Thermocoagulation is a non-invasive and safe procedure used to treat unwanted skin anomalies and skin blemishes. The treatment utilizes high-frequency current, or microwaves, to destroy the affected vein. A fine needle is used to apply current on the affected veins only. Thus, non-affected areas will not be damaged. Heat causes the vein to collapse and reduce its appearance.
Some skin anomalies that thermocoagulation can treat include:
- Liver spots or age spots or sunspots (dark spots caused by exposure to the sun, usually appear as people age
- Skin tags (flat or protruding flesh-colored area on the skin)
- Spider veins (small, twisted, and branched blood vessels often found on the face or legs)
- Freckles (small brown spots on the skin caused by overproduction of melanin)
- Milia skin (small white bumps usually found around the eyes and nose caused by trapped skin flakes or keratin)
- Cherry angiomas or Campbell de Morgon spots (non-cancer red dots on the skin caused by abnormal proliferation of blood vessels)
What causes skin anomalies?
Most skin anomalies are genetically linked. Usually, they appear as people age. Frequent and unprotected exposure to the sun may also result in skin anomalies.
Benefits of a thermocoagulation treatment include:
- Thermocoagulation is a non-invasive treatment. This means that no incision or actual removal of the tissue will be performed.
- There is little to no risk of scarring. The treatment only works on the uppermost layers of the skin.
- It is fast and effective. You may see results immediately.
- After treatment, there is little to no chance of recurrence in the same area.
- Thermocoagulation can treat sensitive areas like the face, nose, ankles, and knees.
How does thermocoagulation work?
The procedure uses a fine needle to transport high-frequency current to the affected area. The heat produced by the current coagulates the blood and collapses the vein wall. The body heals and regenerates typically within 3 to 21 days.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the area to be treated. On average, each session lasts about fifteen to thirty minutes. One to three sessions are usually enough to effectively treat most conditions.
Does it hurt?
Thermocoagulation is relatively pain-free for most patients.
What happens after the treatment?
On the affected area, redness can be observed after the treatment. Scabs may also form. But there is no need to worry. These are small and will fall off on their own during the healing period.
After treatment:
- Refrain from touching the treated area.
- Use a mild cleanser to clean the treated area.
- Gently clean using your fingers.
- If the area feels hot or irritated, apply a cold compress.
- Apply moisturizing or healing cream as prescribed by our physicians.
- Do not engage in any strenuous activity within 48 hours after getting the treatment.
- Do not go to saunas or swimming pools within 48 hours after getting the treatment.
- Always use a sunblock or avoid sun exposure.
Can anyone get a thermocoagulation treatment?
No. Thermocoagulation is not suggested for people with diabetes, epilepsy, and pregnant women. Also, those who have a pacemaker, and on anticoagulation medicine are not advised to undergo thermocoagulation.