Laser Wart Removal

General Information – Age Wart Removal

What are Age Warts?

Age warts, also known as seborrheic keratosis, are benign skin growths that commonly appear in older adults. They can vary in colour from light tan to black and have a waxy, wart-like appearance. Although harmless, they can be aesthetically displeasing and occasionally cause irritation or itching.

Characteristics of Seborrheic Keratosis

Appearance: Seborrheic keratoses typically appear as brown, black, or light tan growths with a waxy, scaly, or slightly raised texture. They can range in size from a few millimetres to over an inch in diameter.

Location: These growths can develop on various parts of the body, including the face, chest, shoulders, back, and scalp.

Texture: They often have a rough, wart-like surface and may look as if they are stuck onto the skin.

Number: It is common for individuals to have multiple seborrheic keratoses.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development:

Age: Seborrheic keratoses are more common in middle-aged and older adults.

Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition, as these growths often run in families.

Sun Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure may play a role in their development, although seborrheic keratoses can occur on skin that is not typically exposed to the sun.

Diagnosis

Seborrheic keratosis is usually diagnosed through a physical examination by a dermatologist. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other skin conditions, such as melanoma.

Treatment Options

While seborrheic keratoses are benign and do not require treatment, some individuals may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they cause irritation. Common treatment options include:

Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and remove the growth.

Curettage: The growth is scraped off the skin using a curette, a surgical instrument.

Electrosurgery: The growth is removed using an electric current to burn it off.

Laser Therapy: A laser is used to precisely remove the growth with minimal damage to the surrounding skin.

How Does Laser Age Wart Removal Work?

Laser age wart removal uses focused light energy to remove the wart. The laser’s energy is absorbed by the water and melanin in the wart, causing it to vaporise and be removed layer by layer.

Types of Lasers Used

• CO2 Laser: A carbon dioxide laser is highly effective for vaporising warts with precision and minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
• Erbium YAG Laser: This laser is known for its precision in removing superficial skin lesions with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

Treatment Process

Consultation: An initial consultation with our clinical team is needed to assess the wart and discuss treatment options.

Preparation: The area around the wart is cleaned and may be numbed with a local anesthetic to minimise discomfort.

Laser Treatment: The laser is carefully directed at the wart, removing it layer by layer.

Post-Treatment Care: Aftercare instructions are provided to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.

Expected Results

Results are often immediate, with the wart being removed during the procedure. Healing typically occurs within 1-2 weeks, and the treated area may appear slightly red or pink initially. Over time, the skin will return to its normal colour.

Side Effects and Downtime

Laser age wart removal is generally safe, with minimal side effects. Some possible side effects include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Temporary changes in skin pigmentation
• Mild discomfort

These side effects usually resolve within a few days.