What to expect from electrosurgery for seborrheic keratosis

A seborrheic keratosis is a common, usually harmless growth with a waxy or stuck-on appearance. A clinician examines it before treatment; a lesion that looks unusual may need a different assessment rather than routine cosmetic removal. Once the target is confirmed, local anaesthetic numbs the skin and an electrical instrument treats the surface or base of the growth.

The site may become red, tender, swollen, or crusted. It can look darker before it becomes lighter, and a temporary pale or dark mark may remain after healing. Treatment removes the selected growth, but it does not stop other seborrheic keratoses from appearing.

Wash and cover the area according to the clinician’s instructions. Avoid picking, shaving across, or exfoliating the crust. Use sun protection once the surface has healed, because recently treated skin can develop a more noticeable colour change after sun exposure. Follow the review plan if the diagnosis was uncertain or the lesion was sent for laboratory assessment.

Seek advice if bleeding persists, pain worsens, or the site becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen, or foul-smelling. Pus, fever, spreading redness, or a wound that is not healing needs prompt assessment. Arrange review for a remaining or changing growth instead of assuming it is a recurrent seborrheic keratosis.

Ask how the lesion was identified, whether a sample is needed, what scar or colour change is possible, how to dress the site, and when to return if any part of the growth remains.