It is unlikely that a drooping mole, old wart or callus will ever become an ornament on your body. But removing them will bring undoubted advantages: you no longer need to be afraid that you will accidentally catch and damage the papilloma. And you will no longer have to suffer from such an aesthetic defect.
Today, dermatologists use different methods to remove skin tumors. But if we talk about the fastest, safest and most effective, then it will definitely be laser removal in any city. The method is ideal for getting rid of any skin formations, be it a callus, papilloma, wart, unattractive birthmark or nevus.
Laser removal in dermatology is used in 90% of cases. The method is time-tested and involves short-term laser exposure to the tumor. When the laser hits the skin, it causes the molecules to move and release fluid, which leads to charring of the skin and the disappearance of the tumor. Despite such an unflattering description, the procedure takes little time and is really considered one of the safest, most atraumatic and effective. Another advantage is the price, which is affordable for most patients.
But despite this, the removal of tumors with a laser causes some changes. The skin at the point of impact of the beam swells and becomes red. Therefore, a popular request from patients is how to care for the skin after the laser, and what recommendations to follow in order not to worsen your condition.
How does healing work?
Tissue regeneration after laser removal takes place in several stages.
- Stages. Almost immediately after laser removal, a dark crust appears at the site of the beam. It must not be removed, scratched or immersed in water. The appearance of a crust is an absolutely normal reaction of the body to laser exposure. It protects the wound from the entry of pathogenic bacteria and dirt, and promotes rapid growth of new tissue to replace old, damaged tissue. Slight swelling and redness are also normal. Try to keep the laser treatment area calm for the first 5-7 days. In no case do not rub or moisten this area, and do not lubricate it with wound healing creams and ointments. Do not wear overly tight clothing or cover the wound with bandages or bandages. It is also better to avoid chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and other antiseptic solutions such as iodine or brilliant green.
- Stages. The crust disappears approximately 7-10 days after laser removal. In its place will be a soft pink patch of new skin. You still don't need to smear it with anything, but you must definitely protect it from ultraviolet rays. Therefore, reduce the time you spend in the sun and in those hours when you are outside, use a sunscreen with the maximum degree of protection - at least 50 SPF. The aggressive effect of ultraviolet radiation on young pink skin can cause undesirable consequences - for example, persistent pigmentation, which will be extremely difficult to get rid of.
- Stages. After about sixteen to twenty days, new skin will form in place of the wart or nevus. Now she is not afraid of exposure to ultraviolet rays. The skin can be moistened and rubbed with a washcloth. No special measures or procedures will be required. Sometimes, even after 20 days, a slight itching remains, but externally the skin looks completely normal and healthy. In this case, you can use special soothing ointments. After about 30 days, the hole that remained at the site of the laser removal of the wart or birthmark will smooth out and become completely invisible. This is the advantage of the procedure: after three months, you will not even remember the cosmetic defects from which you may have suffered.
How to treat the area after laser removal? Doctor's advice
So a crust has formed at the point of exposure to the laser beam. What can be done 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 in its undiluted state as it causes chemical burns. To reduce redness and reduce the possibility 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 dressing.
- Antibiotic ointment. If the area after laser removal is very red, swollen and painful, use antibiotic ointment. It effectively reduces the possibility of bacterial inflammation.
- Phenol solution. If fluid comes out of the wound, it is better to dry the area after laser removal. And the solution for this purpose is the most suitable.
- Antiseptic solutions. These effective antiseptics are used after laser removal of papillomas, warts and birthmarks on mucous membranes.
Self-prescription of any pharmaceutical drugs is excluded. If you are concerned about any symptoms or side effects, contact the medical center where you decided to have the laser ablation. The doctor who performed the procedure will assess your condition and, if necessary, prescribe the necessary and effective medications.
Medical advice for patients to follow
There are several ways to reduce the risk of bacterial infection after laser removal of a tumor and 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.
- In the air, all regenerative processes take place faster, so there is no point in applying bandages and hiding the damaged area under clothing.
- It is worth limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages for three to five days after laser removal of a mole or papilloma. The fact is that alcohol causes vasodilation, which means that the period of rehabilitation and skin regeneration can be delayed. In addition, under the influence of alcoholic beverages, the risk of bleeding from the wound may increase.
- If you experience any side symptoms, do not self-medicate. Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Avoid tanning beds until the crust falls off and the wound is completely healed. Doctors recommend visiting the solarium approximately three months after the procedure. The same rule applies to visiting a pool, spa or massage room.
- If you removed a mole from the surface of the face with a laser, stop using decorative cosmetics for 5-7 days.
- Care should be taken if a lot of time has passed since the removal of the mole and purulent contents, blood or fluid are oozing from the wound. Concerns can be raised body temperature, chills, increased swelling and redness at the extraction site. All of these conditions require immediate medical attention. Do not try to self-diagnose and do not delay the visit to the clinic where laser removal of papillomas was performed.
How long does it take to fully recover?
Even if the birthmark or nevus removal site does not bother you, you still need to monitor the condition of the skin for another 10-20 days after the laser removal procedure.
On average, rehabilitation lasts from two to four weeks. It is worth understanding that the larger the surface area occupied by the mole, the more time will be needed for recovery and restoration. The location of the tumor is also important: as a rule, mucous membranes heal faster.
The rehabilitation period also depends on where exactly the birthmark was removed. It has long been noted that areas that are well supplied with blood heal 2-3 times faster than all others. Therefore, a wound on the heel can disturb longer than a papilloma removed from the eyelid.
Where can I get laser hair removal at an affordable and attractive price?
It is better to give preference not to private beauty salons, but to full-fledged multifunctional clinics. Competent, qualified dermatologists work in them, who can make sure of the benign nature of skin tumors and perform the laser removal procedure as quickly and painlessly as possible for the patient.