What are Warts?

Warts (verruca vulgaris) are common skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. Although there are various types of warts, the most common warts, are usually skin-colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can be dark, flat or smooth. Warts may appear anywhere on the body and are not cancerous, nor a form of skin cancer. However, if warts are in the genital area (condyloma), they can actually spread a form of wart virus that sometimes causes cancer in females.

Warts Laser Treatment

Our board-certified dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands offer wart removal in Omaha. During laser wart treatment, an intense beam of light is used to burn and destroy the wart tissue. Laser surgery for warts is fairly common and a quick procedure that can be performed in the office.

Although laser treatment for warts is usually reserved for the largest and most difficult cases of treating warts, it is important to keep in mind that laser wart removal does not guarantee results. In some cases, we will use laser treatment along with another treatment to increase the chances that the wart will go away and not spread to other areas of your body or other people.

Warts Laser Treatment Methods

There are several different treatment options and methods for removing warts with a laser. The technique we use at Advanced Dermatology in Omaha, NE involves using a pulsed dye laser (PDL), which cuts out the blood vessel that delivers nutrients to the wart and destroys the virus (burning it away), simulating an immune-like response.

Recovery Time

Often, recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed. However, the recovery time after laser wart removal can be long and it is common for the treated area to be painful for several days afterward. While most warts respond to the first treatment, depending on the size and type of wart, some warts may require additional treatments.

Laser Wart Treatment FAQs

Is laser treatment for warts painful?

Laser treatment for warts can be uncomfortable, but it is usually not excessively painful. During the procedure, the laser is used to target the blood vessels that supply the wart, causing them to close and cutting off the wart’s blood supply. This can cause some discomfort, similar to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, most people find the pain to be tolerable and short-lived.

Are there any side effects of laser wart treatment?

Common laser wart treatment side effects may include redness, swelling, and discomfort in the treated area. In some cases, scarring or changes in skin pigmentation may occur.

Can laser wart treatment be used on all types of warts?

Laser treatment is often more effective for certain types of warts, such as common warts or plantar warts. It may not be as effective for all types. It is best to consult with a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your type of wart.