Laser wart removal

Laser wart removal is a surgical procedure that uses an intense beam of light to burn and therefore destroy the wart tissue. Laser surgery performed to remove warts typically uses what’s called a, pulse dye laser. Another type of laser therapy involves the use of a carbon dioxide laser, although a carbon dioxide laser typically results in a greater amount of scarring. Wart removal performed with a pulse dye laser is typically done in the doctors office using local or general anesthetic. In some cases small warts may be removed without the use of anesthesia.

Laser wart removal, or any other surgical procedure for wart removal, is typically done only after nonsurgical methods have failed. There are many treatments available to use in the privacy of your own home. Home treatments that are effective for most wart removals include treatment with salicylic acid, nonprescription cryotherapy, and what’s known as tape occlusion, which involves starving the wart for oxygen by covering it with a waterproof adhesive tape. Home treatments for wart removal are successful with 75 to 85% of cases.

Cryotherapy is more commonly thought to be a procedure performed in your doctors office. However, there are over the counter nonprescription cryotherapy treatments available to be used in your home. These treatments typically involve combining two chemicals then using an applicator pressed against the wart for a few seconds. This method is not suitable for young children or for women that are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Salicylic acid is probably the most common over-the-counter nonprescription medicine available for wart removal. There are a number of wart removal compounds that contained salicylic acid as the active ingredient, the most common of which is compound W. Other brands containing salicylic acid are, Occlusal, and Salacid.

If home treatment for wart removal is unsuccessful your doctor was most likely suggest other treatments before suggesting laser wart removal. One method used by dermatologists is a prescription strength cryotherapy. Cryotherapy performed by your doctor typically uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. Cryotherapy can be slightly painful for some patients, however there is usually very little scarring.

Another common procedure performed by dermatologist is electro-surgery and curettage. Electrosurgery works by burning the wart with an electrical current. Which is followed up by cutting the wart off with a sharp spoon shaped knife. Typically those two procedures are used in conjunction as one treatment. These treatments can be painful and a local anesthetic is commonly used for the prevention of pain.

Of all the treatments available for wart removal, laser wart removal is generally the last method recommended by your doctor. The reason for this is cost. Wart removal performed with a laser is more costly than most other methods. With prices ranging from $50-$100 for each laser session. Most warts require 2 to 3 sessions for complete removal, with three sessions being the most common.

If you’ve opted to have your wart surgically removed with a laser, there are a few things you need to be aware of. First, after the laser surgery is performed, the wound will be painful for the next few days. It’s important that you contact your doctor immediately if bleeding last more than a week. Also, if a fever develops combined with a bad smelling discharge this might indicate an infection. There is always the possibility of infection associated with any type of surgery. Signs of infection would include, reddish streaks extending from the wart removal area, any type of discharge, swelling, redness, or increased pain. Developing a fever with no apparent other cause might also be an indication of infection. Very important to keep to avoid area clean after surgery to help prevent infection.

Laser wart removal is known to be a safe and effective means of ridding yourself of unsightly warts. The benefits of which include, little risk of scarring, the use of local anesthetic. The drawbacks include, a much greater expense than other methods. You should always talk over all treatment options with your doctor before beginning any treatments for wart removal, or any other skin conditions.