Papilloma removal
The small growths that catch on a collar, get in the way of shaving or simply bother you. The doctor examines them and removes them by electrocoagulation, under local anaesthetic, in a single visit.
What it is and when it is needed
Electrocoagulation removes a growth using a high-frequency current. It cuts and seals the small vessels at the same time, so there is almost no bleeding and the wound left behind is very small.
A tiny crust forms and falls off by itself within a week or two. Several growths can be removed in one session.
- The doctor examines every growth before removing anything.
- The price is per growth; from ten upwards the price per growth is lower.
- The procedure is done under local anaesthetic.
Who it is for
What is removed are benign skin growths the doctor has no doubts about. If a growth is pigmented, changing, growing, bleeding or itching, electrocoagulation is not used: such a growth is examined first, because coagulation leaves no tissue for a laboratory.
- Papillomas and skin tags on the neck, underarms and body.
- Growths irritated by a collar, a bra strap or shaving.
- Growths on the eyelids — at the doctor’s assessment.
- When there are many of them and they are spreading.
How it goes
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Examination 10 min
The doctor looks at the growths and says which can be removed today and which have to be assessed separately.
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Anaesthetic 10–20 min
The area is numbed locally — cream or injection, depending on the size and the site.
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Removal 5–15 min
The growth is removed by electrocoagulation. Each one takes a few seconds.
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Aftercare instructions
The sites are dressed and you are told how to look after the crusts until they fall off.
Results
Small crusts are left immediately afterwards and the skin around them may be pink. The crusts fall off on their own in about 5–10 days — they must not be picked.
Underneath there is a lighter or pink mark that fades over weeks or months. A scar is possible where the growth was large or where the crust came off too early.
A removed growth does not come back in the same place, but new ones can appear elsewhere depending on your skin.
Aftercare
The week the crust is there is the one that matters: whether a mark remains depends on how it is treated.
- Do not pick or scratch the crusts — they have to fall off by themselves.
- Keep the sites dry for a day; after that pat gently dry after a shower.
- Avoid sauna, swimming pools, the sea and sunbeds for a week.
- Apply whatever the doctor has prescribed.
- Once the crust is gone, use SPF for a few months so no darker mark is left.
- Contact the clinic if a site swells, becomes painful or starts to weep.
Contraindications
Some are temporary. The doctor decides at the examination.
- Any suspicion that the growth is not benign — then it is investigated, not coagulated.
- A pacemaker or another implanted electronic device.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — assessed individually.
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
- Clotting disorders or blood-thinning medication — assessed individually.
- Active infection, cold sores or inflammation in the area.
- A tendency to keloid scarring.
- Acute illness or fever — the procedure is postponed.
Common questions
Does it hurt?
It is done under local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure rather than pain. The sites may ache for a few hours afterwards.
What does it cost?
The price is per growth, and from ten upwards the price per growth is lower. The doctor gives you the exact figure at the examination, once the number and size are clear.
Can a mole be removed this way?
No. Electrocoagulation leaves no tissue for laboratory examination, and a pigmented lesion has to be assessed first. For moles, book a dermatovenereologist’s consultation.
Will there be a scar?
Usually a light mark that fades. The risk is higher where the growth was large or where the crust was removed too early.
How many can be removed at once?
Several or a dozen — it depends on size and location. The doctor will say at the examination.
Will they come back?
Not in the same place. New ones can appear elsewhere if your skin is prone to them.
When can I go back to work?
The same day. The restrictions concern water, heat and sun while the crusts are there.
Who performs it
Dermatovenereologist. Consults on skin conditions, performs injectable treatments and trichoscopy — the examination of hair and scalp that hair loss treatment starts from. Works with botulinum toxin injections, lip and facial contour correction, biorevitalisation, polynucleotides and mesotherapy, treats excessive sweating and removes papillomas. A treatment is offered only after an examination: the cause first, the method second.
Book
A request is not a confirmed appointment — we will call and agree the time.
Step 1 of 4
Choose a specialist
We start with a consultation — the doctor examines you and the treatment is chosen after that.