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Radio Wave Skin Surgery
What is radio wave surgery?
Radio waves are a band of wavelengths that can be used for skin surgery. They are high frequency wavelengths that generate minimal heat. The wavelength that is optimal for skin surgery is a frequency of 4.0 megahertz (MHz), which is similar to the frequency of marine band radios. This wavelength when channeled through an electrode tip, can cut the skin as well as simultaneously coagulate blood to produce a bloodless incision. Also, as it has minimal heat generated, surrounding tissues are unaffected.
In comparison to the traditional method of skin excision with a scalpel, there are many advantages of using radio waves to incise skin or remove skin lesions.Traditionally, skin incisions for surgery or skin lesion removal is done with a scalpel. Incisions made this way tend to bleed and leave more scarring. The advantages of radio wave surgery include;
- No pressure required to make an incision - ie it can be more precise
- Simultaneous blood coagulation whilst cutting
- Incisions are bacteria free
- The scarring produced is usually less than scalpel incisions
- Safety higher than using scalpels
- Enhanced healing, with less swelling, bleeding, pain and infection afterwards in comparison to scalpel incisions
- Can be used to shave back skin lesions so no stitches are required, and no scars are left
- Cosmetically superior results to scalpel incisions
What can radio wave surgery be used for?
Radio wave surgery can be used to make skin incisions or to remove skin lesions such as benign naevi (moles), warts, seborrhoeic keratosis (benign skin lesion), and skin tags.
Its use in the removal of benign skin lesions is useful as the skin lesion can be gradually shaved down until the level of the skin is reached. Therefore, much less scarring is left than if the lesion were to be removed by incising through the skin with a scalpel. It is also still possible to send part of the lesion off for pathological diagnosis after radio wave surgery.
It is also commonly used for making incisions where a bloodless field is important. For example, it is commonly used for making the incisions required in blepharoplasty (eyelid reduction surgery).
What does radio wave skin lesion removal involve?
The first step is to have a consultation with one of our doctors. They will make an assessment of whether the lesion is suitable for treatment with radio wave surgery or not.
A small amount of local anaesthetic is injected into the base of the lesion. The radio wave electrode tip is then brushed over the top of the lesion, removing it layer at a time. As mentioned previously, a part of the lesion may be sent to pathology for assessment.
In some cases, where extra precision is required, an erbium laser can be used to remove the final few slices of the lesion that are close to the skin after the majority of the lesion has been removed with radio wave surgery. The erbium laser ablates or removes extremely fine layers of the skin lesion.
Usually no dressing is required after the treatment, however, we do usually apply a small strip of skin coloured tape to the area to help protect the area treated.
The recovery time is approximately 7 to 10 days in most cases. During this time, the skin may appear slightly red.
How much does radio wave surgery cost?
At The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, the first lesion removed per session is $200 inc GST, and each lesion after that is $100 inc GST.
Why choose The Victorian Cosmetic Institute as your provider of radio wave surgery?
Our doctors are highly experienced and skilled in the use of radio wave surgery. As a result, we will be able to recommend you of your suitability for the treatment, and provide the best treatment possible for you.
