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New Laser Treatment for Warts

FLASHLAMP PULSED-DYE LASER WART TREATMENT

What is Flashlamp Pulsed-Dye Laser?
The pulsed-dye laser was invented at Massachusetts General Hospital in the early 80's. To date it is the most widely used laser for skin surgery in the world, first gaining recognition by treating children with birth marks (port wine stains), hemangiomas, and other vascular conditions. Since then it has been used successfully in many other applications, such as plantar warts.

What are the advantages of Flashlamp Pulsed-Dye laser?
Pulsed-dye laser is the treatment of choice for many physicians because:

• The treatment is simple and performed in the office.
• There is no need for local anesthesia as the treatment is relatively painless. This means no painful injections prior to treatment!
• The procedure is non-invasive and quick. Treatments usually require 10 minutes per session.
• The pulsed-dye laser leaves no open wounds after treatment. This results in little or no chance for post-treatment infection or scar formation.

How does the laser work?
Very simply, the virus that causes the wart to grow depends on the blood supply feeding the wart for its survival. The powerful pulse of light generated by the laser is absorbed by the pigment within the red blood cells of the wart, cutting off its' nutritional blood flow. Additionally, the heat generated at the base of the wart kills the virus in the deeper skin layer (aka.basement membrane).

What is the success rate?
Studies have shown the success rate with Pulsed-Dye laser in the hands of properly trained and experienced physicians can be up to 93%.

What should I expect to feel during the treatment?
The laser has been described by some patients as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the foot. A cold spray is also used during the treatment to reduce heat generated on the foot and keep the patient comfortable.

Does the laser leave a mark on the skin?
Yes. After the treatment the skin surrounding the wart may turn purple. This discoloration may darken over the next 2-3 weeks. When you return for a follow-up evaluation the doctor will remove this discolored dead skin to determine if further treatment is necessary.

How many treatments will I need?
It takes an average of 3 treatments. These visits are spaced at 3 week intervals. However this may vary based on the size and type of wart being treated.

Are there any restrictions on my activities after the procedure?
No. This is one of the greatest advantages this treatment has over CO2 Lasers, and topical acids. There are no restrictions on activities post treatment. In fact some patients have been known to go for a run after treatment.

Can Pulsed-Dye Laser by used on children?
Yes. Children respond extremely well to this form of treatment.