Overview

Warts are small, rough skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on different parts of the body, including hands, feet, face and genitals. While some warts go away on their own, many require medical treatment to remove them effectively and prevent spread or recurrence. Wart removal options include cryotherapy (freezing), laser treatment and surgical removal, depending on the type, size and location of the wart.

Why Wart Removal (Cryotherapy, Laser, or Surgery) Procedure is Required?

Warts cause discomfort, especially on feet (plantar warts) or fingers.

Genital warts can lead to embarrassment and complications if left untreated.

Warts can spread to other parts of your body or to others.

Home remedies or over-the-counter wart removers may not always work.

Recurrent or stubborn warts often require advanced medical treatment.

Removal prevents scarring or damage from frequent scratching or infection.

Some warts (like venereal or genital warts) need urgent removal due to HPV risks.

Key Advantages of Wart Removal Treatment

Provides quick and targeted removal of stubborn or deep-rooted warts.

Minimizes the chance of the wart returning.

Safer than self-treatment methods.

Cryotherapy is non-invasive and quick.

Laser treatment ensures precision with minimal skin damage.

Surgery is useful for large or resistant warts.

Can be performed in outpatient settings with minimal downtime.

Relief from pain in plantar or foot warts.

Improves skin appearance and self-confidence.

Genital wart removal reduces transmission of HPV.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Wart Removal (Cryotherapy, Laser, or Surgery) Treatment

Consult a dermatologist to confirm the type of wart and best treatment option.

Inform your doctor about any medications or health conditions.

Avoid using over-the-counter wart removers before the procedure.

For genital warts, personal hygiene is very important before the appointment.

Do not shave the area around the wart before treatment.

Wear comfortable clothing, especially if the wart is in a sensitive or covered area.

Ask your doctor about aftercare requirements to plan time off if needed.

How Wart Removal Treatment is Performed?

• Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the wart. It forms a blister that eventually falls off.
• Laser Treatment: A focused laser beam destroys the wart tissue with high precision.
• Surgical Removal: The wart is cut out using a scalpel or cauterized (burned off).
• Local anesthesia is usually given to numb the area.
• Multiple sessions may be needed depending on the type and size of the wart.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

1. Before the Procedure:

Quick check-up by the doctor to examine the wart.

Explanation of the method being used.

Local anesthesia may be administered for comfort.

2. During the Procedure:

Cryotherapy may take only a few minutes.

Laser may take slightly longer, depending on the number of warts.

Surgical excision may take 15–30 minutes depending on complexity.

3. After the Procedure:

Mild redness, swelling, or scabbing is normal.

Avoid touching or scratching the area.

Keep the area clean and dry.

You may be given creams or pain relievers.

Healing can take 1–3 weeks based on the method and body part treated.

Risk and Potential Complications

Temporary pain or burning sensation at the treatment site.

Mild bleeding or blister formation (especially with cryotherapy).

Possibility of scarring (more common in surgery).

Infection if aftercare is not followed properly.

Wart may reappear in some cases, requiring repeat sessions.

Skin discoloration, especially in darker skin tones.

Results/Outcomes

Most patients experience full removal of the wart within a few weeks.

Appearance of the skin improves significantly.

Pain or discomfort caused by the wart goes away.

Lower chance of wart spreading to others or recurring.

Long-lasting results with proper care and follow-up.