Electrosurgical skin incision versus conventional scalpel: a prospective trial

A controlled clinical study comparing skin incision by conventional scalpel with electrosurgical needle incision has shown the latter technique to be highly effective, consistently quicker, and to give better cosmetic results with minimal complications. It is a convenient technique and well tolerated by the patients with no added discomfort. Skin diathermy burns and wound haematomas were only seen after conventional scalpel incision. Fears of delayed wound healing, keloid formation and high infection rates are unfounded.