It is unlikely that a hanging mole, an old wart or a callus will ever become an adornment of your body. But their removal brings undoubted benefits: you no longer have to worry about accidentally catching the papilloma and damaging it. And you no longer have to suffer from such an aesthetic defect.
Dermatologists today use different methods to remove skin tumors. But if we talk about the fastest, safest and most effective means, then in any city it will definitely be laser removal. The method is ideal for removing skin growths, be it calluses, papillomas, warts, unsightly birthmarks or nevus.
Laser removal in dermatology is used in 90% of cases. The technique is proven and involves a short-term effect of a laser beam on a tumor. When the laser hits the skin, molecules are moved and fluid is released, causing the skin to char and the tumor to disappear. Despite this unflattering description, the procedure takes little time and is actually considered one of the safest, most atraumatic and efficient. Another advantage is the price, which is affordable for most patients.
Nevertheless, laser removal of tumors leads to some changes. The skin at the site of exposure to the beam swells and turns red. Therefore, a common question from patients is how to care for their skin after laser treatment and what recommendations should be followed so as not to worsen its condition.
How does the healing proceed?
Tissue restoration after laser removal occurs in several steps.
- stage. Almost immediately after laser removal, a dark crust appears at the site of exposure to the beam. It must not be removed, scratched or soaked in water. The appearance of a crust is a completely normal reaction of the body to laser exposure. It protects the wound from the invasion of pathogenic bacteria and dirt, and also promotes the rapid growth of new tissue that replaces the old, damaged one. Some swelling and redness is also normal. Try to ensure rest at the site of laser irradiation for the first 5-7 days. In no case do not rub or moisten this area or lubricate it with wound-healing creams and ointments. Do not wear clothing that is too tight 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.
- stage. The crust will disappear approximately 7-10 days after laser removal. A soft pink patch of new skin will appear in its place. It is still not necessary to smear it with anything, but you should definitely protect it from ultraviolet rays. Therefore, reduce your exposure to the sun and use sunscreen with the highest level of protection - 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, stubborn pigmentation that is very difficult to remove.
- stage. After about sixteen to twenty days, young skin forms at the site of the wart or nevus. Now she is no longer afraid of ultraviolet rays. The skin can be moistened with a washcloth and rubbed. No special events or procedures are required anymore. Sometimes a slight itching remains even after 20 days, but externally 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 laser removal of a wart or mole evens out and becomes completely invisible. This is the advantage of the procedure: after three months you will no longer even remember the cosmetic defects that you may have suffered from.
How is the area treated after laser removal? Doctor's advice
A crust has therefore formed at the point of impact of the laser beam. What to do to prevent dangerous bacteria from entering the wound? The following measures can help reduce infections:
- Potassium permanganate. Popularly known as potassium permanganate. When undiluted it can be dangerous 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 bandages are best avoided.
- Antibiotic ointment. If the area is severely red, swollen, and painful after laser removal, use an antibiotic ointment. It effectively reduces the likelihood of bacterial inflammation.
- Phenol solution. If fluid leaks from the wound, it is better to dry the area after laser removal. And the solution is ideal for this.
- Antiseptic solutions. These effective antiseptics are used after laser removal of papillomas, warts and moles on mucous membranes.
Self-prescription of any medication is not permitted. If you are concerned about any symptoms or side effects, contact the medical center where you chose to have laser removal. The doctor who performed 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 removal of a tumor and accelerate tissue healing.
- Do not touch the area affected by the laser beam unless necessary.
- Wear loose clothing or shoes and be careful not to bruise or compress the wound.
- In the air, all regeneration processes occur faster, so there is no point in applying bandages and hiding the damaged area under clothing.
- After laser removal of a mole or papilloma, it is worth limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages for three to five days. The fact is that alcohol causes vasodilatation, which can delay the rehabilitation and regeneration phase of the skin. In addition, under the influence of alcoholic beverages, the risk of bleeding from the wound may increase.
- If side effects occur, do not self-medicate. Contact your doctor immediately.
- Avoid going to the tanning bed until the crust falls off and the wound heals completely. 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 removed a mole from the surface of your face using a laser, you should refrain from using decorative cosmetics for 5-7 days.
- Be careful if a long time has passed since the mole was removed and purulent contents, blood, or fluid are oozing from the wound. Causes of concern may include increased body temperature, chills, increased swelling, and the appearance of redness at the donor site. All of these conditions require immediate medical attention. Do not try to diagnose yourself and do not delay your visit to the clinic where you had laser removal of papillomas.
How long does full recovery take?
Even if the removal site of a mole or nevus does not bother you, you still need to monitor the condition of the skin for 10-20 days after laser removal.
On average, rehabilitation takes two to four weeks. It is important to understand that the larger the surface area occupied by the mole, the longer recovery and regeneration will take. The location of the tumor also plays a role: the mucous membranes usually heal more quickly.
The rehabilitation period also depends on where exactly the mole was removed. It has long been known that areas with good blood flow heal 2-3 times faster than all others. For this reason, a wound on the heel can bother you longer 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 competent, qualified dermatologists who can check the benignity of skin tumors and perform laser removal as quickly and painlessly as possible for the patient.