LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Dr. Lam,

I know your default approach to mole removal is excision with careful follow up. I was wondering if by chance you use any radiowave-type removal devices (e.g. Ellman Surgitron)? This doesn't appear to be common approach but there are a handful of doctors in the U.S. (and many overseas) using this procedure and the results seem very impressive -- especially the very minimal scarring. Apparently normal burning techniques (or laser) can leave a decent scar, whereas the radiowave devices have little effect on surrounding skin. (There are lots of before/after pics from credible docs out there; also some YouTube videos showing the actual process).

In any case, just wondered what your thoughts are on this technology (if you are familiar with it / happen to offer it). Thank you very much.

the ellman is nothing more than an electrocautery unit. i do use a fine instrument to burn off shallow moles but this really does not work well for a really raised mole because you will miss the deeper portion. for the raised moles, many times i burn it off first and let the skin contract. sometimes that buys me a few millimeters for the incision but most likely i still need to make the incision. for very shallow ones, as mentioned, i am able to oftentimes avoid an incision and go with one or two rounds of burning to accomplish the task. one should always be prepared for possible excision though in any case.