Contents
Radio wave removal is considered the most effective and safe method of dealing with moles. After it, there are no scars, scars or burns that affect the aesthetics of the skin. With the help of radio waves, it is allowed to remove only benign formations with a clear contour and structure.
In what cases is it necessary to remove moles, on what principle does radiosurgical equipment work, and how should skin care be taken after the procedure?
What you need to know about nevi
A mole is a pigmented formation on human skin. It can occur anywhere on the body and is formed under the influence of ultraviolet rays, hormonal levels or genetic predisposition. At birth, the child’s skin is clear of pigmented formations, they appear later and may appear / disappear throughout life. Yes, a nevus can disappear on its own. This is possible after a severe sunburn. The disappearance of a mole is also a harbinger of the rare disease vitiligo.
At the heart of each nevus are melanocyte cells. They stimulate the production of melanin, a high molecular weight pigment. Melanin is widely distributed in both plant and animal tissues. Moreover, the pigment is found even in the body of protozoa. It is melanin that determines the color of the skin, hair, eyes of a person, as well as the color of feathers, scales, cuticles of insects, fish and animals. The pigment not only affects the color, but also performs a protective function by absorbing ultraviolet radiation.
How is a nevus formed? First, a small flat spot appears on the skin. Over time, it changes color, takes shape, can increase in size. The location of the mole depends on the concentration and localization of melanocytes. If they are in the epidermis (top layer of the skin), the nevus will be flat, if in the dermis (deep layer of the skin), it will rise above the surface.
Convex moles are one of the variants of the norm. They should not be afraid or immediately removed if the nevus does not bring discomfort. The main thing is that the formation has the same color, size and rounded shape throughout the entire life cycle.
Varieties of skin formations
All benign skin lesions are conditionally divided by color, size, shape and surface texture. The generally accepted classification includes only two types of moles – congenital and acquired. Congenital nevi are divided by size into: small (1,5 centimeters in diameter), medium (no more than 10 centimeters), large (more than 10 centimeters), giant.
Giant formations cover the entire anatomical region (for example, the face). Small moles are safe and rarely degenerate into malignant tumors. Owners of giant moles should be on the lookout, because in 50% of cases they degenerate into melanoma. To protect yourself – regularly conduct self-examination and consult a dermatologist. Acquired moles begin to form in childhood. It is at this time that the restructuring and development of the whole organism takes place.
Melanocyte cells rise from the deep layers of the skin to its surface – the epidermis, where they accumulate and provoke the growth of moles. The location, size and number of nevi is determined by genetic factors, lifestyle, and the external environment. Acquired moles are classified by location:
- epidermal (accumulation of pigment cells in the upper layers of the skin);
- intradermal (accumulation of melanocytes in the deep layers of the skin or dermis);
- borderline (accumulation of melanocytes at the border of the upper and lower layers of the skin).
Features of radio wave surgery
Radio wave surgery is the safest and most effective method for removing benign skin lesions. It removes both flat moles and voluminous ones protruding above the surface of the skin. After exposure to the body, there are no thermal burns or scars. Moreover, the intervention does not involve suturing, which facilitates care and recovery. The device itself is represented by a radio wave knife and the main unit through which you can adjust the parameters and control the operation of the knife.
How does radio wave technology work? The knife receives a radio signal that causes the liquid to evaporate from the surrounding tissue. It is due to evaporation that the excision of the epidermis layer occurs.
High-frequency waves are quickly absorbed by the intracellular fluid, which reduces the risk of damage to healthy cells. The frequency of the waves is most often 3,8-4 MHz. It is in this range that tissue damage is reduced to a minimum.
Radio wave surgery offers a unique non-contact incision method. A surgical instrument is not inserted under the patient’s skin, but the tissue is still amenable to influence and changes its structure. Excision is possible due to heat. It is released at the moment of penetration of a high-frequency wave into the tissue. At the same moment, there is an accumulation and surge of intracellular energy, which heats up and actually evaporates the affected cells.
During vaporization, the patient does not experience excruciating muscle contraction or nerve stimulation that causes severe pain. However, doctors administer pain medication to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
Radio wave surgery is contraindicated in case of malignant degeneration of a nevus into melanoma, the presence of a pacemaker and the activation of inflammatory processes in the body.
Advantages
The benefits of radio wave surgery include:
- making incisions of any depth and configuration, not only on the skin, but also on the mucous membranes;
- removal of a nevus in one session;
- absence of purulent discharge, bleeding and suturing;
- sterilizing effect, which minimizes infectious complications;
- shortened therapeutic and rehabilitation period;
- the absence of scars, scars or thermal burns, which allows you to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the skin.
Preparation and conduct of the operation
Before any intervention, the patient must be diagnosed by a dermatologist or dermato-oncologist. The specialist will conduct an external examination of the skin, make a diagnosis and select the most optimal method of removal.
If a malignant process is suspected, radio wave intervention will have to be abandoned – melanomas are excised only surgically.
Immediately before the intervention, the patient is given an anesthetic. This may be an intravenous injection or the application of a special cream to the surface of the skin. After some time, the doctor gets to work.
The radio wave knife is heated with an electric charge, brought to the mole and cut off with one clear movement. The process itself, taking into account anesthesia, takes about 20 minutes. The excised nevus is sent for laboratory diagnosis, and the patient can return to the usual routine of life.
How to take care of your skin after
After radio wave surgery, there are no scars or scars, but a temporary postoperative edema is formed. In most cases, it is minor and goes away on its own after a few hours or days. The intensity of edema depends on the patient’s state of health. For example, rehabilitation with an internal inflammatory process can take much longer.
If you feel excessive fatigue, pain, discomfort, or skin concerns, see a dermatologist immediately.
In general, the care of the affected area is very simple. The first 3-8 days (depending on the size and specifics of the mole), it is forbidden to wet the wound. This does not negate general body hygiene and gentle cleansing around the postoperative area. From the pool and baths for some time will also have to be abandoned.
Choose loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics that will cover the wound but not injure it. Use medications, gels and ointments prescribed by a dermatologist for skin care according to a prescription and avoid self-medication so as not to worsen the process.
After 7-14 days, you should make an appointment for a second appointment with a dermatologist. The doctor will assess the condition of the skin, the presence / absence of complications and the need for further therapy.
Radio wave removal of a mole is a standard medical and cosmetic procedure. Great for removing nevi on the face or other sensitive areas of the body. After radio wave intervention, there are no stitches, scars or noticeable marks. The only caveat is that edema forms immediately after the procedure, but it quickly disappears without additional effort. Before removing a mole, you should consult a dermatologist to assess its general condition and exclude contraindications. Enjoy the benefits of modern medicine and be healthy.