Electrocautery treatmentYour questions, answered.

Electrocautery is a localized cosmetic treatment for selected minor skin irregularities. A trained practitioner chooses a fine probe and applies controlled energy according to the concern's type, size and location.

Selected visible capillaries, cherry angiomas, milia, clogged pores, sebaceous hyperplasia, keratoses and skin tags may be considered after assessment. Not every lesion is appropriate for cosmetic treatment.

The machine uses fine treatment probes, but it does not inject a substance. The probe is used in a controlled manner at the treatment site; this is not an injectable treatment.

No. Laser and intense pulsed light use light energy. This treatment uses a probe and controlled electrical energy. The most appropriate option depends on the concern, treatment area, skin characteristics and clinical assessment.

Your practitioner reviews the lesion, location, skin type, medications, health history and contraindications. Changing, irregularly pigmented, ulcerated, unexplained or uncertain lesions require medical assessment rather than cosmetic treatment.

You may notice brief warmth, tingling or a small pinching sensation. Tell your practitioner immediately if discomfort or heat feels excessive so treatment can be stopped and reassessed.

Timing depends on the consultation, number and type of sites, treatment location and response. The first visit may take longer for assessment, consent and photographs.

Arrive with the area clean when possible. Report health or medication changes, pregnancy, implanted devices, impaired healing, infection, inflammation, recent procedures and any change in the concern.

Temporary redness, tenderness, swelling, darkening or a small dry crust may occur. Downtime varies, and the treated area can look more noticeable before it settles.

Treatment may not be appropriate during pregnancy or with certain health conditions, impaired healing, implanted devices, infection, open wounds or other contraindications. Every patient requires individualized screening.

Do not treat a lesion that is changing, irregularly pigmented, firm or fixed, ulcerated, inflamed, bleeding without explanation or otherwise uncertain. Large flat pigmented lesions and vascular concerns on the lower body also require appropriate medical assessment rather than routine cosmetic treatment.

Possibly, but timing depends on the procedure and area. Report recent injections, laser, surgery, peels, microneedling and other treatments; electrocautery may need to be postponed.

Some concerns respond after one visit; others need reassessment or further treatment after complete healing. Timing is individualized, and a specific number of sessions cannot be guaranteed.

Results develop as the tissue heals. The area may initially darken or crust. Final response is assessed after healing; complete removal or a particular outcome cannot be guaranteed.

Some concerns recur, and new irregularities can develop. Recurrence varies with the concern, skin characteristics, friction, sun exposure and other factors. Retreatment requires reassessment.

Keep the site clean and dry as directed, minimize friction and heat, and let any crust separate naturally. Do not pick, scratch, rub or pull away treated tissue.

Avoid makeup and active, fragranced or irritating products until the surface is intact and your practitioner confirms that normal skincare can resume.

Protect healing skin from direct sun and follow the recommended sun-protection plan once the skin surface permits it. Sun exposure during healing can increase the risk of prolonged redness or pigment change.

Possible effects include pain, prolonged redness, swelling, blistering, bleeding, infection, delayed healing, pigment or texture change and scarring. Risk varies by site, skin, technique and aftercare.

Contact us for increasing pain, spreading redness, worsening swelling, blistering, discharge, persistent bleeding, delayed healing, concerning pigment change or another unexpected reaction. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Suitability depends on the concern and location. Delicate areas require additional caution, and lower-body vascular concerns are not treated under this cosmetic protocol. Eyelid treatment requires specific training, equipment and authorization.

Possibly. The safe number depends on their type, size, location, complexity, response and the planned treatment limit. Your practitioner may recommend dividing treatment across appointments.

Healing varies with the concern, site, technique and individual response. A small superficial site may settle sooner than a larger or thicker concern. Follow-up and retreatment decisions are made only after adequate healing.

A small dry crust may form and is part of the expected healing response for some treatments. Leave it undisturbed. Picking or removing it early can increase the risk of infection, pigment change or scarring.

This depends on the concern, treatment area, individual sensitivity and Valley Medical protocol. Your practitioner will discuss comfort measures and whether an appropriate topical anesthetic is indicated.

Treatment planning must be individualized for every skin type. Darker skin tones may have a greater risk of post-inflammatory pigment change, so conservative treatment, careful aftercare and realistic expectations are especially important.

Possibly, but each concern must be assessed separately. Different irregularities may require different probes, techniques, endpoints or appointments. Treating one concern does not confirm that another is suitable.

Avoid activities that expose the area to heavy perspiration, heat, soaking, friction or potentially contaminated water during early healing. Resume them according to your written aftercare instructions.

Follow the instructions for your treatment site. Gentle washing may be permitted, but do not soak, scrub or direct strong water pressure onto the area. Pat dry without disturbing the healing surface.

Allow enough time for redness, darkening or crusting to resolve. Do not schedule a first treatment immediately before an important event. Your practitioner can recommend timing after assessing the concern.

The site must heal completely and be reassessed before retreatment. Do not treat through redness, tenderness, crusting, broken skin or another unresolved response.

Standardized clinical photographs may be recommended to document the concern, treatment plan and response. Photographs are taken and stored according to clinic policy and require appropriate consent.

Avoid shaving, waxing, depilatory products and other friction until the area has healed sufficiently. Ask your practitioner when hair removal can safely resume for the specific site.

Selected individual acne-related lesions may be considered, but widespread, cystic, infected or significantly inflamed acne requires an appropriate acne assessment and treatment plan rather than spot treatment alone.

Cost may depend on the number, type, size, complexity and location of the concerns, as well as the time required. Your practitioner will review the proposed treatment and applicable fees before proceeding.