What is Radiofrequency (RF) surgery?
Radiofreqeuency surgery is a skin surgical procedure used for treatment of skin lesions by using various forms of alternating current at an ultra high frequency with the help of radiofrequency machine. It is also popularly known as "poor man's laser" or "cold cautery".

What skin conditions can be treated with RF?

• Removal of skin tags, warts
• Excision of cysts and abscesses
• Treatment of cholesterol spots
• Treatment of Freckles (small brown colored spots on face).
• Skin biopsy
• Mole removal
• Scar revision
• Treatment of dilated visible vessels on skin
• Ear lobe repair
• Electrolysis for unwanted hair removal
• Surgery of all kinds of skin growth
• For bleeding control in skin surgeries with coagulation mode

Is anesthesia required for Radiofrequency surgery?
Local anesthesia is given before most radiosurgical procedures. Removal of skin tags however may be done without local anesthesia depending on the tolerance of the patient.

Is the surgery painful?
No, since the surgery is done under local anesthesia , it is not painful.

What are the Advantages?
RF is a simple, safe procedure. It has a coagulation mode which can be used during surgery for bleeding control, so the time required for the surgery is less.
There are fewer side effects and complications. The results achieved are good.

Can RF surgery be done on all the patients?
RF surgery is avoided in unstable cardiac (Heart) patients and in the treatment of the lesions of the skin overlying a pacemaker.

For more information on subject refer to original article written by Dr. Silonie Sachdeva in Indian journal of Dermatology Year : 2007  |  Volume : 52  |  Issue : 3  |  Page : 134-137.