Curettage and Electrocautery

What are curettage and electrocautery?

A curette is a skin surgery instrument that has a rounded blade at the end of a handle. It can be used to peel off surface growths. It is often combined with electrocautery – or more precisely – electrosurgery. This is the use of an instrument that delivers a small electrical current to the skin to either vaporize a growth on the surface or seal capillaries that may bleed during a procedure.

What can curettage and electrocautery treat?

This procedure is best suited for skin growths that sit on the surface of the skin. Once the spot has been determined as benign, such as an age spot, skin tag or oil gland overgrowth – treating it for cosmetic purposes is a personal choice. 

What is the recovery like after curettage and electrocautery?

On the day of treatment, we review the procedure with you, you sign forms and we take photos in our dedicated photo studio. The skin is cleansed and numbing agent is injected at the treatment area. Local anesthetic is very effective at controlling the pain from treatment. When we use the curette, you may feel pressure, or a pulling/pushing sensation, but not pain. The electrocautery emits a loud beeping sound when it is in operation. 

All patients should expect the area to heal from the bottom over about 7 days, possibly with a crust/scab. A few weeks after the procedure, the area will appear more red than surrounding skin. We avoid treating tanned skin and advise to avoid direct sun exposure to minimize rare risks of hyperpigmentation. Thorough aftercare to prevent an infection will minimize the appearance of a scar. 

Infections are rare, but can occur. They usually present 4-7 days after the procedure with new pain, new redness, pus or swelling. Contact the office immediately if this happens so we may treat it. 

Curious to see if you are a candidate for this procedure ? Contact our office for a consultation.