Westfield Clinic Aesthetics - DIathermy Lesion Removal

Skin Blemish Removal

Do you have lots of skin tags you want removing? Or a combination of thread veins and a blood spot you want removing in one session?...

You can!

The price includes removal of any vascular or benign lesion if there is enough time within the slot booked. Prices start from just £75.

Skin blemish removal is a safe, effective, and quick procedure that involves the removal or reduction of skin blemishes and lesions safely. It is performed by applying a small probe which directs a small current direct to the blemish/lesion that removes/treats and cauterises it.

✓ Quick and easy procedure

✓ Low risk, accurate treatment

✓ Instant results

✓ Permanent results

We use the best equipment available, made by UK-based advanced electrolysis manufacturers.

Skin Tags *

Skin tags appear as skin colour or brown growths with a small portion of soft tissue protruding from the skin surface. Skin tags can be clear or pigmented and sizes range from a few millimeters up to 5cm wide.

Skin tags are benign skin lesions and do not cause any symptoms unless they get caught on clothing when they then cause discomfort.

Skin tags can be found on any part of the body, but are most common in the following areas: eyelids, armpits, under the breasts, groin, upper chest and neck. They are made up of blood vessels and loose collagen fibers surrounded by skin.

They are cauterised and often removed instantly during treatment, with small red marks or scabbing appearing after treatment which disappear after 7-10 days.

Thread Veins

These can be broken capillaries, but more often are permanently dilated capillaries. Both of which can be treated!

As we age, these vessels lose their elasticity and can become permanently dilated. There are numerous causes including aging, hereditary, pregnancy, the rubbing of spectacles, smoking, energetic sports, temperature extremes, harsh weather exposure, hormones, and skin fragility. They are commonly seen in a maturing 'English rose' complexion. They are pink/red in colour. During treatment some parts can dissipate immedeitaly, but often fading begins about three weeks after treatment. Typically up to three treatments may be required, although there may be a noticeable difference after just one treatment.

Thread veins on the legs we recommend Sclerotherapy.

Spider Naevus

A Spider Naevus is a central dilated blood vessel, with smaller capillaries radiating from it like the legs of a spider. They can be found in isolation or gathered together in clumps on areas such as the cheeks. Some parts can dissipate immedeitaly, but often fading begins about three weeks after treatment. Typically up to three treatments may be required, although there may be a noticeable difference after just one treatment.

Blood Spots

These are bright red vascular blemishes that lie just under the skin's surface. They are dome-shaped or slightly raised and are most common on the trunk or torso and particularly the midriff back or front. Most people aged over 30 have at least one and they are even more common in men than women.

Milia

These are tiny white hard lumps containing keratin that lie superficially under the surface of the skin. Their exact cause is unknown although they can be associated with dry skin which can be acidic or using the wrong products on the skin. The current cauterises the blemish and the contents can be removed during treatment, or sometimes the milia is reabsorbed back into the skin and then results can start to show up to a month after treatment.

Warts & Verrucas

These are various types of warts, including plane, common, seborrhoeic and verrucas. Warts can develop individually or in clusters. seborrhoeic warts become more common with increasing age and can grow up to two inches across. The treatment can be painful so we recommend our Cryotherapy for viral lesions.

Seborrhoeic Keratosis

The current is used to lift away and cauterise and scabs will appear for up to two weeks. Once these have healed, you will see that the blemish has been removed. The treatment can be painful therefore we recommend our Cryotherapy which is much more comfortable

Syringoma

The current applied will shrink the blemish. Small crusts and swellings will then appear, taking up to two weeks to heal. Several treatments may be needed, depending on the area to be treated. We’d recommend that each eye is treated at a separate appointment.

Xanthelasma

The current shrinks the blemish, small crusts and swellings will appear which will take up to 2 weeks to heal. Several sessions may be needed due to the sensitive nature of the skin where Xanthelasma appears. The condition can also tend to recur, but this can be addressed through follow-up appointments.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

People who are prone to oily skin most commonly encounter Sebaceous Hyperplasia, though it can affect people of all skin types – especially, we’ve found, shortly after they’ve returned from a holiday in the sun.

The bumps which characterise Sebaceous Hyperplasia may be white, pink, yellowish or no different in tone to the surrounding skin.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia can appear as a single small bump or a series of bumps. It’s commonly seen on the chin, forehead or chest, all areas of the body close to oil glands.

It’s quite possible that you’ll notice a little swelling immediately after Sebaceous Hyperplasia Reduction Treatment. The area we’ve treated may also appear redder than usual while healing.

Age Spot Removal

With this we do a patch test, to introduce a low current to the affected area, gently lifting the edge of the Sun Spot. If the skin tone beneath is free from discolouration, the treatment can proceed as planned. These blemishes are lifted away and cauterised, leaving small scabs that will disappear over a couple of weeks. Cryotherapy is often the preffered method however as it is much more comfortable for the patient.

Mole removal and reduction *

Moles can be removed or reduced in size and colour. Very black moles are not suitable.

Colourless moles may be left with a very slight pigmentation change to the skin in its place. The mole can be reduced by half its size in a single treatment and will continue to reduce as the scab forms and disappears, a top-up treatment is often necessary. We also use Cryotherapy for mole reduction/removal, it is often a more comfortable method for these lesions.

Mole hair

Hairs in moles can be treated. These hairs are generally deep terminal hairs, with a very rich blood supply to them. Hairs will need repeated treatments. More info and pricing for hair removal click here

FAQ

Do I need a referral?

* You need written confirmation from your GP or other licensed medical practitioners that any skin cell growths (skin tags, moles, or other forms of growth) you require to be removed are non-cancerous prior to removal (many clinics charge £100 as a consultation fee for them to check lesions are non-cancerous and then charge for the treatment on top of this fee).

How long has this method been around?

It has been used for more than 100 years to treat problems such as broken capillaries, spider naevi and warts. It has progressed dramatically with the ongoing development of modern technology and is a simple and safe technique. .

What is the science behind it?

Blemish removal has various terms including, short wave diathermy, Advanced Cosmetic Procedures (ACP) or Advanced Electrolysis/thermolysis (its not the same as electrolysis just uses the same current).

Short wave diathermy (electro-coagulation), uses an alternating current that oscillates and vibrates. This causes the water molecules found at the base of the target tissue to become irritated, heat is then produced which dries up the access moisture, living cells and the blood supply. The fluid then thickens which coagulates and destroys the target cell by means of cauterisation or decomposition.

What does it look like?

A small, pen-like device delivering diathermy heat from a disposable, sterile probe, directly to the vascular or benign lesion, effectively cauterising the tissue. A fast treatment with little downtime.

What happens on the day of treatment?

You will have a consultation to check you are suitable and any questions are answered, and then a pre-treatment photo will be taken. The area will be cleaned and the lesion will be treated. It can take around 1 to 15 minutes to remove a lesion. For example, larger tissue growths such as skin tags and moles take more time. A protective soothing product is be applied and aftercare advice is given.

Does it hurt?

It may feel like a hot sting when the probe touches the skin and as the lesion is cauterised. It usually takes 2-10 minutes per lesion, sometimes longer. There might be residual stinging for a few minutes after treatment and it will feel a little sore for some time. The area can be slightly itchy for about 10 minutes after.

What to expect after the treatment:

The area will likely look a little red and inflamed, this will usually subside fairly quickly.

With tissue growth such as moles and tags, the area will crust over, a small scab may form (occasionally a small dressing may be applied). YOU MUST NOT PICK THE SCAB. Once the small scab has naturally come away, the treated area may appear slightly pink for a few weeks. Some moles or tags will be left in situ, they will then harden and dry up and naturally fall off (do not interrupt this process) in the next week or so.

Vascular lesions initially look blanched and vanish for a day or so, the vein may darken whilst healing and then lighten up. Veins leave little in the way of crusting. Patients must be careful about exposing the treated area to sunlight after the treatment for a few weeks.

How many sessions will I need?

Often just one session, but occasionally 1-3 sessions. Larger moles and some thread veins or raised blood spots may need more.

If an individual is prone to skin tags, new skin tags may form near the area, in the future, which can also be treated.

How many lesions can be removed during the session?

As many as possible! Smaller blemishes are very quick to treat and many can be removed within the time. Larger lesions, ie large skin tags and moles can be stubborn and need longer time.

Do I need to do anything to prepare?

Bring your GP letter with you which states the skin growth (only for moles and skin tags) is non-cancerous.

Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, other anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements for 48-72 hours before treatment.

Please avoid laser treatments, skin peels and waxing on the area for two weeks before or after treatment.

Avoid creams, moisturiser, and shaving, on the area, for 24 hours before your appointment.

Do not use retinol/vitamin A, vitamin E, or aloe vera on the area, for at least a week before treatment.

Stop smoking. In particular for 4 hrs before treatment.

What is the Aftercare:

You will be given full, detailed aftercare advice on the day.

Normal skin reactions such as localised redness and swelling for up to 8 hours after treatment. A small crust/scab may form as part of the skin's natural healing process.
The area should not be washed or touched for 24 hours following treatment. Scabs must be allowed to form and if the area is washed or touched this can prevent this vital stage of skin healing from happening.
A medicated or soothing product can be used in the initial period after treatment but the area should be kept as dry to promote healing
If an abnormal reaction happens, clients should contact the clinic or their GP
Avoid use of perfumes and makeup for 24-48 hrs on the treated area
Avoid UV exposure
No heat treatments for 24-48hrs

Avoid swimming or vigorous exercise for 24-48 hrs
Avoid tight clothing on the treated area

Can I remove my own skin tag?

No! Home remedies that include tying a piece of cotton thread around the base of skin tags in the hope they fall off can often lead to infection and leave the root intact so are best avoided. Destructive creams that are often acid-based and other DIY skin tag removal can lead to bad scarring in some cases and we would advise patients to seek proper medical advice before embarking on these treatments.

Will you check if it's non-cancerous?

No, you need to obtain written confirmation from your GP or other licensed medical practitioners that any skin cell growths (skin tags, moles, or other forms of growth) you require to be removed are non-cancerous prior to removal (many clinics charge £100 as a consultation fee for them to check lesions are non-cancerous and then charge for the treatment on top of this fee).

What does it cost?

Thread/spider Veins, blood spots, and milia

Up to 15 minutes £75. Up to 30 minutes £120. Up to 45 minutes £158.

Skin Tags, Moles

Up to 15 minutes £90. Up to 30 minutes/or anal skintags £135. Up to 45 minutes £172.

A combination of vascular lesions with Skin Tags, Moles

Up to 15 minutes £90. Up to 30 minutes/or anal skintags £135. Up to 45 minutes £172.

We also have Cryotherapy as an alternative option for the following benign lesions: