Electrosurgical Desiccation with Bipolar RF: Precision Skin Lesion Treatment

Electrosurgical desiccation with a bipolar radiofrequency (RF) device is a fast, bloodless, in-office procedure to remove unwanted benign skin growths. It offers targeted thermal energy to destroy lesions without cutting or sutures, promoting excellent cosmetic results and minimal downtime.

⚡ What Is Electrosurgical Desiccation?

A bipolar RF handpiece delivers controlled heat to lesions, causing tissue coagulation and cellular breakdown. Unlike excision or cryotherapy, it is bloodless, requires no stitches, and leaves minimal scarring.

✅ Conditions Treated & Protocols

Lesion Type	Freeze/Dry Time	Cycles	Interval	Notes
Sebaceous Hyperplasia	5–10 sec	1–2	Single session	Vaporize glandular tissue; pinpoint handpiece tip
Cherry Angiomas	10 sec	1	7–10 days follow-up	Vessels darken then involute
Skin Tags	5–10 sec	1	7–14 days fall-off	Treat at stalk; avoid overtreatment
Seborrheic Keratosis	10–20 sec	1–2	4–8 weeks review	Flattens and flakes off
Milia / Small Cysts	5–8 sec	1–2	7–14 days review	Minimal freeze to prevent scarring
Facial Telangiectasias	1–3 sec per vessel	1	3–4 weeks (2–4 sessions)	Pinpoint coagulation of vessels < 1 mm; see FAQ for lasers

⚙️ Procedure Overview

Consult & Examine: Confirm benign nature.
Anesthesia: Topical or local numbing.
RF Application: Pinpoint bipolar probe “zaps” each lesion until tissue desiccates.
Protection: Ointment or small dressing applied.

Most lesions take 1–2 minutes each. Multiple removed in one visit.

🧴 Post-Procedure Care

Expect mild redness, scabbing, or crusts for 5–10 days.
Keep clean and dry; apply petrolatum or antibiotic ointment.
Avoid sun; once healed, use broad-spectrum SPF 30+.
No picking or scratching.
Makeup may resume after 7 days.

Full normalization in 2–4 weeks.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does RF compare to cryotherapy or lasers?
A: Bipolar RF uses heat, giving precise control and less pigment change or bleeding than cryo; better for flat and small vascular lesions than many lasers.

Q: Is it painful?
A: Brief warm/burning sensation; numbing ensures comfort.

Q: Downtime?
A: Minimal—return to normal activities immediately, avoiding sun and harsh products.

Q: Insurance coverage?
A: Cosmetic lesions are self-pay; medically symptomatic lesions may be covered.

Q: What about spider veins?
A: Small, superficial telangiectasias (< 1 mm) respond well to RF thermocoagulation; larger or deep vessels often need vascular lasers or IPL.

📍 Mountcastle Medical Spa & Laser Center • Ashburn, VA
📞 (703) 858-3208
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