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For the most part, the electrodesiccating current is used for the removal of superficial rather than deep-seated growths and of benign rather than malignant lesions. Hence cosmetic considerations are of great importance.
The development of a hypertrophic scar after operation defeats the purpose (cosmetic improvement) for which the operation was attempted. Many practitioners feel that the formation of scars is a matter beyond their control, that the tendency for hypertrophic scars to develop represents an idiosyncrasy on the subject's Dart.
As a result of practical experience, I believe that the development of hypertrophic scars after electrodesiccation can be largely prevented (this does not apply to keloids, which are obvious idiosyncrasies). Frequent use of this modality has taught me that the formation of hypertrophic scars usually results from improper technic. Rapid, intense destruction of a lesion with a very hot spark seems to be almost always followed by a large, thick,