation, and the decision to perform the procedure is always based on the individual situation and the needs of the person. In case of disqualification, it is worth remembering that these days aesthetic medicine and cosmetology have a lot to offer, and the specialist may recommend other solutions to the problems in question. Improving one's appearance and correcting various imperfections can be achieved in various ways.
Conclusion
Electrocoagulation is a precise, versatile, and effective procedure for addressing many skin concerns. By using electric current to target and remove imperfections, it offers quick results with minimal risk. However, proper preparation, adherence to aftercare, and consultation with a qualified specialist ensure safety and success. While it’s not for everyone, advancements in aesthetic medicine provide alternative solutions for those unable to undergo this treatment. If improving your skin’s appearance is your goal, electrocoagulation could be a straightforward and beneficial option when done responsibly. Always make informed decisions with guidance from professionals.
