Curettage

Curettage is a highly effective skin cancer treatment that meticulously removes abnormal lesions using a sharp, oval-shaped instrument called a curette. This precise procedure is frequently employed to treat various types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. After curettage, a dermatologist will use electrocautery to burn away any remaining abnormal cells, ensuring comprehensive treatment and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

The outcomes of curettage are highly favorable. This minimally invasive procedure typically results in minimal scarring and a quick recovery time. Patients often experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, with most returning to their daily activities shortly thereafter. Curettage is especially beneficial for treating smaller, superficial skin cancers, offering a reliable and effective solution for eliminating cancerous cells while preserving healthy surrounding tissue.

For optimal results and personalized care, consult with our experienced providers at Dermatology Affiliates. We tailor the treatment to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome. Schedule your total body skin exam today to start your journey to healthy skin.

• Benign Lesion Removal: Effectively removes benign skin issues like warts and cysts for cosmetic improvement.
• Diagnostic Tool: Provides a sample for accurate diagnosis, aiding in identifying skin conditions.
• Skin Cancer Treatment: Minimally invasive option for superficial skin cancers, offering simplicity and effectiveness resulting in minimal scarring.
• Outpatient Convenience: Typically performed on an outpatient basis, curettage allows for a swift return home with minimal downtime.

Dermatologists expertly use curettage to treat various skin conditions. They diagnose and treat benign growths like warts and cysts, utilizing curettage for removal when necessary.

For suspicious or potentially cancerous lesions, the providers at Dermatology Affiliates may perform curettage as part of a biopsy procedure, providing a sample for laboratory analysis. Curettage is also an effective treatment option for certain superficial skin cancers.

Discover the benefits of curettage and electrocautery at Dermatology Affiliates, where our skilled practitioners are dedicated to delivering exceptional care. Schedule your Total Body Skin Exam today.

After the curettage procedure, your provider will put a dressing on the area. It’s important that this dressing stays on for 24 hours following the procedure and that it does not get wet. 

After 24 hours, it’s time to change the dressing. First, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Then, remove the old dressing and gently wash the site with soap and warm water. It’s crucial that you do not scrub or scratch the site. Next, pat the area dry, cover it with a thick ointment, and apply a bandage.

During your curettage recovery period, make sure to not submerge the area until the site is completely healed. Furthermore, avoid taking blood thinners, as the area may occasionally bleed after you leave the clinic.