Electrocautery

Electrocautery (also called electrosurgery) is used to remove certain benign skin growths in a safe and efficient way. Most procedures are done in-clinic, under local or topical anaesthesia.
Important: Any lesion with suspicion of skin cancer or uncertain diagnosis will not be treated with cautery directly — a biopsy or surgical excision will be recommended instead.

Conditions We Commonly Treat

Skin tags (soft fibromas, often on neck or underarms)
Seborrhoeic keratoses (“age spots” or benign warty growths)
Cherry angiomas (red spots/blood vessel growths)
Milia or syringomas (small cysts or sweat gland growths, case-by-case)
Common warts/filiform warts (sometimes require multiple sessions)
Granulation tissue or fleshy overgrowth (e.g. after piercing or injury)

Moles (naevi): Usually not suitable for cautery. If removal is required, surgical excision and histology is preferred. This will be determined by your doctor during assessment.

Who May Not Be Suitable

Lesions with uncertain or malignant potential
Active skin infection or inflamed area
Patients with a history of keloid scarring
Those with cardiac pacemakers or implanted devices (safety must be assessed)
Patients on blood thinners (increased bleeding risk – disclose to doctor)
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: generally avoided unless medically necessary

What to Expect

Consultation & Consent — doctor reviews history, examines lesion, may photograph.
Preparation & Anaesthesia — cleaning and either topical or local anaesthetic.
Electrocautery — precise cauterisation to remove lesion, with immediate bleeding control.
Dressing & Ointment — soothing/antibacterial cream applied, with or without a dressing.
Aftercare Instructions — verbal and written advice for recovery.