Electrocoagulation - what is it? Medical cosmetology

For a long time already in gynecology and surgery, such a method as electrocoagulation has been used. What is it, know not all. This method is performed with the purpose of dissecting some body tissues, cauterizing cervical erosion , stopping bleeding during surgery from small vessels, removing genital warts, and polyps in the area of external genitalia. After a while, electrocoagulation began to be used by cosmetologists and dermatologists. This method allows without consequences to remove papillomas, warts, moles and other defects on the skin.

Electrocoagulation: what is it?

A similar therapeutic procedure is the surgical removal of neoplasms on the skin by thermal exposure to tissues with obvious pathology. This is done by alternating or constant electric current with a high frequency. This is how electrocoagulation proceeds. What is it, probably, you already understood. As a result of this effect, precipitation and destruction of proteins are observed. This, in turn, leads to the destruction of pathological tissues and to the formation of a scab. If a high frequency current is used, then this method has a slightly different name - diathermocoagulation.

Main types of impact

When passing through a living tissue mechanism, the effect of a high-frequency current can be expressed by the following effects:

1. Physicochemical. Some physical and chemical bonds are being destroyed.
2. Thermal. As a result of heating the tissues to high temperatures, a burn appears.
3. Electro-dynamic. It is manifested by a sharp rupture of tissues under the influence of steam, which is formed when the blood, lymph or interstitial fluid is heated.
4. Biological. There is a violation of bioelectric processes, irritation of intact surrounding tissues occurs, which, in turn, stimulates the regeneration process.

Features of the procedure

We examined the essence of such a method as electrocoagulation. What is it, we hope you understand. It remains to understand how the procedure is carried out. First of all, it should be remembered that such services are provided only by specialized clinics and beauty salons. At home, such procedures are not carried out. Electrodes are used to remove neoplasms in a similar way.

The electrocoagulation method popular today is carried out with the use of an inactive electrode made in the form of a lead plate. Also, with such a procedure, foil can be used. An inactive electrode is placed under the thigh, buttock and other parts of the body, and the active one is used for manipulation. The latter can be of completely different shapes. It happens a ball, a curved or straight loop, a needle, a knife and so on. Both electrodes are connected to the device, which operates in several modes and depending on the generated waves, and they are:

1. Long. They have, as a rule, a cutting action. Most often this mode is used for dissection of subcutaneous structures and skin. In addition, medical cosmetology uses this method to cut and remove neoplasms, which are pathological in nature. Most often, the method removes warts and moles that protrude above the surface of the skin and have a leg.
2. Short. They have a cauterizing effect. Medical cosmetology uses such waves for the destruction of flat birthmarks, telangiectasias, hemangiomas, papillomas, tattoos and genital warts.

How is the procedure performed?

Electrocoagulation of papillomas, moles and other neoplasms can last only a few seconds. Before starting the procedure, the specialist must treat the area, which will be under the influence of waves, a special antiseptic solution. Local anesthesia is also required . After all, the procedure is rather painful. A defect that protrudes above the surface of the skin is usually removed with an electrode in the form of a knife or a loop.

Plane neoplasms are removed by layer cauterization in several doses. For these purposes, usually use a flat electrode or in the form of a ball. Each layer is removed very neatly. If after removal of the birthmark, papilloma and other neoplasms, a depression appears, the edges of the defect are also smoothed out, and then cauterized. This procedure can take from 5 to 15 minutes.

Necrosis of point formations, for example, telangiectasia of small diameter, is performed using an electrode in the form of a needle.

After the procedure

After removing the birthmark, warts and other neoplasms, you must carefully monitor the area of the skin that was affected. As a result of the procedure, a scab may form. It must be treated with a 5% solution of potassium permanganate.

Remove from the scab of a crust in any case impossible. Otherwise, a scar may form and a suppuration may occur. Complete wound healing occurs 12 days after the procedure. During this period, the scab itself must fall away. In place of the tumor, there are no scars or scars in the end.

Benefits

Electrocoagulation of warts, moles, hemangiomas and other formations on the skin, like any procedure, has its disadvantages and advantages. Among the merits of this method should be identified such as:

1. Efficiency of application and simplicity in execution.
2. The relatively low cost of such a procedure, as well as equipment.
3. Minor traumatic and safety.
4. The ability to remove defects on any part of the body.
5. There is no need to prepare the patient in advance.
6. Possibility of conducting a session in an outpatient setting, as well as a one-stage procedure.
7. The ability to visually control not only the area, but also the depth of impact.
8. Since along with the procedure coagulation of small vessels is carried out, bleeding is excluded.
9. If necessary, distant education can be sent to a histological study.
10. Exclusion of infection, as well as getting into neighboring tissues and blood of cancer cells.

Main disadvantages and contraindications

Among the shortcomings of electrocoagulation is:

1. Local anesthesia.
2. Frequent treatment of the damaged area.
3. Fabrics located near the defect will also be involved in the thermal reaction.
4. Painful prolonged sensations.

Do not forget that after electrocoagulation complications may occur. It should also be noted that the procedure has contraindications. Such a method of removing defects is not suitable for those with epilepsy and other psychological deviations, diabetes mellitus, suspected malignant neoplasms, herpetic eruptions, infectious diseases in the acute phase, any blood diseases and so on. Before applying electrocoagulation it is worth consulting with specialists.