Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in which various forms of alternating currents are used to manage and cure skin lesions surgically.

What are the indications of Radiofrequency ablation?

RFA can be used in following conditions:

• In treatment of Infectious lesions like, Molluscum contagiosm and warts.
• In treatment of xanthelasma and xanthomas.
• In treatment of benign skin lesions like, skin tags, keloids,acne, angiomas, dermatitis papulose nigra, freckles, navei, syringomas and pyogenic granuloma.
• In treatment of senile conditions like, lentigines and keratosis.
• In treatment of malignant skin tumours like, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
• In nail procedures like surgical haemostasis of ingrown toenail.
• In cosmetic indications like, mole removal, scar revision, earlobe repair.
• In Diagnostic procedures like, skin biopsy and excision of abscesses and cysts.

What is the principle of RF ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation works on the principle of generating oscillating radio waves by increasing the frequency and voltage and decreasing the amperage of the current at the same time. These radio waves can be modified to molecular energy before they reach the lesion that causes degeneration of extra and intra cellular proteins.
The equipment comprises of a radio surgical unit, a groundplate, foot switch and a hand piece. The hand piece comes with various attachments. RF uses various waveform modalities to create different effects on target tissue.Various modalities used in RF are:

• Electro section:A smooth cutting current is produced by fully filtered and rectified waveform which is used to produce electro section. This waveform causes minimum tissue destruction owing to least lateral spread.
• Electrocoagulation:Here partially rectified waveform is used to cause deep tissue destruction and electrocoagulation. It finds is use in instant haemostasis and treatment of vascular lesions.
• Electrodessication and electrofulguration: A markedly dampened current is used here to cause superficial tissue destruction. The lateral spread of heat and residual tissue damage is maximum in this modality. In fulguration the electrode is placed at a distance from the tissue while in electrodessication, the tissue is touched with the electrode.

How does RFA treatment performed ?

Skin lesion and surrounding site will be cleaned with normal saline or betadine. Use of topical or local anaesthetic before the procedure makes is comfortable for the patient. With required setting of power, lesion will be treated in above mentioned method according to skin lesion. After treatment of lesion, topical antibiotic will be applied.

How much time RFA treatment take?

Few lesions may take 10-15 minutes but if number of lesions is more then more time can be required to treat all the lesions in one session.

What are the advantages of RFA?

Following are the advantages of RFA:

• It is a simple procedure.
• It provides simultaneous haemostasis during the procedure.
• It is versatile and has wide applications.
• It is safe and has very low risk profile.
• It can be easily combined with other modalities like cryotherapy and lasers.
• For some skin problems it is one of permanent solution.

What precautions should be taken during RFA?

Following precautions should be observed:

• RFA should not be performed in heart patients with pacemakers.
• Special caution should be exercised for lesions near eye.
• The patient should be in contact with the ground plate during the procedure.
• While working with lesions infected with HPV, use of surgical masks and eye protection gear is indicated.

What happens after RFA treatment for Skin lesions?

Edema, redness or pain resolve in next few hours. Crust/scab formation will happen in next 2-3 days which need to be keep moist. Gradually this scab will detach from skin and fall down in 5-7 days. Patient need to apply topical antibiotic regularly. Sometimes oral antibiotics are also given if lesion is large or sites are prone to get infections.

What are the side effects associated with RFA?

Common side effects associated with RFA are:

• Pain, edema, mild bleeding can occur just after procedure which settle down in few hours post procedure.
• Infection if no proper wound care has been taken in next 5-7 days of treatment.
• Undesirable pigmentary changes, scarring or keloid formation in cases of very large lesions

Why Should I choose Dr.Kothiwala’s SkinEva Clinic?

There are many reasons which give Dr.Kothiwala’s SkinEva Clinic an edge over other skin clinics:

• You will have a detailed consultation with the best dermatologist in Jaipur, Dr.Sunil Kothiwala.
• Your treatment regimen will be customised to your needs and convivence.
• RFA treatments are conducted by Dr.Sunil Kothiwala.
• Review sessions are available for conditions with high recurrence

For more information on Radiofrequency Ablation or to inquire about other services please contact us on 7669571405.