Electrocautery Quick Facts

Treatment type: Minimally invasive procedure

Best for: Removing small, benign skin lesions

Treatment areas: Face and body

Downtime: Minimal to none

Results: Immediate, with continued healing over a few days

Performed by: Board-certified dermatologists

Electrocautery is a dermatologic procedure that uses a fine electric current to gently heat and remove unwanted skin lesions. At FACET Dermatology, this quick and precise treatment is performed by board-certified dermatologists, ensuring safe results with minimal disruption to surrounding skin. It’s an effective solution for a wide range of common benign growths, from skin tags to sebaceous hyperplasia.

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What Is Electrocautery?

Electrocautery is a medical procedure that removes unwanted benign lesions using a controlled electric current. The current precisely targets and destroys the tissue of the lesion while sparing surrounding healthy skin. This makes it a safe and effective treatment for small growths that may be bothersome, unsightly, or cosmetically disruptive.

How Electrocautery works

During the procedure, your dermatologist uses a fine-tip device to apply a gentle electric current directly to the lesion. The heat energy breaks down the targeted tissue, removing or flattening the lesion on the spot. Depending on the size and location, a topical numbing cream or local injectable anesthesia may be used to ensure comfort. Healing typically involves mild redness or scabbing that resolves within a few days.

What Does Electrocautery Treat?

Electrocautery is designed to safely and effectively treat a variety of benign skin lesions that affect comfort or appearance.

Common concerns treated include:

  • Milia (tiny white cysts)
  • Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPNs)
  • Skin tags
  • Syringomas
  • Xanthelasma (cholesterol deposits around the eyes)
  • Angiofibromas
  • Cherry angiomas
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia (enlarged oil glands)

If you’re concerned about larger moles or suspicious lesions, our Mole Removal service may be a better option. For pigmentation concerns like sun spots or uneven tone, treatments such as PicoSure Pro or Photofacials may be more effective options.

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SEE REAL RESULTS WITH ELECTROCAUTERY

Clearer, Healthier-Looking Skin

With electrocautery, results are immediate—lesions are removed or flattened in minutes, with skin improving as it heals. Most patients experience quick recovery, little to no downtime, and renewed confidence in their appearance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is electrocautery safe?

Yes. When performed by a board-certified dermatologist, electrocautery is a very safe and precise treatment. The risk of scarring or pigment changes is minimized with expert care.

Does electrocautery hurt?

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Depending on the lesion, a topical numbing cream or local anesthetic can be applied to ensure comfort.

How long does the procedure take?

Electrocautery treatments are quick—often completed within minutes, depending on the number of lesions being treated.

What is the downtime after electrocautery?

Downtime is minimal. You may experience mild redness or scabbing for a few days, but most people return to normal activities right away.

Will my lesion come back after treatment?

Electrocautery removes the treated lesion, but new lesions may form over time. Regular dermatologic check-ups can help monitor and manage future growths.

Is electrocautery safe for all skin types?

Yes. FACET Dermatology specializes in treating all skin tones, including darker skin types, with strategies to minimize risks such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

What after care is required?

Aftercare is simple: keep the area clean, avoid picking, and follow your provider’s skincare instructions to support healing and reduce the risk of pigment changes.