A hanging mole, an old wart or a callus is unlikely to ever become an adornment to your body. But their removal will bring undoubted benefits: you no longer need to be afraid that you will inadvertently catch and damage the papilloma. And you won’t have to suffer from such an aesthetic defect anymore.
Dermatologists today use a variety of 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 growths, be it a callus, papilloma, wart, unattractive mole or nevus.
Laser removal in dermatology is used in 90% of cases. The technique is time-tested and involves a short-term effect of a laser beam on a tumor. When the laser hits the skin, it causes 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 indeed considered one of the safest, atraumatic and efficient. Another advantage is the price, which is affordable for most patients.
But despite this, laser removal of tumors causes some changes. The skin at the site of the beam's impact swells and turns red. Therefore, a popular request from patients is how to care for their skin after laser, and what recommendations should be followed so as not to worsen their condition.
How does healing proceed?
Tissue restoration after laser removal takes place in several stages.
- Stage. Almost immediately after laser removal, a dark crust appears at the site of beam exposure. It should not be removed, scratched, or soaked in water. The appearance of a crust is an absolutely normal reaction of the body to laser exposure. It protects the wound from penetration of pathogenic bacteria and dirt, and also promotes the rapid growth of new tissue to replace the old, damaged one. Some swelling and redness is also normal. Try to ensure peace at the site of laser exposure for the first 5-7 days. Do not rub or wet this area under any circumstances, or lubricate it with wound-healing creams and ointments. Do not wear clothes that are too tight and do not cover the wound with bandages or bandages. It is also better to avoid chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and other antiseptic solutions like iodine or brilliant green.
- Stage. The crust disappears approximately 7-10 days after laser removal. In its place will be a soft pink patch of new skin. There is still no need to smear it with anything, but you should definitely protect it from ultraviolet rays. Therefore, reduce your time in the sun, and during those hours when you are outside, use sunscreen with the maximum degree of protection - at least 50 SPF. The aggressive effect of ultraviolet radiation on young pink skin can lead to undesirable consequences - for example, persistent pigmentation, which will be extremely difficult to get rid of.
- Stage. After about sixteen to twenty days, young skin will form at the site of the wart or nevus. Now she is not afraid of exposure to ultraviolet rays. The skin can be wetted and rubbed with a washcloth. No special events or procedures will be required anymore. Sometimes, even after 20 days, slight itching persists, but outwardly the skin looks absolutely normal and healthy. In this case, you can use special soothing ointments. After about 30 days, the hole that remained at the site of laser removal of a wart or mole levels out and becomes completely invisible. This is the advantage of the procedure: after three months you will not even remember those 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 site of exposure to the laser beam. What to do to prevent dangerous bacteria from entering the wound? The following measures can help reduce infection:
- Potassium permanganate. Popularly known as potassium permanganate. In an undiluted state it can be dangerous as it causes chemical burns. To reduce redness and reduce the likelihood of inflammation of the wound, use a weak, slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate. Lotions can be applied several times a day, but it is better to avoid dressings.
- Antibiotic ointment. If the area after laser removal is very red, swollen and painful, use antibiotic ointment. It effectively reduces the likelihood of bacterial inflammation.
- Phenol solution. If liquid oozes from the wound, it is better to dry the area after laser removal. And the solution is best suited for this purpose.
- Antiseptic solutions. These effective antiseptic agents are used after laser removal of papillomas, warts, and moles 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 undergo 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 speed up tissue healing.
- Do not touch the area affected by the laser beam unless necessary.
- Wear loose clothing or shoes and make sure that 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 the period of rehabilitation and regeneration of the skin may be delayed. In addition, under the influence of alcoholic beverages, the risk of bleeding from the wound may increase.
- If any side symptoms occur, do not self-medicate. Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Avoid going to the solarium until the crust falls off and the wound has completely healed. Doctors recommend visiting a solarium approximately three months after the procedure. The same rule applies to going to the pool, spa, or massage room.
- If you removed a mole from the surface of your face with a laser, stop using decorative cosmetics for 5-7 days.
- You should be wary if a lot of time has passed since the mole was removed, and purulent contents, blood or liquid are oozing from the wound. Causes for concern may be increased body temperature, chills, increased swelling and the appearance of redness at the extraction site. All 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 it take to fully recover?
Even if the site of removal of a mole or nevus 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 takes from two to four weeks. It is worth understanding that the larger the surface area the mole occupied, the more time it will take for recovery and regeneration. The location of the tumor also matters: as a rule, the mucous membranes heal faster.
The rehabilitation period also depends on where exactly the mole was removed. It has long been noted that areas well supplied with blood heal 2-3 times faster than all others. This is why a wound on the heel may 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 verify the benign nature of skin tumors and carry out the laser removal procedure as quickly and painlessly as possible for the patient.