Helena Fryer performs Advanced Electrolysis at Cheshire Lasers

Advanced Electrolysis is used to remove or reduce a range of skin blemishes on the face and body, such as skin tags, milia, blood spots, thread veins and spider veins.

The treatment involves placing a very fine, sterile probe (needle) beside or into the blemish and applying a tiny amount of electric current. This generates a small amount of heat which ‘dries up’ the blood vessels that feed the blemish. This instantly removes or visibly reduces the size and appearance of the skin lesion.

This is a safe, effective and pain-free procedure that produces instant and excellent results.

What can Advanced Electrolysis treat?

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small, soft, skin-coloured growths on the skin. They resemble a small pieces of hanging skin, you can find them anywhere on the face or body. However, you most frequently see them in areas of friction, moisture and skin folds such as on the eyelids, neck, armpits, under the breasts or around the groin. Skin tags can be hereditary, due to a Human Papilloma Virus infection, pregnancy or age.

To remove a skin tag with advanced electrolysis low heat is applied to a tiny sterilised probe (needle). This heated end is used to cauterise the skin tag and dry up the area. A small scab forms, which falls away within a few days.

Milia

Milia are tiny cysts that contain keratin and sebum (lipid epithelial plugs or epidermal inclusion cysts). They are usually white, firm to the touch and the size of a pinhead. Milia most commonly occur over the upper cheeks and under the eyes but can occur anywhere on the body. They can appear on their own or in clusters. The exact cause is unknown but they can develop after any skin trauma. It is also thought that the use of heavy, rich creams or a change in facial products can be the cause of their appearance. They are seen more often after holidays when rich sun creams have been used to protect the skin from the sun.

Milia removal with advanced electrolysis is a quick and easy treatment. A fine heated probe (needle) is used to desiccate the contents of the milia and the remaining tissue is absorbed into the body with no need for extraction.

Campbell De Morgan Spot / Cherry Angioma / Blood Spots

Campbell De Morgans (Blood Spots) range in colour from bright red to purple. They are usually round, dome-shaped, have a smooth surface and can be up to 5mm in diameter. They are due to a proliferation of the blood capillaries and occur mainly on the trunk of the body. Often they appear over several months, having no special significance for general health. Advanced electrolysis can, in one treatment, quickly remove these lesions or reduce them in size.

The treatment involves placing a very fine, sterile probe (needle) beside the blemish and slowly rolling it over the area. A small amount of heat is applied, which ‘dries up’ the blood vessels that feed it. The blemish instantly disappears or visibly reduces in size and appearance. Smaller blood spots usually need one treatment. Larger blood spots may require up to 3 treatments.

Telangiectasia (Red Veins or Thread Veins)

Telangiectasia (Thread Veins / Red Veins) are very small blood vessels that have become dilated and visible just beneath the skin on the face. They cause thread-like red lines or patterns on the skin, which form gradually and often in clusters. They usually appear on the face around the nose, cheeks and chin. There are many causes, for example, acne rosacea, ageing, overexposure to the sun, overexposure to cold weather, high-impact exercise, high blood pressure, menopause or smoking, to name a few.

Advanced electrolysis easily removes Telangiectasia (Thread Veins / Red Veins). A small amount of heat is applied to a tiny probe (needle). By lightly tapping this heated probe over the red vein, the blood vessels are cauterised, making the red colour disappear.

Results are instant, but stronger veins may require 2-4 treatments. The veins may return in the future if there are underlying causes. 

Spider Naevus ( Spider Veins )

Spider Naevi are similar to thread veins, but they have a central capillary from which fine capillaries radiate so they resemble the legs of a spider. Hence the name Spider Naevus. The central body or capillary is often raised and, in the majority of cases, supplies the blood for the radiating capillaries. Spider naevi can occur spontaneously or can occur due to trauma or pregnancy. Advanced electrolysis can easily treat Spider naevi using the same method as for thread veins.

How long will my treatment session last?

The average treatment ranges from 15 to 30 minutes. It will depend on how many lesions you need to remove. The amount of time per treatment also depends upon the reaction of your skin to treatment and your sensitivity.

What will I feel during the procedure?

Even the most sensitive person should be able to tolerate the treatments. Most people expect to feel much more discomfort than they actually experience.

Who performs Advanced Electrolysis?

Dr Kathryn Hazlehurst performs Advanced Electrolysis at Cheshire Lasers.

For large, more complex lesions, Consultant Facial Surgeon performs a range of treatments, including Electroacautery

Prices:

View Dr Hazlehurst’s Prices for Advanced Electrolysis at Cheshire Lasers here.

View Dr Allen’s prices here.

How do I book a Treatment?

For simple lesions, you can book a consultation on its own or consultation and treatment on the same day with Dr Hazlehurst or Mr Will Allen.

For more complex lesions, you may prefer to email us information about the lesion, including photographs, so we can forward it to our doctors, who can provide recommendations.

You can book over the phone on 01606 841255 or book your appointment online here:

What is Advanced Electrocautery?

Electrocautery, also known as diathermy, uses electrical energy to create heat at the tip of a small needle, which enables the precise removal of skin lesions.

What does the procedure involve?

Although slight local discomfort is felt during the heat application, it does not usually require a local anaesthetic. The procedure often lasts a matter of seconds; however, this depends on the type of skin lesion, its thickness and size. For lesions that take longer to treat, topical anaesthetic or local anaesthetic injection can be used.

How does the skin appear after Electrocautery?

The area at the base of the lesion will appear dark or black initially & slightly tender to the touch, and the area around it will usually be red and slightly swollen.

Over the following days, a crust or scab usually forms as the area dries out and this will then slough off over the next week.

It’s essential not to pick at any scabs to prevent scarring. Usually, the treatment area will return to normal after a few weeks, although scarring and discolouration is possible. This includes hypo or hyperpigmentation (skin becoming lighter or darker).

Depending on the nature of the lesion, more than one treatment may be necessary and this is usually repeated at regular intervals if required.

Possible side effects shortly after treatment:

Pain –

Diathermy is usually well-tolerated but can sometimes be uncomfortable during or after treatment.

Using your aftercare cooling gel will help to make the area feel less uncomfortable after treatment. Apply with a damp, clean cotton wool pad (pads & gel can be kept in the fridge to aid cooling).

Swelling, skin sensitivity and redness –

This is a normal immediate response to heating the skin & may last for 48 hours, depending on the lesion treated. For a short while the area may also ooze a watery fluid, which will then crust & dry.

Crusting or scabbing – this is also a common consequence of treatment and any crusting or scabbing will usually resolve over the next week. Itching may occur as the skin heals.

Infection –

Infection can occur, but this is uncommon. If it does occur, the discomfort usually increases, and the area may develop a discharge.  This will require treatment in the form of a topical antiseptic or antibiotic therapy.
If this occurs, it’s essential to let your Practitioner know as soon as possible so you can start treatment before it worsens.

Subsequent side effects:

Scarring –

Sometimes, the treated area may leave a small scar, which will fade over time.

Pigmentation changes –

The skin around the treatment site may lighten or darken in colour. This can occur in anyone but is much more common in people with darker skin tones. This usually improves with time but may be permanent.

Results are not always permanent –

This is more likely for some thread veins, which may refill over time and require further treatment.
Warts & skin tags can also reoccur, especially if you are susceptible to them.

Which Lesions Can Electrocautery Treat

Some skin lesions respond better to cryotherapy (cold therapy) may be the best treatment.