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Electrosurgery is the recommended procedure for the removal of several types of skin lesions. In many cases, electrosurgery is used with another treatment tool such as a scalpel, scissors, or curette. Skin conditions that are usually treated with electrosurgery are:

  • Non-cancerous moles
  • Skin tags
  • Warts
  • Superficial and solid Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) less than 5 mm in diameter
  • Small, localized, and well-differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
  • Angiomas
  • Pyogenic granuloma
  • Actinic and seborrhoeic keratoses
  • Comedonal type of acne
  • Scarring

Electrosurgery is not used for the excision of suspected or confirmed melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, because of the risk of incomplete removal.

Is Your Skin Condition Affecting Your Quality Of Life?

You may be eligible for electrosurgery. Consult our MOH-accredited dermatologist for a detailed evaluation and accurate diagnosis of your skin condition.

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Electrosurgery Aftercare

Here are ways that can help keep your wound site clean and heal properly:

  • If you need to touch the surgical area, always observe proper hand hygiene before and after.
  • Apply gentle but consistent pressure if the site bleeds.
  • Gently wash the wound and surrounding area with soap and water twice a day.
  • Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol when cleaning the wound since these can slow healing.
  • You may apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the wound
  • Cover the wound with a non-stick bandage and replace it regularly, especially when wet or soiled.
  • Apply ointments and take pain relievers and antibiotics if prescribed.
  • In case the wound shows any signs of inflammation or infection, seek immediate medical attention.

Risks Of Electrosurgery

Complications from electrosurgery that can arise are electric shock and electrical burns, thermal burns, the transmission of infection, and the production of toxic gases.

  • Electric shocks

    If a grounding pad is not used, shock can occur in the patient or doctor when the current disperses throughout the body when there is contact with grounded objects like metal.

  • Electrical burns

    Aside from electrical shocks, electrical burns may occur if a patient is in contact with a grounded object.

  • Thermal burns

    The presence of flowing oxygen or the use of flammable cleansers such as alcohol can induce burns. Using nonflammable cleansers such as povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine may reduce the risk.

  • Eye injury

    Injury to the eye may be caused by sparks or direct thermal injury when electrosurgery is used near the orbit.

  • Transmission of infection

    Bacterial and viral particles such as human papillomavirus (HPV) may be transmitted to the operator through direct contact or via inhalation of the fumes containing particles.

Dr Noor Hanif Said

Medical Director & Consultant Dermatologist
  • MBBS (Singapore)
  • MRCP (United Kingdom)
  • FAMS (Dermatology)

Over 20 years of experience
in medical, Surgical & aesthetic Dermatology

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS, Singapore)
  • Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP, United Kingdom)
  • Fellow Of The Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS, Dermatology)

Prior to starting his private practice at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Dr Hanif was a dermatologist at the National Skin Centre and a Visiting Consultant with the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Dermatology Service.

Apart from his expertise in the management of general dermatological problems such as eczema, psoriasis, hair loss and acne, he has special interests in pigmentary disorders as well as dermatological and laser surgery.

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    Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre 38 Irrawaddy Road, #10-36
    Singapore 329563
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is electrocautery different from electrosurgery?

    Any procedure that uses an electrosurgical unit (ESU) is considered electrosurgery. An ESU is a device that generates electricity to cut or manipulate tissue.

    Electrocautery is a type of electrosurgery, along with electrofulguration, electrodesiccation, electrocoagulation, and electrosection. In short, electrosurgery is the umbrella term for these methods.

    Is electrocautery contraindicated during pregnancy?

    Studies show that electrosurgery could be safely used during pregnancy. The electric currents do not lead to contractions and the presence of amniotic fluid protects the fetus. Also, electrocautery specifically, is usually performed for hemostasis in caesarean sections.