Jamsil Station Dermatology Specialist: What Are the Advantages of Removing Flat Warts with a CO2 Laser, and Why Should They Not Be Left Untreated?

Flat Warts CO2 Laser

Hello, this is Jamsil On Dermatology near Jamsil Station!

If multiple small, flat bumps have appeared on your face or neck, they may not just be a simple skin concern. They could be ‘flat warts.’ Although they may look like acne at first glance, they feel smooth and firm to the touch, and when irritated by shaving, cleansing, or makeup, they tend to spread gradually to nearby areas. In particular, because they are a viral condition, they do not go away on their own over time and often increase in number. That is why early diagnosis and treatment are very important:)

Flat Warts CO2 Laser

What Are Flat Warts?

Flat warts are an infectious condition caused when human papillomavirus (HPV) invades the skin. When the virus enters through tiny breaks in the stratum corneum, cell proliferation occurs and the warts appear as flat raised bumps! They mainly develop on areas frequently exposed to external irritation, such as the face, neck, and backs of the hands, and their color can range from skin tone to light brown.

Because they are usually painless and small, they are very difficult to detect early. However, if left unnoticed, they can easily spread through habits such as touching them with a razor or hands, or reusing makeup tools. When immunity is weakened, infection occurs more easily, so they may become especially severe during periods of frequent colds or stress.

<What Are Flat Warts?>

• Human papillomavirus / invades through the stratum corneum

• Common in areas frequently exposed to irritation / infectious condition

• Small bumps that are skin-colored / light brown

What Are Flat Warts?

Why Should They Not Be Left Untreated?

So what problems can arise if flat warts are left untreated? More issues than expected can occur. The biggest problem is rapid spread. It is common for lesions that started on only one side of the face to spread to both cheeks, the forehead, and the chin within a few days! The more the skin is repeatedly irritated, the more the virus spreads and the number of warts increases, eventually broadening the treatment area.

In addition, improper extraction or attempts at self-treatment can leave pigmentation and scars. In particular, for women, even the rubbing motion during makeup application can increase the warts, so caution is needed. Flat warts can cause not only cosmetic stress but also psychological discomfort from repeated recurrence, making early treatment essential.

<Reasons It Should Not Be Left Untreated>

• Rapid spread / risk of pigmentation / scarring

• Recurrence / psychological stress

Why Should They Not Be Left Untreated?

Flat Warts CO2 Laser

One of the most effective methods for treating flat warts is the CO2 laser. A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser works by using a fine beam to instantly vaporize the moisture in the lesion and remove the wart. Its 특징 is that it precisely burns away the tissue while minimizing damage to the surrounding normal skin!

In addition, there is almost no bleeding during removal, and the high heat can completely eliminate the viral infection site, helping to lower recurrence rates. Because the energy can be finely adjusted depending on the depth of the lesion, customized treatment suited to the skin condition is possible. Many people also worry about recovery after treatment! As time passes, new skin gradually regenerates smoothly, so there is less concern about scarring:)

<Flat Warts CO2 Laser>

• Minimizes damage to normal skin

• Almost no bleeding / quick recovery

• Removes the virus with high heat and lowers recurrence rates

Flat Warts CO2 Laser

CO2 Laser vs. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is also a method often used to remove flat warts. You can think of it as a process that repeatedly freezes and thaws the lesion area using liquid nitrogen. It has the advantage of being simple, but it is difficult to finely control the treatment depth, and pain or blisters may occur. In addition, the surrounding normal tissue may also be damaged, increasing the possibility of leaving pigmentation!

In contrast, the CO2 laser precisely removes the lesion area and burns away only the infected cells, resulting in a lower recurrence rate and a cleaner recovery of the skin surface after the procedure. It also has the advantages of less pain, almost no bleeding, and a quick return to daily life immediately after treatment. From an aesthetic standpoint as well, CO2 laser treatment can be said to have much higher satisfaction.

CO2 Laser vs. Cryotherapy

How to Care for the Skin After CO2 Laser Treatment

Careful aftercare is important after CO2 laser treatment. A scab will form over the treated area for several days, but if you force it off, pigmentation may remain, so you should wait until it falls off naturally. When washing your face, gently cleanse with lukewarm water and be careful not to rub with a towel.

Also, apply a regeneration cream 2 to 3 times a day to help the skin recover, and apply sunscreen carefully when going outside. This is because sun exposure is a major cause of pigmentation. During recovery, you should also avoid touching the area with your hands or applying makeup immediately, and the key to preventing recurrence is to avoid irritating the skin until it has fully recovered. If needed, additional treatment at 2- to 3-week intervals to remove any remaining lesions can lead to a much cleaner result.

How to Care for the Skin After CO2 Laser Treatment

Flat Warts CO2 Laser Treatment