Laser papilloma removal is virtually painless and rarely causes complications. You can remove cosmetic imperfections in just one session. But without further medical treatment, the tumors will reappear.
Why do papillomas appear and why are they dangerous?
These benign lesions are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). They are soft to the touch and can be oblong, round, or flat. The color matches the skin or is a little darker. The growth is painless when pressed, but has an unsightly appearance.
HPV is found in many people's bodies and does not always manifest itself. It is activated in conditions favorable for growth:
- promiscuous sex life;
- hormonal imbalance;
- reduced immunity;
- urinary tract infections;
- constant illness;
- inadequate diet.
In addition, the appearance of papillomas is also caused by radiation treatment, inflammation in the body, poor hygiene, surgery, followed by long-term use of antibiotics. The disease occurs in women, men and even infants.
Papillomas form on any part of the body (genitals, eyelids, neck, hands, face). In addition, growths appear on mucous membranes (tongue, larynx, cheeks). They will not go away on their own and can develop into cancer, for example cervical cancer.
Laser papilloma removal
The least traumatic way to remove a tumor is laser therapy. The doctor uses a device that produces radiation. In a few minutes, it will burn away papillomas on any area of skin.
The beam works precisely and does not affect neighboring tissues.
The procedure is sterile and, when done properly, rarely causes side effects. The laser machine is equipped with a cooling head that helps protect surrounding tissue from burns.
Who is it shown to and when?
The growth is usually not dangerous and is only a cosmetic defect. Laser papilloma removal can be delayed if they don't bother you.
Doctors advise burning tumors that begin to grow, bleed and hurt. It is also necessary to remove papillomas located on the face, scalp and private areas. A person constantly touches these areas and can injure the growths. If infection gets into them through the smallest cracks, severe inflammation will begin.
Due to the presence of viruses in the body, pathogenic cells divide uncontrollably, papillomas increase and can turn into malignant tumors. In case of frequent recurrences, dermatologists recommend treatment with medication and then removal of the entire tumor with a laser.
Possible contraindications
Before removing the tumor, your doctor will collect a medical history to determine possible contraindications. The procedure is not performed if:
- cancer;
- diabetes, blood clotting disorders;
- epilepsy;
- skin sensitivity to light;
- increased temperature, inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- autoimmune diseases, tend to form keloid scars.
Laser papilloma removal on the genitals is not recommended during menstruation.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, consultation with a gynecologist is required because local anesthesia is used during the procedure.
Dermatologists may refuse to treat patients with newly tanned skin or tattoos over areas of growth. Some commercial clinics require the opinion of a pediatrician, who must authorize the child to have the papilloma removed with a laser.
Which laser is used?
The device has continuous and pulsed radiation suitable for tumor removal. The first option is optimal for burning tumors on the body. The laser beam has strong radiation and will instantly evaporate pathological cells. But due to heavy exposure, scars may remain.
Pulsed lasers are used to burn papillomas on the face, neck, and hands. They act more superficially and leave no trace.
You can also carry out the procedure yourself with a laser pen to remove papillomas. This portable coagulator has 6 power settings and is rechargeable via USB. The kit includes one wide needle and several thin disposable needles. But the device should only be used after consulting a dermatologist and oncologist.
How is laser papilloma removal performed?
The protocol of the procedure does not depend on the type of laser and the location of the tumor.
What you can and cannot do before the procedure
2 weeks before laser papilloma removal, you should not sunbathe.
If a lump appears on the face, exclude scrubs and chemical peels from your care. Try to use a minimum of cosmetic products.
Before the examination, you will need to have a blood test for sexually transmitted diseases, and take a smear of the cervix (women) or foreskin (men). The doctor may also refer the patient for biopsy, tissue histology, and PCR diagnostics. If you receive unsatisfactory tests, laser removal will have to be postponed and treated with medication first.
Technique
Burning a papilloma takes 1-3 minutes depending on the size. Before the treatment session, the doctor will examine the tumor and determine the optimal laser power. The process goes as follows:
- Patients wear dark glasses with light filters to protect the eyes from accidental radiation.
- The skin is treated with an antiseptic and anesthetic ointment is applied for 15 minutes.
- The doctor points the laser head at the tumor and vaporizes each layer.
- After treatment, the treated skin area is again disinfected and covered with an adhesive plaster.
A small papilloma is removed in one session. If the tumor is large and located throughout the body, several procedures will be needed. Laser tumor removal in children is performed according to a similar procedure.
Is laser papilloma removal painful?
Without local anesthesia, laser papilloma removal will be very painful. Before the procedure, the doctor will treat the skin with anesthetic ointment or injections. After that, there is only a slight burning sensation throughout the session.
Before removing growths in sensitive areas (intimate areas, eyelids or soles of the feet), additional pain relief with medication is recommended.
Rehabilitation period
Recovery will be quick if you follow your doctor's recommendations. The next day after the treatment session, remove the sticky plaster and treat the wound with an antiseptic or a saturated solution of potassium permanganate.
Repeat the procedure twice a day, then apply any healing ointment to the skin.
Do not scratch or pick at the scab to avoid infection. It will disappear on its own after 1-1. 5 weeks. Try to wet your skin less often. Take a shower, not a bath. After bathing, gently dry your body with a towel. If the papilloma is on the face or eyelids, do not use cosmetics for 2 weeks.
During rehabilitation, avoid going to saunas, bathhouses or swimming pools. Do not shave the treatment area, scrub with a washcloth, or use exfoliants or other products with exfoliating beads. If the treatment is carried out in the summer, you should not sunbathe on the beach or in the solarium.
Try not to expose your skin to direct sunlight and apply cream with SPF 30-50 before going out. Delay physical activity to avoid causing excessive sweating. Avoid drinking alcohol.
After removing a genital papilloma, you should not have sex until it is completely healed. Wash with intimate hygiene gel or mild children's soap. After the procedure, be sure to see your gynecologist or urologist.
Complications may occur
Complications rarely occur after laser treatment. If the doctor sets excessive power and miscalculates the exposure time, the damaged area may become swollen and painful. The wound begins to fester when it becomes infected due to poor hygiene during recovery. In addition, the consequence of removing large tumors is the formation of keloid scars.
After laser, papillomas may reappear in larger numbers. This complication occurs because the virus is in an advanced stage of development, when burning off the growth without additional treatment is ineffective.
Pink spots remain at the site of the removed papilloma. They will fade after 4-5 days and disappear completely after a few months.
Compare laser removal with other methods
In addition to laser therapy, papillomas are also burned with medications containing salicylic acid or cantharidin. After 2-3 days, the tumor heals and disappears. When removing growths on the genitals, preparations with podophyllotoxin are used. But this method is less effective and does not exclude recurrence.
Surgical excision with a scalpel is also performed. Unlike laser, this method causes heavy bleeding. A scar may remain on the affected skin area. There is also a high risk of infection entering the wound.
Papillomas are removed by cryodestruction. The doctor applies liquid nitrogen to the tumor for a few seconds. The growth darkens and soon disappears. The procedure is painless, but the depth of the effect cannot be controlled. Therefore, relapse often occurs.
Radiofrequency surgery uses a special device that is as effective as laser therapy. It removes growths, leaves no traces on the body and causes minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
Another effective method is electrocautery treatment. The doctor acts on the papilloma with high-frequency electric current. During the session, you can adjust the level of impact. Bleeding and wound infection are excluded. However, unlike a laser, this device damages the skin around the tumor. After the procedure, pits sometimes remain.
Treatment costs
Laser papilloma removal prices start at 2. 5 USD per treatment. Clinics sometimes reduce costs if the patient burns multiple tumors. Treatment of the face and eyelids will be more expensive. Anesthesia is billed separately.
In big cities, the price for laser removal of papillomas on the neck (and on other skin areas) is 30-50% higher.
Reviews of laser papilloma removal
Reviews constantly appear on forums and websites of medical centers about the consequences of burning papillomas with a laser. The effectiveness and speed of the procedure are noted. Due to anesthesia, the patient feels almost no pain but has a burning smell. In most cases, treatment helped eliminate the defect. There are no scars left, the wound heals quickly.
But most people note that laser therapy only eliminates cosmetic defects. It will be useless without taking medication to treat the virus.
Commentators often discuss whether to remove papillomas - nitrogen or laser is better. Many people lean towards the second method, because it helps the first.