What to expect from curettage and cautery for pyogenic granuloma

A pyogenic granuloma is a small, easily bleeding skin growth. After local anaesthetic numbs the treatment area, the clinician gently scrapes away the growth with a curette. Cautery then uses heat or another energy source to treat the base and reduce bleeding. A dressing may cover the site. The removed tissue may be sent for laboratory examination when the clinician wants to confirm the diagnosis.

The treated spot can look raw, darker, or crusted before new skin forms. Healing depends on the size and location of the growth. A mark can remain, particularly if the lesion was large or repeatedly irritated.

Follow the dressing instructions you receive. Keep the area clean, avoid picking the crust, and protect it from rubbing or knocks. Wash your hands before touching the dressing or applying any recommended ointment. If the site is on a hand, foot, or another area that gets wet or dirty, ask how to protect it during normal activities.

A small amount of oozing can occur soon after treatment. Apply firm, continuous pressure with clean gauze if advised; repeatedly lifting the gauze can disturb a forming clot. Keep follow-up appointments so the clinician can check healing and confirm whether further treatment is needed.

Seek prompt medical advice if bleeding continues despite sustained pressure, or if the area becomes increasingly swollen, hot, painful, or starts producing pus. Contact the treating clinician if the growth returns, because regrowth can need reassessment rather than repeated self-treatment. Fever, spreading redness, or feeling unwell after the procedure also warrants medical review.

Ask whether the growth will be examined after removal, how long to keep the dressing on, which ointment is suitable, and how the expected scar may change over time.