Hyfrecation is a minor surgical procedure designed for the precise removal of unwanted skin lesions. It utilizes high-frequency, low-voltage electricity, delivered through a fine needle tip, to burn off and disintegrate tissue without cutting or sutures. This method is commonly used to treat conditions such as genital warts, skin tags, Molluscum contagiosum, and Fordyce spots. The procedure offers immediate clearance of lesions with minimal downtime and scarring. It is considered a safe option, even during pregnancy, and is often recommended when other treatments have failed or are not tolerated. A local anaesthetic ensures comfort during the procedure, which results in a small wound that heals over a few weeks. Hyfrecation is distinct from electrocautery and laser therapy, typically causing less damage to surrounding tissue and being a more targeted approach for specific dermatological removals.
Conditions Treated by Hyfrecation
Methods of Pain Relief
Numbing Cream
Numbing cream is a topical anesthetic used to alleviate discomfort during hyfrecation procedures. Applied directly to the skin before treatment, the cream temporarily numbs the surface area. It contains active ingredients that work by blocking local nerve signals, a process that prevents pain sensations from reaching the brain and helps to reduce overall discomfort.
By Injection
For deeper anesthesia, an injection anesthetic is administered during a hyfrecation procedure. This local anesthetic is injected directly into the area being treated, numbing the underlying tissues and nerves by blocking pain signals at the site. While those with sensitive skin may feel a slight, brief discomfort from the injection, this feeling subsides very quickly.
FAQs
Hyfrecation is a minor surgical procedure that works by burning off unwanted skin lesions. Hyfrecation is powered by high frequency, low voltage electricity to remove unwanted tissue in a controlled and precise way. Hyfrecation is frequently used to remove skin lesions such as Genital warts, Skin tags, Molluscum contagiosum and other genital skin conditions like PPP, Vestibular Papillomatosis (VP), and Fordyce spots.
Hyfrecation is able to immediately clear these lesions without the need for cutting or suturing.
High frequency, low voltage electricity passes through the tip of the hyfrecator to remove the unwanted lesions. A small needle is placed onto the lesion and uses electrical current to remove the unwanted tissue.
Once treated, there will be a small wound at the site of removal which will heal and become flatter in a few days to a few weeks based on how large the lesions are.
A patch test is recommended for treating Sebaceous hyperplasia and Fordyce spots.
The test involves treating a small, inconspicuous area of the genitals during the first visit, which is then reviewed 4-6 weeks later. If the results are satisfactory, patients can proceed with the full procedure.
Hyfrecation and electrocautery are medical procedures that use electrical current to treat tissue. Hyfrecation uses a high-frequency current to disintegrate tissue, while electrocautery uses a low-frequency current to burn or cut tissue.
Hyfrecation is typically less invasive and causes less damage to the surrounding tissue than electrocautery. Additionally, hyfrecation is often used in dermatology, while electrocautery is more commonly used in surgery.
In contrast to hyfrecation and electrocautery, laser therapy uses a beam of focused light to destroy the targeted cells. Laser therapy can be used to treat a wider variety of skin conditions. However, laser therapy is often more expensive and may require several treatments to achieve the desired result.
You can learn more about the differences between Hyfrecation, Laser & Cryotherapy here.
Hyfrecation is suitable for the removal of almost all genital skin conditions and lesions.
At times, we may come across lesions which are best treated in a hospital setting. If this is the case, we will advise you accordingly.
- When other treatment methods have not been successful.
- When other treatment methods have not been tolerated well.
- When other treatment methods cannot be used (e.g. in pregnancy)
- When immediate removal of skin conditions and/or lesions is desired.
- When minimal scarring and downtime is preferred.
Yes, you can have hyfrecation if you have tried other treatment options before.
You can have hyfrecation again if you have had it before.
Those with uncontrolled arrhythmia, hypotension (less than 90/50 mm Hg), or uncontrolled hypertension, and those who have had a stroke within the last 6 months are advised against having hyfrecation.
Hyfrecation is not recommended if you have an implantable defibrillator or a pacemaker.
If you are on your period, you can still have hyfrecation treatment as long as the bleeding is not heavy and the lesions can be seen.
Yes. Hyfrecation is a safe treatment option for pregnant patients.
We recommend that you do the following before your appointment:
- Have a shower on the day of your appointment to reduce the risk of infection.
- Have a meal in the morning of the procedure.
- Take 2 paracetamol tablets, 1 hour before your appointment time for pain relief.
- Trim pubic area so that the lesions can be easily seen (where appropriate). Do not shave.
We recommend that you drive or use public transportation to attend your appointment and to get home. Cycling is not recommended.
You should be able to return to your normal day after the procedure, as long as your job is not physically demanding.
You can bring your partner, friend or family member to your appointment.
However, if you feel that you would rather not bring someone to the appointment, rest assured that our staff are here to support you and make you comfortable in any way possible. Clarewell Clinics is a safe space.
You do not need to make any special arrangements for your procedure. However, if you would feel more comfortable, you may request a family member, friend, or partner to accompany you on the way home.
We recommend that you drive or use public transportation to attend your appointment and to get home. Cycling is not recommended.
Once you have arrived, we will invite you in for the initial consultation.
During the consultation, we will discuss the procedure, go through the consent form, answer any questions or concerns, and perform an examination. Once you have been examined, we apply the local anaesthetic.
If you are suitable for the numbing cream, we will allow you to apply the cream in privacy. Once the numbing cream has activated (approximately within 30-45 minutes), we will confirm the total numbness of the skin and proceed with the hyfrecation treatment.
If you are suitable for an anaesthetic injection, you will be able to begin your procedure within a few seconds to a minute. In some cases, it may be suitable for you to have both the anaesthetic cream and the injection.
After the procedure, we will offer you aftercare advice and give you an aftercare pack with some items to help with the recovery.
Your clinician will confirm the total numbness of skin before undertaking the procedure.
Please alert your clinician if you do feel pain or discomfort. You are able to have more local anaesthetic, and take a break if needed.
Yes, absolutely you can. Please let us know at the time of your booking (or upon arrival) so that we are ready to accommodate your wishes.
You may experience a little soreness at the operated site. This is completely normal and standard painkillers can help with this. You are able to continue with your daily life as soon as you leave the clinic.
We recommend all patients have a thorough read of the information above as it will help with key questions.
If you think that something is wrong, please request a follow up call by contacting our clinic.
It is advised to abstain from sex and avoid masturbation until healing is complete (approx. 1-2 weeks). Having intercourse during the healing process can increase the risk of infection, scarring or bleeding.
You will be offered a follow-up appointment within 4-6 weeks after the procedure. This is to ensure that all the lesions have been treated and that you are happy with the procedure.
This will also give you a chance to ask any further questions that you may have.
Your lesions will be cleared straight away, however, the skin will take time to heal. Your clinician will be able to explain this in more detail.
We will treat the lesions very carefully so that it will not be apparent to anyone that you had anything treated.
Hyfrecation at Clarewell Clinics starts from £550 (£150 for the consultation + from £400 for the procedure itself). As a routine, we like patients to know exactly how much the treatment will cost them before they book an appointment with us. As such, you simply need to fill out this link to receive a quote.
It's important to note that insurance coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the reason for the procedure. We encourage you to reach out to your insurance company directly to inquire about the coverage, and we'll do our best to assist you along the way.
Unfortunately, our prices for Hyfrecation are fixed and we don't offer any negotiations.
We have recently started to provide payment plans for Hyfrecation procedures. You can learn more here: https://clarewellclinics.co.uk/our-fees/payment-plans/.
The quote we offer you includes a follow up appointment to address any residual lesions (esp. in those with more complex cases) and make sure that everything has healed well.
In the case of diagnostic uncertainty or suspicious growths, a biopsy +/- HPV test can be offered.
Additionally, it's important to note that STI tests, if necessary, are not included in the fee.
Next Steps
Care In Clinic
Same day hyfrecation treatment for patients with a pre-appointment quote.
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Page last reviewed by Magdalena Nowacka and Dr Manoj Malu on 30 June 2023 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.