At ProDerm Skin & Surgery, electrodessication is offered as a quick and effective in-office treatment for certain skin conditions. This procedure uses carefully controlled electrical energy to safely destroy targeted tissue. Often performed alone or in combination with curettage (scraping of affected tissue), electrodessication provides a minimally invasive solution for both medical and cosmetic skin concerns.
Treatment Overview
Discomfort: Moderate — local anesthetic is applied to keep the procedure comfortable.
Downtime: Most sites heal within 1–2 weeks depending on the size and depth of the lesion.
Commonly Treats:
- Superficial skin cancers (such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma)
- Benign growths including skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, and angiomas
Insurance Coverage: Varies by diagnosis and insurance provider.
Benefits
Patients often choose electrodessication because it is:
- A quick, in-office procedure that requires no stitches
- Effective for both precancerous and benign lesions
- Minimally invasive with a short recovery period
Performed with precision by an experienced dermatology provider
When It May Be Recommended
Electrodessication can be particularly useful for:
- Treating superficial basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas
- Removing benign lesions such as skin tags or angiomas
Addressing age-related growths like seborrheic keratoses
What to Expect
Most patients experience good outcomes with electrodessication, though healing time depends on lesion type and size. Follow-up visits are important to monitor progress and ensure no recurrence. For patients treated for skin cancer, regular skin checks may be recommended for long-term surveillance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Electrodessication is a dermatologic procedure that uses electrical energy to dry out and destroy abnormal tissue, commonly used for both benign lesions and certain superficial skin cancers.
With local anesthesia, discomfort is minimal. Patients may feel a mild heat or stinging sensation during treatment, which resolves quickly.
Most sites heal within 1–2 weeks, though larger lesions may take slightly longer.
Some treated areas may leave behind lighter or darker pigmentation or small marks. Scarring risk depends on the size and location of the lesion and individual healing tendencies.
You can typically resume your daily routine right away after treatment, but exercise and sun exposure should be avoided for several days as advised.