Wart Removal With Lasers

Warts can usually be removed using a Pulsed Dye Laser.

What results can I expect?
The pulse dye laser provides new hope for the removal of a wide range of warts that are resistant to traditional therapies, without presenting a high risk of scarring. Typically, more than two thirds of warts caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) can be cleared using pulse dye laser therapy.

Treatments include fingers, finger nails, face and feet.


Are there treatment alternatives?
Chemical agents, liquid nitrogen, and electrodesiccation are common therapies for the removal of warts. Though usually very effective, none work in every case. Recurrence of the wart is often a problem, and skin color changes from the therapy are common.

Carbon dioxide lasers are often used to remove warts, but this treatment method also removes much of the
surrounding tissue and generally results in scarring.

The pulsed dye on the other hand, targets the small blood vessels that feed the wart.

 

Does the procedure hurt?
To remove the wart, the laser energy is focused directly on the wart tissue. The majority of laser light bypasses the upper layers ("epidermis") of the skin, and concentrates on the tiny blood vessels that feed the wart near the "dermis" of the skin. You may feel a slight stinging sensation during the laser treatment, similar to bacon grease sprinkled onto your skin. Also, if needed, topical or local anesthesia can be administered, but this is usually not necessary.

What happens after treatment?
Immediately after laser exposure, the treated area turns a bit bluish and swells slightly. Over the next several days, the area will heal and the skin texture and tone will return to normal.

How long does it take?
Depending on the number of warts, as well as their size and location, a typical treatment session runs from 10 to 30 minutes. The number of treatments required varies from case to case.
Simple warts may require only one or two treatments, while deeper or more resistant warts may require additional treatment sessions. We will discuss how many treatments your particular case may involve.

Is it safe?
The pulsed dye lazer is the only laser approved by the FDA for the use on children; it has been used successfully for thousands of treatments worldwide. Because only light interacts with your skin, there is no risk of a reaction from chemical agents. Compared to other treatment alternatives, the risk of scarring with the pulsed dye laser is all but absent.

How much will it cost?
The cost depends on the number of warts to be removed, as well as their size, type, and location. Prices usually begin at $100.00