Radio-surgery utilises radio waves in the same way that a laser utilises light waves. The energy of the radio-frequency is focussed through a probe to act on the tissue. This can be used to either cut or coagulate tissue, and has applications in the removal of epidermal and intradermal lesions and vascular abnormalities, for epilation, and vaporisation of subcutaneous deposits of fat or sebaceous material.

The machine itself is small, light and easily portable, having attachments that are sterilisable by autoclaving. It is non dangerous, but has the capacity to interfere with other electrical appliances that utilise radio-frequencies.

In the case of removal of skin lesions, because the entire thickness of the skin is not removed, there are significant cosmetic advantages over surgery. The radio-surgical device seals as it cuts the tissue, minimising bleeding, and leaving a smooth surface not unlike that of a ruptured blister, which heals over usually without scarring. No stitching is required, and the procedure is quick and simple.

For epilation, a needle attached to the probe is inserted to the hair follicle and the follicle exposed to a short but destructive pulse of the frequency, after which the hair should slide out. Hairs destroyed in this way are thought to be destroyed permanently, similar to the technique of electrolysis, but in a more specific and painless fashion.

Vascular lesions can be safely and effectively obliterated through radiosurgery, with minimal discomfort and no risk of damage to distant tissues. Many other skin problems can be attended to using radiosurgery, including sebaceous and other cysts, blackheads, freckles and birthmarks. Aftercare is simple, since only a thin layer of skin is generally affected, and sometimes the evidence of the intervention is merely a needle prick. The same care that one would afford a superficial graze or blister is all that is required to allow radio-surgical sites to heal satisfactorily. In general, radio-surgery is a safe, reliable, and long established tool that allows the doctor to perform bloodless removal of many lesions without the use of a scalpel or stitching. [Back to top]