Experimental treatment of eyelashes with high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery

Apart from mechanical epilation, which is a nuisance to both the patient and the ophthalmologist, standard techniques for removing unwanted eyelashes, such as electrosurgery (Hyfrecator) and cryosurgery, may cause eyelid tissue damage and other complications. Refinements in electrosurgical techniques have enabled production of a machine that can provide high-frequency radio waves with a modification of the waveform to produce a blended cut-coagulation effect (Ellman Surgitron). Treatment of hairs in fresh calf skin with the Ellman Surgitron resulted in destruction of the germinal cells of the hair follicle, with only a small amount of tissue change lateral to the track of the electrode; the Hyfrecator caused total sloughing of the epithelial cells, with marked superficial tissue changes due to heat spread. In six eyelids of six patients undergoing eyelid excision the Ellman Surgitron was effective in causing destruction of the germinal cells of the hair follicle, with very little lateral heat spread in the tissues or destruction of the skin epithelial cells. As well, there was no tissue damage anywhere near the conjunctival surface.