Flat Wart Removal Guide

Flat warts are a skin condition caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. They primarily spread broadly and thinly on the epidermal layer, appearing as small brown or flesh-colored lesions to the naked eye. They tend to occur when immunity is weakened, and since they can spread by self-touch, early management is crucial.

Erbium YAG laser is useful for delicately resurfacing the skin's surface layer. It can help effectively clear widely spread flat warts.

This procedure is used to uniformly remove lesions while minimizing skin damage. However, viral lesions may recur if only the superficial lesions are removed. Therefore, a finishing process involving thermal damage around the lesion with a CO2 laser is performed to additionally remove any virus-infected cells that may remain in the epidermis and surrounding areas. This approach can have a positive impact on reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

CO2 laser finishing may be considered even more important in the following situations:

When the lesion's borders are unclear, or it feels widely spread when touched. When immunity is weakened due to stress, lack of sleep, or other factors.

If there is a history of multiple recurrences.

When lesions are located in areas prone to viral spread due to frequent contact, such as hands or face.

How long should DuoDerm (regenerative patch) be applied after the procedure?

Since flat wart removal involves removing the skin's surface, temporary physical changes to the skin may occur.

Properly protecting and managing the affected area is crucial for recovery.

Keeping the treated area moisturized, in particular, can aid healing and help reduce the likelihood of scarring.

For this purpose, applying DuoDerm, a hydrocolloid dressing, is the recommended approach.

DuoDerm can help keep the wound area moist, aiding cell regeneration and delaying scab formation, thereby contributing to a lower chance of scarring.

After applying DuoDerm immediately after the procedure, only replace it when it becomes completely saturated with exudate and swells, or when it starts to peel off on its own. It is beneficial to apply it consistently for at least 7 days or more.

We recommend a total care period of approximately 10 days.

If DuoDerm use is difficult or a skin reaction occurs, you can manage the treated area by frequently applying regenerative cream or moisturizing gel to prevent it from drying out.

Consistently using sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher and avoiding direct touching of the wound area are important for recovery.

Post-procedure care is an important step that goes beyond simply protecting the wound and can affect the outcome of the procedure.

If care is neglected, there is a possibility of scarring, so it is advisable to continue to be careful even after the procedure.

We also provide detailed guidance on post-procedure care methods for our patients' smooth recovery.

Who May Be Suitable for the Procedure

• Those who have had skin concerns such as moles, lentigines, milia, syringomas, or skin tags
• Those who have experienced recurrence after previous lesion removal

Procedure Steps

• Step 01. Self-cleansing
• Step 02. Apply Anesthetic Cream
• Step 03. Lesion Removal Procedure

Post-Procedure Precautions

• It is advisable to be careful to prevent water from directly touching the treated area. (Please cleanse while DuoDerm is applied.)
• While your skin is recovering, it is recommended to apply the regenerative patch as consistently as possible. (Approximately 10 days)
• There is a possibility of lesions reappearing in the removed area, and re-treatment can usually be considered after 4-6 weeks.
• For lesions with deep roots, multiple treatment sessions may be required.
• It is important to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. (Sunscreen should be used essentially, and it's also good to apply it over DuoDerm.)