Laser Wart Removal Surgery: Treatment Procedure, Side Effects

Laser wart removal is a medical procedure in which a laser is used to destroy the cells of a wart. Warts are small, raised growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can occur everywhere in the body but are most commonly found on the hands, feet, and face.

1. The procedure is usually quick and relatively painless and may be more effective than other treatments for warts. However, it may not be appropriate for all types of warts and may require multiple treatment sessions.
2. Laser wart removal is generally considered safe, although there is a risk of scarring or skin discolouration. Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with you before proceeding.

Anatomy and Physiology behind Warts

The skin and mucous membranes can become infected by the widespread HPV virus. More than 100 different kinds of HPV exist, and few of them have been linked to the development of skin warts.

1. Warts are benign (non-cancerous) growths that usually resemble raised, rough patches of skin. 
2. They may come in various sizes and shapes and can be flesh-coloured, white, or dark. 
3. An infection causes warts with HPV. When the virus enters the body, it can infect the skin and mucous membranes, causing warts to develop. HPV is highly infectious and may spread through direct touch with a wart or contact with infected surfaces or items.
4. Plantar warts might hurt as you walk on the bottoms of your feet. Sexual contact can spread genital warts, which grow in the genital region.

Laser wart removal may be recommended for people who have warts resistant to other treatments, such as over-the-counter or prescription medications. It may also be recommended for people with many warts or warts located in an area that is difficult to treat with other methods.

1. In general, the best candidates for laser wart removal are people who:
2. Have small, shallow skin warts that are not too deeply rooted in the skin.
3. Are in good general health
4. Do not have a history of keloid scarring (raised scars that develop after a wound has healed)
5. Do not have a skin condition that would make them more prone to scarring, such as eczema or rosacea.
6. Are pregnant or nursing

A plastic surgeon usually performs laser wart removal surgery. The procedure may take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and number of warts being treated. 

During the laser wart removal procedure, the patient will typically be seated or lying down, depending on the location of the wart. Here is a general overview of the procedure:

1. The area around the wart is cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic.
2. The laser is directed at the wart, and the energy from the laser destroys the abnormal cells that make up the wart.
3. The treated area may be bandaged, and the patient may be given instructions on caring for the wound as it heals.
4. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to ensure that the wart is completely gone and to monitor the area for any signs of infection or other complications.
5. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome.

Before the surgery, you must discuss your medical history and medications with your doctor. On the day of the procedure, you may be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area.

Before Laser wart removal surgery

There are several things you should do before laser wart removal surgery to ensure the best possible outcome:

1. Inform your doctor about your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal remedies. Some medicines may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery or interfere with the healing process.
2. Tell your doctor about any allergies, including allergies to medications or anaesthetics.
3. Avoid taking any medications that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for at least a week before the surgery, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.
4. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products for at least a week before the surgery, as this can increase the risk of complications.
5. Avoid wearing any lotions, oils, or makeup on the area to be treated on the day of the surgery.
6. Follow any other instructions your doctor gives you to prepare for the surgery, such as avoiding food or drink before the procedure.
7. Reach the clinic on time for your appointment.

On the day of laser wart removal surgery

You should arrive at the clinic on time and follow your doctor's instructions on the day of laser wart removal surgery. Here are some general things to keep in mind:

1. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that allow easy access to the area to be treated.
2. Your doctor may give you a numbing cream to apply to the area before the procedure. Follow the instructions for using the cream carefully.
3. You may be given protective eyewear to wear during the treatment to protect your eyes from the laser light.

After laser wart removal surgery, following your doctor's instructions for caring for the treated area and promoting healing is essential. Here are some general pointers to remember during wart removal treatment:

1. Follow your doctor's instructions for the treated area, such as keeping it clean and dry and applying any prescribed ointments or dressings.
2. Avoid picking at or scratching the treated area, as this can cause infection or scarring.
3. Avoid activities that irritate the treated area, such as swimming or soaking in a bath.
4. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight on the treated area until it has fully healed. If you must be in the sun, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect the treated area.
5. Avoid using hot water or hot tubs on the treated area until it has fully healed.
6. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as this can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

The recovery process at the hospital

1. After the laser wart removal surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area, where you will be monitored for complications.
2. You may experience swelling and redness around the treated area, which should resolve within a few days.
3. Painkillers will be given to help manage any discomfort.
4. You will be advised to keep the treated area clean and dry and to avoid soaking it in water for a few days.

The recovery process after hospital discharge

1. After you are discharged from the hospital following laser wart removal surgery, you will need to take care of the treated area at home.
2. You may need to apply ointment or a bandage to the treated area as directed by your healthcare provider.

First follow-up appointment

1. Your first follow-up appointment after laser wart removal surgery is typically scheduled within a week or two of the procedure.
2. During the follow-up appointment, your healthcare provider will examine the treated area to ensure it is healing correctly.
3. You may have your bandage changed or the wound cleaned during the appointment.
4. Your doctor may take a sample of the treated area to be tested in a laboratory to ensure that all of the wart tissue has been removed.
5. Your healthcare provider may discuss any additional follow-up care that may be necessary, such as additional treatments or protective footwear to prevent reinfection. It is essential to follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully to help ensure a successful recovery.

The procedure can be an effective laser treatment for warts. Some benefits of laser wart removal include the following:

1. Precision: Laser wart removal surgery uses a focused beam of light to remove the wart, which allows the doctor to target the wart precisely and minimise the risk of damage to surrounding tissue.
2. Speed: The surgery usually takes only a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size and number of warts being treated.
3. Efficacy: It has a high success rate, with most people experiencing complete removal of the wart after just one treatment.
4. Minimal scarring: The procedure is less likely to cause scarring than other wart removal methods, such as surgery or cryotherapy.
5. Minimal discomfort: It is generally well tolerated and causes minimal pain.
6. Quick recovery: Most people can return to their normal activities within 3 to 5 days of laser wart removal surgery, with the treated area fully healing within a few weeks.

Skin wart removal is generally safe and effective, but it carries some risks and potential complications like any other medical procedure. These are as follows:

1. Pain: Some people experience mild to moderate pain after or during the procedure. Your doctor may prescribe pain medicines to help manage any discomfort.
2. Swelling: Swelling is a usual side effect of laser wart removal surgery, but it usually resolves within a few days. Applying an ice pack to the treated area can help reduce swelling and numb pain or discomfort. Keep the site elevated so that the treated area above the heart can also help reduce swelling.
3. Redness: The treated area may be red and inflamed after the procedure, but this should resolve within a few days. 
4. Infection: There is a small risk of infection after laser wart removal surgery, but this can be minimised by following your doctor's instructions for caring for the treated area.
5. Scarring: Laser wart removal surgery is less likely to cause scarring than other wart removal methods, but it is still possible.
6. Recurrence: The wart can return after treatment, although this is not common.

There are no specific risks associated with delayed laser wart removal surgery, but there are a few general considerations to keep in mind:

1. Warts may continue to grow: Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can continue to grow and spread if left untreated. Delaying treatment may result in more prominent warts that are more difficult to remove.
2. Warts may cause discomfort or embarrassment: Warts can be uncomfortable or cause embarrassment, especially if they are visible or located in an area prone to irritation. Delaying treatment may prolong any discomfort or shame associated with the wart.
3. Warts may spread: Warts can spread to other parts of the body or people through close skin-to-skin contact or shared objects, such as towels or razors. Delaying treatment may increase the risk of spreading the wart to other areas of your body.
4. Warts may interfere with daily activities: Warts can sometimes interfere with daily activities, such as walking or wearing specific shoes. Delaying treatment may prolong any disruption to your daily routine caused by the wart.

The cost of laser wart removal surgery in India may vary depending on several factors, including:

1. Location of the clinic: The location of the clinic may affect the cost of wart removal surgery as if the clinic is located in a metropolitan city or in a rural area.
2. Type of laser used: Different lasers like Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, Erbium laser, Pulsed dye laser, Alexandrite laser, and Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd: YAG) laser are used for different skin types and conditions; some may be more expensive than others.
3. Size and number of warts being treated: The cost of laser wart removal surgery can be affected by the size and number of warts being treated. More prominent warts or a more significant number of warts may require more time and resources, which can increase the cost of the procedure.

Here is an estimate of the cost of laser wart removal surgery in India:

Procedure Name	Cost Value
Small wart	5,000 - 15,000
Medium wart	10,000 - 25,000
Large wart	15,000 - 35,000
Multiple warts	20,000 - 50,000

Laser wart removal is a safe and effective treatment option for warts. It utilizes a laser beam to target the blood vessels that feed the wart, causing it to dry and eventually fall off. It is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications but may require multiple treatments for complete removal. It is an excellent alternative to cryotherapy and surgical excision.

If you or your loved ones have doubts about laser wart removal, contact our team of experts at HexaHealth. Our expert team of doctors can consult you and provide you with the proper treatment. Get in touch with us TODAY!