A hanging birthmark, an old wart, or a callus is unlikely to ever grace your body. But their removal has undoubted advantages: you no longer need to be afraid of accidentally catching and damaging the papilloma. And you no longer have to suffer from such an aesthetic flaw.
Today, dermatologists use various methods to remove skin tumors. But if we talk about the fastest, safest and most effective, then there will definitely be laser removal in every city. The method is ideal for removing any skin growth, be it callus, papilloma, wart, unattractive birthmark or nevus.
Laser removal is used in 90% of cases in dermatology. The technique has stood the test of time and involves the short-term effect of a laser beam on the tumor. When the laser hits the skin, the molecules are displaced and fluid is released, causing the skin to char and the tumor to disappear. Despite such an unflattering description, the procedure takes little time and is truly one of the safest, atraumatic and most effective methods. Another advantage is the price, which is affordable for most patients.
Nevertheless, laser removal of tumors causes certain changes. The skin at the point of impact of the beam swells and turns red. Therefore, a popular request from patients is how to care for their skin after laser treatment and what recommendations should be followed so as not to worsen their condition.
How is the healing going?
Tissue recovery after laser removal takes place in several stages.
- Stage. After laser removal, a dark crust appears almost immediately at the point of impact of the beam. Do not remove, scratch or soak in water. The appearance of the crust is a completely normal reaction of the body to the effect of laser radiation. It protects the wound from the penetration of pathogenic bacteria and dirt, and promotes the rapid growth of new tissue in place of old, damaged tissue. Some swelling and redness is also normal. Try to ensure peace at the laser exposure site for the first 5-7 days. Under no circumstances should you rub or wet this area or apply wound healing creams and ointments. Do not wear tight clothing or cover the wound with bandages or bandages. In addition, it is better to avoid chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and other antiseptic solutions such as iodine or brilliant green.
- Stage. The crust will disappear about 7-10 days after laser removal. In its place will be a soft pink patch of new skin. You still don't need to apply anything, but you must definitely protect yourself from ultraviolet rays. Therefore, reduce the time you spend in the sun and use the highest level of sunscreen - at least 50 SPF - during the hours you are outside. The aggressive effect of ultraviolet radiation on young pink skin can lead to undesirable consequences - for example, permanent pigmentation, which will be extremely difficult to get rid of.
- Stage. After about sixteen to twenty days, young skin forms at the site of the wart or nevus. Now he is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation. The skin can be moistened and rubbed with a towel. There is no longer any need for special events or procedures. Sometimes even after 20 days there is a slight itching, but from the outside the skin looks completely normal and healthy. In this case, you can use special soothing ointments. After about 30 days, the hole left at the site of the laser removal of the wart or birthmark will even out and become completely invisible. This is the advantage of the procedure: after three months, you won't even remember the cosmetic defects you may have suffered from.
How to treat the area after laser removal? Medical advice
So a crust was formed at the place of the laser beam. What should we do to prevent dangerous bacteria from entering the wound? The following measures can help reduce infection:
- Potassium permanganate. Popularly known as potassium permanganate. It can be dangerous when undiluted as it causes chemical burns. To reduce redness and reduce the likelihood of wound inflammation, use a weak, slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate. Lotions can be applied several times a day, but it is better to avoid bandages.
- Antibiotic ointment. If the area is very red, swollen and painful after laser removal, use an antibiotic ointment. Effectively reduces the likelihood of bacterial inflammation.
- Phenol solution. If fluid is leaking from the wound, it is better to dry the area after laser removal. And for this purpose, the solution is the most suitable.
- Antiseptic solutions. These effective antiseptic agents are used after laser removal of papillomas, warts and birthmarks on mucous membranes.
Independent prescription of any pharmaceutical drug is prohibited. If you are concerned about any symptoms or side effects, contact the medical center where you decided to have laser removal. The doctor performing the procedure will assess your condition and, if necessary, prescribe the necessary and effective medications.
Medical recommendations that patients should follow
There are several ways to minimize the risk of bacterial infection after laser tumor removal and can speed up tissue healing.
- Do not touch the area affected by the laser beam unless necessary.
- Wear loose clothing or shoes and make sure the wound is not injured or compressed.
- All regeneration processes take place faster in the air, so there is no point in applying bandages and hiding the damaged area under clothes.
- After the laser removal of a mole or papilloma, it is advisable to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages for three to five days. The fact is that alcohol causes vasodilation, which means that rehabilitation and skin regeneration can be delayed. In addition, the risk of bleeding from the wound may increase under the influence of alcoholic beverages.
- If you experience any side effects, do not self-medicate. Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Avoid tanning beds until the crust has fallen off and the wound has completely healed. Doctors recommend visiting a solarium about three months after the procedure. The same rule applies to visiting the pool, spa or massage room.
- If you have laser removed a mole from the surface of the face, stop using decorative cosmetics for 5-7 days.
- Be careful if it has been a long time since the mole was removed and the wound is leaking pus, blood, or fluid. The appearance of increased body temperature, chills, increased swelling and redness at the extraction site is cause for concern. All of these conditions require immediate medical attention. Do not try to diagnose yourself and do not delay the visit to the clinic where the laser removal of papillomas was performed.
How long does it take to fully heal?
Even if the site of mole or nevus removal does not bother you, you should monitor the condition of the skin for another 10-20 days after laser removal.
Rehabilitation takes an average of two to four weeks. It is worth understanding that the larger the surface occupied by the mole, the more time it takes to heal and regenerate. The location of the tumor also matters: mucous membranes usually heal faster.
The rehabilitation period also depends on exactly where the birthmark was removed. It has long been observed that areas well supplied with blood heal 2-3 times faster than all others. That is why a wound in the corner may bother you more than a papilloma removed from the eyelid.
Where can I get laser removal at an affordable and attractive price?
It is better to give preference not to private beauty salons, but to full-fledged multifunctional clinics. They employ knowledgeable, qualified dermatologists who can verify the benign nature of skin tumors and perform laser removal as quickly and painlessly as possible for the patient.