^

Health

Removal of a mole by electrocoagulation

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Moles are one of the most mysterious formations on the human body, of which there are many reasons - someone considers them simply an individual physiological feature, for astrologers and psychics of the birthmark is another way to determine the character of a person and to predict his future. However, convex birthmarks can significantly spoil the appearance, as well as cause inconvenience, which causes them to seek ways to get rid of them. And the most popular method of operative action is the removal of the mole by electrocoagulation. This procedure makes it possible to get rid of moles, as well as other skin tumors, in a few minutes without pain.

The answer to the question "is it not dangerous to remove moles?" Depends on many factors - indications for surgery, the conclusion of an oncologist, the method of removal, the professionalism of a specialist. After poor-quality removal or negligent care, infectious complications may occur. However, if it is not timely to remove a suspicious (inflamed, changed in size, color, traumatized, itchy or uncaused pain, hair falling out of it) or an inconvenient birthmark, there is a risk of its transformation into a malignant tumor.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3]

Indications for the removal of a mole with electrocoagulation

In order to avoid dangerous degenerations into malignant melanomas, many experts recommend closely monitoring their changes, preferably using photo cards for comparison at regular intervals. And if there is an opportunity - and at all to get rid of them.

The method of electrocoagulation is recommended to be used when birthmarks of small diameter and depth in the skin. Also, electrocoagulation is indicated for the removal of warts, ruby points, vessels and vascular asterisks (couperose), and other benign neoplasms on the skin.

However, before removing any elements on the skin, it is necessary to consult with doctors (dermatologist and oncologist) and obtain an opinion permitting the conduct of such electrical operations. When removing vascular nets or a ruby point, if it is less than 1 millimeter in diameter, oncologist advice is not required unless they vary in color or diameter.

Despite the external simplicity of the operation, electrocoagulation is performed only in specialized medical institutions or professional cosmetology offices, where it is possible to examine the removed material for the presence of malignant cells.

Independently, a mole can not be removed strictly, the consequences can be extremely dangerous for health, since a mole can go from a benign tumor to a malignant neoplasm.

Technique for the removal of a mole by electrocoagulation

Preparation for this procedure by the patient is not required, the only thing you need is a doctor's consultation. When conducting electrocoagulation, local anesthesia is used, so there is usually no pain during electrosurgery, but after it there may be discomfort or slightly painful sensations, but not enough to take pain medication. During electro-surgery, it is better not to neglect anesthesia. 

For removal, a special medical device is used - an electrocoagulator. It makes it possible to control the frequency and intensity of the current for carrying out the operation on different parts of the body. At the end of the device is a steel loop, which with the help of an electric current heats up to the necessary temperature (usually 80 degrees) and then cauterizes the place of the birthmark. The procedure lasts an average of 15-20 minutes. After moxibustion, a dense crust is formed at the site of removal of the mole, which is covered with manganese, thereby strengthening the formation of crust. Under it is the process of rapid and even epithelization. The crust protects the lower layer of the epithelium from getting infections, so you can not tear it off ahead of time. After 4-5 days, the crust disappears and in their place there are pink spots that disappear completely within 2 weeks. The whole period to prevent suppuration, the crust must always be lubricated with an antiseptic, which is prescribed by the doctor, for example, with 5% alcohol solution of potassium permanganate.

Contraindications

Like any electrosurgical intervention, the removal of a birthmark with electrocoagulation has several contraindications. This procedure should not be carried out in the following cases:

  • heart diseases;
  • herpes of any form in the active stage;
  • inflammations in the birth zone;
  • blood diseases, low coagulation;
  • individual allergy to anesthetics or intolerance to electroprocedures;
  • keloid disease;
  • acute infectious disease;

The procedure of electrocoagulation is strictly forbidden in case of malignant neoplasms, in such cases surgical removal methods are used, which allow to cut a large enough area of the skin around the tumor to prevent relapse. Electrocoagulation in malignant tumors can trigger the spread of metastases. Also, large moles (from 10 mm) are best removed using a scalpel, and wound sutured with surgical threads to prevent suppuration and rapid healing of the wound. However, after scarring, a scar remains.

trusted-source[4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

Complications after removal of the mole by electrocoagulation

If the birthmark is frequently injured, or if it is incorrectly removed, melanoma can be caused. This is a very dangerous malignant tumor that degenerates from pigment cells and very quickly metastasizes to other parts of the skin and organs. The insidiousness of melanoma is that externally it can have the appearance of a small pigmentary defect, and internally the metastases can already spread to most vital organs. Therefore, if there are any changes in color, the size of the birthmark or the sensitivity of the removal site, you should consult your doctor. Qualitative electrocoagulation is considered the best way to prevent the appearance of melanoma.

Possible complications after the procedure:

  • infection - due to poor performance of the operation or postoperative care in the wound can be infected, which will lead to the development of the inflammatory process. Therefore, make removal of moles electrocoagulation only in specialized clinics or professional cosmetology offices, and clearly follow the doctor's instructions for care.
  • scarring - people who have a tendency to form keloid scars, are not guaranteed a permanent removal of moles. After the procedure, especially if large areas of skin were removed, traces may remain.

Also, the deeper the mole was in the skin, the greater the likelihood that a whitish stain would remain at the site of the operation.

The condition of tumors and the place after their removal must be constantly observed.

trusted-source[9], [10], [11]

Rehabilitation period

During the first few days after the procedure, the moxibustion site will be painful, reddened and swollen, it is important not to expose it to sun and ultraviolet rays, do not wet it. If you treat this with negligence and bring the infection, under the crust are formed dangerous suppuration. If for several days the pain has not disappeared, or even worsened, it is worth immediately showing the doctor.

With successful electrocoagulation of a shallow mole in place of the former crust, there should remain a pale pink spot that will soon pass and the skin will find its natural color. The qualitative removal of the mole by electrocoagulation and the properly performed post-operative care ensure that there are no complications and scars at the site of intervention.

Care

After the crust disappears, in order to prevent inflammation, do not use cosmetic creams, lotions, hard washcloths, scrubs, visit public baths, saunas for 2 weeks. Also, with sunbathing and tanning beds, to avoid the appearance of pigmentation spots and relapses. If there are instructions from the doctor, the place of removal of the birthmark before going out to the street can be lubricated with sunscreen (at least 60 SPF) or baby cream, without additives, but do not self-medicate, this can be dangerous. It is best to negotiate with a doctor or a cosmetologist who performed the operation, about his competent observation of the wound healing process within two weeks after the operation.

Wounds heal faster in places with thinner skin, so if you remove your birthmarks simultaneously in different places, you should wait with active sports, solar or water procedures until the last wound is healed.

trusted-source[12], [13]

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.