Who should use lasers for wart removal? One of the most common infections in the world is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), commonly known as wart virus. It is a microscopic virus particle that infects the skin. The warts appear as single bumps or in clusters, some having a cauliflower structure. There are many strains or types of the HPV (wart) virus.

Some warts grow on the body such as a Flat Wart. Others grow on the hands, and the Plantar Wart (or plantar wart) grows under the feet. The warts virus is also found in the genital area including in and around the anus, vagina, and on the penis.

Although warts are considered to be contagious, it is not uncommon for just one family member to have them. In addition, they often affect just one part of the body (such as the hands or the feet), but they can be spread to other areas.

There are several different methods for removing warts with a laser.

C02 Laser

These have been in use for many years, and can be fairly effective but are associated with prolonged pain, delayed healing, and scarring.

Laser treatment is based on the principle of photodermal or photomechanical destruction of the target tissue. Target structures absorb monochromatic coherent light of specific wavelengths. Light energy gets converted to thermal energy, thus destroying the target structure. Depending on the pulse duration and energy density, this may result in the coagulation (photo dermal effect) or blasting (photomechanical effect) of these structures. 

Who should use lasers for wart removal?

1. If you have had a wart for several years.
2. If you have tried several different wart treatments and they have not had the desired effect.
3. If your wart is causing you a lot of pain.
4. If your warts are large and widespread.

After Treatment

The results of laser treatment on skin lesions can be quite dramatic. Most people experience an improvement in their vascular or pigmented lesions. Any immediate changes to skin coloration or texture should return to normal within a short time after treatment.

However, as in any surgical procedure, there remains a possibility that only minor changes will occur and occasionally there are some cases that do not respond.

There are many benefits from laser surgery including minor or no pain, no needles in most cases, and lesions don’t return or regenerate. Laser treatment does not cause the discomfort often associated with freezing, cutting, and acid removal of warts.