Tired of hiding unwanted moles, skin tags, and other blemishes? First OC Dermatology cautery services can help give you the clear, smooth skin you’ve always wanted.
How Does Cautery Work?
Cautery is the non-surgical removal of certain skin blemishes like moles, skin tags, and other skin lesions using electric currents and heat energy. Cautery can be used for both medical and aesthetic reasons, such as closing a wound, removing benign and cancerous moles, or removing unwanted birthmarks and other skin imperfections.
The cautery device precisely delivers alternating electric currents and heat energy to the desired area to simultaneously sever and seal for a seamless removal of unwanted skin tissue. Treatment usually takes less than 15 minutes and is done under local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort during and after the procedure. Because cautery treatment seals the wound, healing is typically faster than other suturing methods.
At First OC Dermatology, our team of knowledgeable and experienced experts will walk you through everything you need to know about our cautery services so you can make the best decision for your care.
Can Cautery Remove Skin Tags and Moles?
Cautery is ideal for removing skin imperfections like skin tags and moles because it focuses only on the desired treatment area, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. The technique uses electricity and heat, so there’s no risk of further skin damage caused by UV ray exposure.
That said, it is important that any cauterizing skin tag or mole removal is performed by a licensed professional. One of our skin experts at First OC Dermatology will begin with an assessment of the skin tag or mole to first determine if any additional steps, such as a biopsy, may be necessary to rule out skin cancer. They will also determine if cautery is a good option for your skin tag removal based on factors like size and location.
If you’re concerned about a new or existing skin growth, be sure to make an appointment with one of our trusted dermatologists to discuss your treatment and removal options.
Is Cautery Safe for Skin Cancer Removal?
When certain types of skin cancers are detected in the early stages curettage and electrodesiccation may be used to safely remove any cancerous tissue with minimal damage to the surrounding areas. This cautery technique is ideal for certain basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), small squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and areas of SCC in situ (Bowen's disease). In most cases, where cautery is used to remove these types of skin cancer, the chances of recurrence are relatively low – typically around 10%. Mohs skin cancer surgery has the lowest chance of skin cancer recurrence at about 1-2%.
Cautery may not be recommended for later stages of skin cancer and cancer which has spread into lower layers of the skin or other organs. If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or you suspect you may have skin cancer, be sure to consult with one of our skin cancer experts about your treatment options.
