Topic Overview

Electrocautery is the use of a low-voltage electrical charge to burn off a growth. The electrical charge travels through the tip of a needle to the growth. It can be an effective way to remove a seborrheic keratosis. But it is not effective for removing large numbers of keratoses.

This procedure usually can be done in your doctor's office. An injection of a numbing medicine (local anesthetic) should help control pain. Healing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the treated area.

Electrocautery can leave a scar and may permanently lighten dark skin.