Procedure — skin
Diathermy
Diathermy is a heat producing treatment that can be used to improve a variety of concerns on the face and body. At Reshape & Restore, we use diathermy as an effective method to remove skin lesions, including: skin tags, moles and seborrheic keratosis.
These superficial irregularities will usually hang off the skin’s surface, and can cause dissatisfaction, depending on their location. If they are visible to others, they may cause embarrassment, otherwise they can cause discomfort or irritation if they are prone to catching on items of clothing or jewellery.
Diathermy is a heat producing treatment that can be used to improve a variety of concerns on the face and body. At Reshape & Restore, we use diathermy as an effective method to remove skin lesions, including: skin tags, moles and seborrheic keratosis.
These superficial irregularities will usually hang off the skin’s surface, and can cause dissatisfaction, depending on their location. If they are visible to others, they may cause embarrassment, otherwise they can cause discomfort or irritation if they are prone to catching on items of clothing or jewellery.
At a Glance
Duration
Discussed at consultation
Type Of Anaesthetic
Topical numbing cream if desired
Return To Work (job dependent)
Next day
Day Case / Overnight
Day case
Bra / Garment To Be Worn For
Not needed
Return To Gym
Next day
In-depth Procedure Information
The Consultation
Examining the type of lesion you are concerned about will help to determine if it is likely to be benign and therefore, safe to remove. You will meet with your practitioner during the consultation whereby you can have an open and honest discussion about what is motivating your decision for the removal of your lesion. It is not the attitude of the team at Reshape & Restore, to decide whether or not you should feel concern over your appearance, or your physical comfort. But it is part of our service to ensure that we always act in the best interests of you, as the patient.
Many successful procedures have been carried out at Reshape & Restore and we have many satisfied patients who are happy to share their experiences with you. For those who have undergone diathermy for a skin lesion, they can give you reassurance and show you evidence of a successful outcome.
The Procedure
The procedure involves the use of a handheld device which has a cautery heated loop attached. By scraping over the lesion it detaches it from the skin’s surface. This method works not only to destroy the tissues that attach it to the skin, but also to seal the blood vessels and close the wound. This reduces the chance of excess bleeding as well as limiting any scarring.
Diathermy is a simple treatment that can be performed in very little time. The procedure does not require the use of an injectable anaesthetic but may require the application of a topical numbing cream.
Aftercare & Results
You may find that a scab develops at the wound site, which will fall off in around 2 weeks. Very little scarring means that once the wound is fully healed you may find it hard to detect where the lesion used to be. However, to help with healing skin, our team of experts can recommend the right kind of products to use. Swelling and redness is to be expected, but this should subside within 2 – 3 days and if there is any sensitivity, paracetamol may help you feel more comfortable. It is not part of the diathermy protocol to send the extracted lesion away for testing. Therefore, it is important to be sure that the mole is not cancerous, before the procedure goes ahead.
A smooth and even surface to the skin can be achieved through the removal of a lesion with diathermy. This can help to boost confidence if its appearance was lowering your self-esteem,#; giving you more confidence to socialise and the freedom to choose clothing that is not determined by its ability to hide the lesion.
FAQ's
Diathermy is often recommended to effectively remove a lesion that has been diagnosed as not being benign. Moles, skin tags and seborrheic keratosis are examples of the type of lesion diathermy works to remove. Addressing this concern can improve your well-being by raising your confidence when both your appearance and physical comfort is more pleasing.
Diathermy should only be performed by a trained and qualified professional, such as: doctor, nurse practitioner, GP or dermatologist. This procedure is a development of an old fashioned method that once used a scalpel to remove the lesion from the skin’s surface. By using heat to scrape the lesion away from the skin it cauterizes the area at the same time.
There are very few side effects or risks associated with this procedure. The treated area may feel sensitive for several hours after the procedure, and any redness or swelling should ease within a day or two. A scab that develops on the wound should be allowed to fall off naturally, and you should resist the urge to pick at it. Scarring is usually very minimal, and barely noticeable, which can be compromised if the scab is unnecessarily disturbed.
There may not be many pre-treatment instructions for you to adhere to, but all the information you need about the procedure will be explained during the consultation session. Your practitioner will ensure you are comfortable and at ease throughout the procedure and Reshape & Restore will ensure you receive any support and guidance, should you need it.
Prices From
£150
Our treatments are not off the peg but tailor made, bespoke treatments that vary from person to person. The above prices act as a guide in the standard or average case. The actual cost of your treatment may be less or more and will be confirmed after your consultation.
Enquire Today
