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Seborrhoeic keratosis treatment

Same Day Availability

Yes. Available same day for those who have received a quote.

Local anaesthetic

Cream/Injection +/- Gas and Air

Appointment length (approx.)

Main Procedure – 60 minutes. Follow Up – 30 minutes (if needed)

Recovery & aftercare

Continue with your day, minimising physical activity. Learn more.

Fees

From £550. Learn more.

Locations

Journey Overview

For patients who have filled out a pre-appointment questionnaire before booking and received a quote will be available for same day hyfrecation treatment.

#1 Pre-Appointment Questionnaire

Your journey starts by filling out our pre-appointment questionnaire. If you are interested in having your treatment on the same day as your consultation, we will ask you to submit photos along with the form.

#2 Receive a Quote

Once you have submitted your questionnaire and photos, our clinical team will review them. Following this review, we will provide you with a quote for the procedure ahead of your appointment.

#3 Consultation

During your in-person consultation, we will assess the area and discuss the hyfrecation procedure with you. This is the dedicated time to address any of your questions. We find that many patients have already been diagnosed elsewhere and are primarily seeking an effective treatment option.

#4 Procedure

If you decide to proceed, the treatment can typically be performed on the same day. We use local anaesthetic (either a numbing cream or an injection) to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once the area is completely numb, the lesions are carefully removed using hyfrecation, which leaves behind smooth skin with minimal downtime.

#5 Follow Up

One follow-up appointment within 4 weeks is included with your treatment. This allows us to assess the healing process and manage any remaining lesions. After your procedure, we will also provide you with an aftercare pack that includes skin wipes and gauze.

Our Method of Treatment

While Hyfrecation has been an established treatment method for over 80 years, it is less well-known than Laser in the UK for treating skin lesions. Hyfrecation is a minor surgical procedure that uses electrocautery to burn off skin lesions, resulting in their immediate clearance. Carried out under local anaesthesia, Hyfrecation is a very safe and effective procedure. To achieve the best results, a touch-up may sometimes be needed a couple of weeks later.

The procedure leaves a small, raw area which typically heals within a few days. As with any medical procedure, it is essential to be aware of possible side effects. Potential short-term side effects include bleeding, bruising, soreness, and infection. Long-term side effects are rare but can include changes in skin colour, scarring, the development of neuralgic pain, or a loss of sensation in the treated area.

Learn more about hyfrecation here. And click here for hyfrecation aftercare.

 

Eligibility

Best For

Cosmetic removal due to impact on confidence, lifestyle, or relationships. Medical reasons like frequent bleeding, rapid growth, or itching.

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

Safe to perform during pregnancy.

Menstruation

Safe to perform during menstruation/bleeding.

Prior/Repeat Use

Yes, treatment is suitable even if you have had prior, unsuccessful procedures like laser.

Do NOT use if

You have an active genital skin infection (e.g., herpes outbreak, eczema). Your diabetes or blood pressure is not under control.

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Avoid/Discuss if

E.g. your lesions keep coming back.

Patient Feedback

FAQs

Can Seborrhoeic keratosis be cured?

Seborrhoeic keratosis is a harmless condition, and although the lesions can be removed for cosmetic reasons, new lesions are likely to arise. There is no known way of stopping new lesions from appearing.

Does Seborrhoeic keratosis have to be treated?

Seborrhoeic keratosis is a benign (non-cancerous) condition that does not medically require treatment. However many people choose to have these lesions removed for cosmetic reasons, or if the lesions become irritated or inflamed.

Why have Seborrhoeic keratosis treated?

Seborrhoeic keratosis can be perceived as unsightly, particularly if on the face, neck or genitalia, and cause significant psychological distress. Some people choose to have their SK removed for cosmetic reasons or to improve self-esteem.

However, if these lesions do not concern you, then there is no need for treatment.

What are the treatment options for Seborrhoeic keratosis?

While treatment is not usually required, there are several options available for those who opt for removal of Seborrhoeic keratosis. The right treatment choice will depend on the size, number, thickness and distribution of the lesions, and the expertise of the clinician.

At Clarewell Clinics, we utilise Hyfrecation (or electro-cautery) for the treatment of Seborrhoeic keratosis.

How effective is the treatment for Seborrhoeic keratosis?

Treatment with Hyfrecation is almost 100% effective at producing immediate removal of the lesions. Results with cryotherapy are less consistent and often require multiple treatment sessions. The lesions which do not respond to cryotherapy can be treated with other treatment modalities.

How long does the treatment take to work?

Hyfrecation, Laser and Excision result in immediate removal of the lesions, and it takes a few days for the treated area to heal completely.

Are there any side effects?

Most patients do not experience any side effects apart from slight discomfort for a day or so. Pain, soreness and swelling of the treated area, change in skin colour and scarring are rare side effects.

Can I get Seborrhoeic keratosis again?

The number of Keratoses a person has typically increases with age, so it is likely that you will develop further lesions following the removal of a lesion. This is a normal part of ageing, and you may or may not choose to have new lesions removed.

What happens if I don’t get treated?

Seborrhoeic keratosis is not harmful and does not usually cause any adverse effects if not treated, and in fact, treatment is not medically advised unless the lesions are particularly irritated or causing significant psychological distress.

Is there anything I can do at home if I have Seborrhoeic keratosis?

There are no known effective home remedies to remove Seborrhoeic keratosis. If you find a keratosis is itchy or irritated, a simple emollient may be useful to relieve irritation.

Fees

Genital Dermatology Consultation - £150

Genital Dermatology Consultation + Main Procedure + Follow Up - From £550

Local anaesthetic (by injection or cream depending on the lesions) is also included in the price.

Follow up (within 4 weeks) - 1x Included

By default, patients 1x follow up visit is included in the quote we offer you. In some complex cases, we may offer an additional follow up visit (this will be clarified in your quote/consultation).

Payment Options

Self Pay - by Cash/Card, but not American Express

Health insurance - via a self reimbursement policy

ClarePay/Klarna - a payment plan to split the cost over 4 payments.

Next Steps

Care In Clinic

Same day hyfrecation treatment for patients with a pre-appointment quote.

Care Online

Start or continue your care online.

Page last reviewed by Dr. Manoj Malu 1 April 2022 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.