Laser papilloma removal is practically painless and rarely causes complications. You can get rid of a cosmetic defect in one fell swoop. But without additional drug treatment, the tumors will recur.
Why do papillomas appear and why are they dangerous?
These benign lesions are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are soft to the touch and can be oblong, round or flat. The shade matches the skin or is a little darker. The growth does not hurt when pressed, but outwardly it looks unaesthetic.
HPV is found in many people's bodies and does not always manifest itself. It is activated under conditions favorable for growth:
- promiscuous sex life;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- reduced immunity;
- urogenital infections;
- constant illnesses;
- inadequate diet.
Also, the appearance of papillomas is provoked by radiation therapy, inflammation in the body, poor hygiene, surgical operations followed by prolonged use of antibiotics. The disease occurs in women, men and even children.
Papillomas form on any part of the body (genitals, eyelids, neck, hands, face). Additionally, growths appear on the mucous membranes (tongue, larynx, cheek). They do not go away on their own and can develop into cancer, for example cervical cancer.
Laser removal of papillomas
The least traumatic way to remove a tumor is laser therapy. The doctor uses a device that generates radiation. In a few minutes it cauterizes papillomas in any area of the skin.
The beam acts precisely and does not affect neighboring tissues.
The procedure is sterile and, when performed correctly, rarely causes side effects. Laser machines are equipped with a cooling tip that protects the surrounding tissue from burns.
To whom and when is it shown?
The growths are usually not dangerous and are just cosmetic defects. Laser removal of papillomas can be postponed if they do not bother you.
Doctors recommend cauterizing tumors that begin to grow, bleed and hurt. It is also necessary to remove papillomas located on the face, scalp and intimate area. A person constantly touches these areas and can injure the growths. If an infection gets into them through the smallest cracks, serious inflammation will begin.
Due to the presence of the virus in the body, pathogenic cells divide uncontrollably, papillomas increase and can turn into a malignant tumor. In case of frequent relapses, dermatologists recommend drug therapy and subsequent removal of all tumors with a laser.
Possible contraindications
Before removing a tumor, the doctor takes a history to identify possible contraindications. The procedure is not performed if:
- oncology;
- diabetes mellitus, blood clotting disorders;
- epilepsy;
- skin photosensitivity;
- high temperature, inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- autoimmune pathologies, tendency to form keloid scars.
Laser removal of papillomas on the genitals is not recommended during menstruation.
During pregnancy and lactation, consultation with a gynecologist is necessary, as local anesthesia is used during the procedure.
A dermatologist may refuse to treat a patient who has a recent tan or a tattoo in the growth area. Some commercial medical institutions require the opinion of a pediatrician, who must allow the child to remove the papilloma with a laser.
Which laser is used
Equipment with continuous and pulsed radiation is suitable for removing tumors. The first option is ideal for cauterizing tumors in the body. A laser with powerful radiation instantly evaporates pathological cells. But due to intense exposure, a scar may remain.
Pulsed lasers are used to cauterize papillomas on the face, neck and hands. They act more superficially and leave no trace.
You can also perform the procedure using a laser pen to remove the papilloma. This portable coagulator has 6 power settings and is USB rechargeable. The kit includes a wide needle and several thin disposable needles. But it is recommended to use the device only after consulting a dermatologist and oncologist.
How is laser papilloma removal performed?
The procedure protocol 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 the growth is on the face, exclude exfoliants and chemical peels from your care. Try to use a minimum of cosmetic products.
Before the session, it is necessary to take a blood test to detect sexually transmitted diseases, take a smear from the cervix (women) or foreskin (men). The doctor may also refer the patient for biopsy, tissue histology and PCR diagnosis. If you receive unsatisfactory examinations, laser removal will have to be postponed and first undergo drug therapy.
Technique
Cauterizing a papilloma takes 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the size. Before the session, the doctor examines the tumor and determines the ideal laser power. The procedure is as follows:
- The patient wears 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 tip at the tumor and evaporates it layer by layer.
- After therapy, the treated area of the skin is disinfected again and an adhesive plaster is applied.
A small papilloma is removed in one session. If the growths are large and located throughout the body, multiple procedures will be required. Laser removal of tumors in children is performed according to a similar protocol.
Is it painful to remove papillomas with a laser?
Without local anesthesia, it will be painful to remove papillomas with a laser. Before the procedure, the doctor treats the skin with an anesthetic ointment or gives an injection. After that, only a slight burning sensation is felt during the session.
Before removing growths from sensitive areas (intimate area, eyelids or sole of the foot), additional pain relief with medication is recommended.
Rehabilitation period
Recovery will be quick if you follow your doctor's recommendations. The day after the session, remove the adhesive plaster and treat the wound with an antiseptic or saturated solution of potassium permanganate.
Repeat the procedure twice a day and apply any healing ointment to the skin.
Do not scratch or pick at the scab to avoid infection. It will go away on its own in 1 to 1. 5 weeks. Try to wet your skin less frequently. Take a shower, not a shower. After bath procedures, gently dry your body with a towel. If the papilloma is on the face or eyelids, do not use cosmetics for 2 weeks.
During the rehabilitation period, avoid going to the sauna, bathhouse or swimming pool. Do not shave the treated area, rub with a cloth or use scrubs or other products with exfoliating particles. If the treatment was 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 leaving the house. Postpone physical activity to avoid causing excessive sweating. Avoid drinking alcohol.
After removing the papilloma from the genitals, it is not recommended to have sex until it is completely cured. Wash with intimate hygiene gel or neutral baby soap. After the procedure, be sure to visit a gynecologist or urologist.
Possible complications
Complications rarely occur after laser therapy. If the doctor sets excessive power and incorrectly calculates the exposure time, the damaged area may swell and hurt. The wound begins to fester when infected due to poor hygiene during rehabilitation. Also, a consequence of removing large growths is the formation of keloid scars.
After the laser, papillomas may reappear in even greater numbers. This complication occurs due to the intensive phase of the virus, when cauterization of the growth without additional therapy is ineffective.
Pink spots remain at the site of the removed papilloma. They will disappear after 4-5 days and disappear completely within a few months.
Comparison of laser removal with other methods
In addition to laser therapy, papillomas are cauterized with drugs containing salicylic acid or cantharidin. After 2-3 days, the formation heals and disappears. When removing growths on the genitals, preparations with podophyllotoxin are used. But this method is less effective and does not exclude relapses.
Surgical removal with a scalpel is also performed. Unlike the laser, this method causes intense bleeding. A scar may remain on the affected area of skin. There is also a high risk of wound infection.
Papillomas are removed by cryodestruction. The doctor applies a liquid nitrogen applicator to the tumor for a few seconds. The growth darkens and soon disappears. The procedure is painless, but it will not be possible to control the depth of the effect. Therefore, relapses often occur.
Radio wave surgery using a special device is comparable in effectiveness to laser therapy. It removes growths, leaves no marks on the body and minimally damages surrounding tissues.
Another effective method is electrocoagulation treatment. The doctor acts on the papilloma with high-frequency electrical current. During the session, you can adjust the degree of impact. Bleeding and wound infection are excluded. But unlike a laser, the device injures the skin around the injury. After the procedure, lumps sometimes remain.
Cost of treatment
The price for laser papilloma removal starts from $2. 5 per piece. The clinic sometimes reduces the cost if the patient cauterizes multiple growths. Face and eyelid treatment will cost more. Anesthesia is paid separately.
In large cities, the price for removing papillomas on the neck with a laser (and other areas of the skin) is 30-50% higher.
Reviews about 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, patients practically did not feel pain, but there was a burning smell. In most cases, treatment helped eliminate the defect. There were no scars left and the wounds healed quickly.
But almost everyone noted that laser therapy eliminates only one aesthetic defect. It will be useless without drug treatment for the virus.
Commentators often argue whether it is better to remove papillomas - nitrogen or laser. Many tend to the second method, because it helps the first time.