Laser Wart Removal

---

Warts appear as a single bump 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, the Plantar Wart (or planter wart) grows under the feet.

Laser treatment for warts can be used on warts anywhere on the body. Other methods of treatment (freezing, burning acid) can be very painful and ineffective. Laser treatment coagulates the wart without creating an open wound. The wart just dries up.

Wart removal with the laser is a breeze. Our laser treatment does not cause the discomfort often associated with freezing, cutting and acid removal of warts. Laser wart treatment is safe for adults and children. Most warts are permanently removed after one treatment. Approximately 20% of warts will need a second treatment, and 10% will need a third treatment. Treatments include fingers, finger nails, face and feet.

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 5 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. Dr. Abrahamse will discuss how many treatments your particular case may involve.

How much does laser wart removal cost?

The cost depends on the number of warts to be removed, as well as their size, type, and location. OHIP does not cover the cost of laser wart removal.