Verruca Removal

Verrucas, those stubborn and often uncomfortable growths on the feet, can be a source of significant discomfort and embarrassment. Thankfully, modern medical technology offers a safe and effective solution: laser verruca removal. At Centre for Surgery in London, we specialise in this advanced treatment, providing our patients with a high level of care and expertise.

This guide aims to give you a thorough understanding of the laser verruca removal process offered at our clinic in London. The treatment utilises cutting-edge laser technology, a highly effective method for dealing with verrucas. The procedure involves using a concentrated beam of light, which is precisely targeted at the verruca. This light energy works to efficiently break down the verruca’s structure, causing it to gradually diminish and eventually disappear without harming the surrounding skin.

One of the key benefits of choosing laser treatment with us is the minimal discomfort involved. Unlike traditional methods, which can sometimes be painful and invasive, laser treatment is generally painless and non-invasive. It’s an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return to your daily activities immediately after the treatment, with no need for a lengthy recovery period.

Furthermore, laser treatment for verrucas is known for its high success rate. Many patients experience complete removal of the verruca, with a significantly lower chance of recurrence compared to other methods. The precision of the laser also ensures that the surrounding skin remains unharmed, preserving the aesthetic appearance of your feet.

At Centre for Surgery, our experienced team of professionals is dedicated to providing personalised care. During your initial consultation, we will assess your specific condition and discuss the best treatment approach for your needs. We understand that each patient’s situation is unique, and we tailor our treatments to suit individual requirements.

A verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is a prevalent condition. Like warts, verrucae are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. Verrucae are notoriously stubborn skin lesions to remove, and many older treatments still commonly used at other clinics lead to a high failure rate. Older treatments used by podiatrists include filing down the wart followed by the application of salicylic acid, and repeated use of this treatment can damage the surrounding skin, leading to further spread of the verrucas.

Verruca removal is no longer routinely performed on the NHS as they are viewed as a purely cosmetic condition. Even when there is a functional issue such as significant discomfort, it can be difficult to get NHS treatment and the treatments used are generally known to be relatively ineffective.

There are many treatments available for verruca removal, and there is a lot of conflicting information on which treatments are best for verruca removal. As with wart removal, if extra verruca tissue is left behind after treatment, then this will almost inevitably lead to the recurrence of the verruca. Many treatment methods lead to failure as the proper method is to inject local anaesthetic into the area of the verruca followed by verruca treatment. By failing to use local anaesthetic injection, patient discomfort will likely prevent treatment of the deeper parts of the verruca. Local anaesthetic allows comprehensive treatment of the verruca, including deeper parts for full clearance.

Although older methods used by podiatrists and chiropodists of filing the verruca down followed by application of concentrated salicylic acid are recognised techniques, they have a very high rate of failure due to incomplete penetration of the salicylic acid. These treatments need a course of sessions, and despite multiple verruca treatments, failure to remove the verruca completely is a common occurrence.

Laser verruca removal, especially when utilising the advanced dual wavelength approach of the Fotona laser is a highly effective and innovative method for treating verrucas. This approach offers several benefits that make it a preferred choice for both patients and practitioners. Let’s delve into the key advantages of this cutting-edge technology:

Precision and Effectiveness

The Fotona laser’s dual wavelength feature allows for unmatched precision in targeting verrucas. This laser combines two types of laser beams—Nd:YAG and Er:YAG. Each wavelength targets different aspects of the verruca, ensuring comprehensive treatment. The Nd:YAG wavelength penetrates deeply to address the root of the verruca, while the Er:YAG wavelength is more superficial, perfect for fine-tuning the treatment. This dual approach ensures that the entire verruca is treated effectively, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Minimal Discomfort

One of the most significant benefits of using the Fotona laser for verruca removal is the minimal discomfort experienced during the procedure. The laser’s precision means that only the verruca is targeted, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. This results in a more comfortable experience compared to traditional methods, which can be invasive and painful.

Quick and Convenient Procedure

The Fotona laser treatment is relatively quick and can be completed in a short office visit. This convenience is a major advantage for patients who have busy schedules and prefer a treatment that doesn’t require extensive downtime or a prolonged recovery period.

Safety and Reduced Side Effects

The Fotona laser is renowned for its safety profile. The dual wavelength approach minimises the risk of damage to surrounding tissues, reducing the likelihood of side effects such as scarring or infection. This safety aspect makes it a suitable option for a wide range of patients, including those with sensitive skin.

Enhanced Healing and Aesthetic Results

The Fotona laser not only removes verrucas effectively but also promotes quicker healing. The laser stimulates collagen production and skin regeneration, leading to smoother, healthier-looking skin post-treatment. This aspect is particularly beneficial for those who are concerned about the cosmetic appearance of their feet after verruca removal.

Versatility and Customisation

The Fotona laser’s dual wavelengths provide versatility that allows practitioners to tailor treatment to each patient’s specific needs. The laser settings can be adjusted for optimal results, whether it’s a singular verruca or multiple lesions.

Verrucas, particularly plantar mosaic warts, pose a significant challenge in dermatological treatment due to their resilience and complex nature. Traditional methods of verruca removal, including needling, salicylic acid application, and cryotherapy, have been widely used but come with various limitations and a high rate of treatment failure. This comprehensive overview aims to shed light on why these methods may not always be effective.

The Challenge with Needling for Verruca Removal

Needling involves multiple small penetrations to push verruca tissue deeper into the skin. The theoretical basis is to trigger an immune response against the verruca. However, this method has proven to be highly ineffective. The high failure rate is attributed to its inability to stimulate the immune system for effective verruca removal sufficiently. Thus, needling is considered a less favourable option in modern dermatological practices.

Filing and High Strength Salicylic Acid Application

This treatment involves filing down the verruca and applying concentrated salicylic acid. Podiatrists frequently use this method, but it too suffers from a high failure rate. Multiple treatments often result in the persistence of the verruca. The key drawback is the superficial action of salicylic acid, which fails to reach the deeper layers of the verruca, especially when they extend up to 6mm or more in depth. Consequently, a significant portion of the verruca remains untreated, misleadingly appearing as though it has been fully removed.

Cryotherapy for Verruca Removal

Cryotherapy, or freezing, is a more effective option than the aforementioned methods and is a common treatment in the NHS for various skin lesions due to its cost-effectiveness. While cryotherapy can be reasonably effective for wart removal in other areas, it faces challenges when applied to plantar warts. The primary issue is the pain associated with the procedure, as it is often performed without local anaesthetic. This limits the depth to which the treatment can be applied based on the patient’s pain tolerance. Additionally, the thickness of plantar warts, often exceeding 5mm, makes it difficult for the freezing effect to reach the entire depth of the verruca. The non-uniform application of freezing often leads to partial treatment, with deeper parts of the verruca remaining unaffected. This inherent limitation results in incomplete removal or even enlargement of the verruca after multiple sessions.

Following laser verruca removal, the proper care and management of the treatment area are crucial for ensuring a smooth and effective healing process. The healing period typically extends up to three weeks, during which special attention must be given to the wound due to its location on the foot. The unique challenges posed by foot wounds require a tailored approach to post-treatment care.

Understanding the Healing Challenges for Foot Wounds

• Slower Healing Rate: Foot wounds generally exhibit a slower healing rate compared to other parts of the body. This is primarily due to the constant pressure exerted on the area while walking.
• Increased Risk of Infection: The foot is more susceptible to the ingress of dirt or sweat, which heightens the risk of infection. Such risks necessitate stringent wound care measures.

Essential Post-Treatment Care Recommendations

• Footwear Considerations: Patients are advised to wear well-padded, loose-fitting footwear. This helps in alleviating pressure on the treated area and reduces the risk of irritation or wound aggravation.
• Activity Modification: Minimising strenuous activities, especially those involving extensive foot use, is essential during the healing phase. This precaution helps in preventing undue stress on the wound.
• Guidance from Laser Specialists: Adhering to guidelines on wound care is key to a successful recovery.

Wound Care Protocol

• Chlorhexidine Wash: The first step involves washing the foot with a chlorhexidine solution. This antiseptic wash is effective in keeping the wound clean and reducing the risk of infection.
• Moist Dressing Application: After cleaning, applying a moist dressing is recommended. Moist dressings play a vital role in facilitating quicker healing by maintaining an optimal moisture balance in the wound environment.
• Availability of Supplies: Both the chlorhexidine foot wash solution and appropriate dressings are readily available at most reputable pharmacies.

Adhering to these post-procedure care guidelines is essential for ensuring a safe and speedy recovery following laser verruca removal. Patients should closely follow the advice of their laser specialist and promptly address any concerns or unusual symptoms during the healing process. Proper care can significantly reduce the risk of complications, leading to a more comfortable and effective healing journey.

Are you searching for a reliable and effective solution for verruca removal in London? Look no further than the Centre for Surgery. Our clinic, renowned for its expertise and state-of-the-art treatments, stands as a leading choice for those seeking top-quality verruca removal services.

Unparalleled Expertise and Advanced Treatments

At the Centre for Surgery, we specialise in laser verruca removal, utilising the latest technologies, including Nd:YAG and Erbium lasers. Our approach ensures a high success rate, with a focus on patient comfort and effective outcomes. Our skilled laser specialists are adept at handling everything from simple verrucas to more complicated lesions, ensuring that each patient receives personalised care.

Patient Testimonials

1. “Exceptional Experience”: “I had a persistent verruca that just wouldn’t go away. The team at Centre for Surgery was fantastic – they explained the procedure clearly, and the treatment was quick and virtually painless. Now, I’m verruca-free, thanks to their expertise!” – Emma H.
2. “Highly Recommended”: “The Centre for Surgery truly stands out. Their use of the latest laser technology made a huge difference in my treatment. I was back on my feet in no time, with no complications. Highly recommend their services!” – John D.
3. “Professional and Caring”: “From consultation to treatment, the care I received was top-notch. The staff were professional, and the environment was welcoming. My foot has healed beautifully. I couldn’t be happier with the results.” – Sarah L.

Booking a Consultation

To schedule a consultation and take the first step towards effective verruca removal, please contact us:

• Phone: 0207 993 4849
• Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com

For more information about our clinic and what sets us apart, visit our About Us page.

Explore Our Additional Resources

• Finance Options: We offer flexible finance options, including 0% APR with Chrysalis Finance, to make treatments more accessible. Learn more about our finance options.
• Insightful Plastic Surgery Blog: For further information and insights into various treatments, visit our plastic surgery blog.
• Frequently Asked Questions: Have queries about cosmetic surgery? Our Clinic FAQs provide valuable answers.
• Baker Street Clinic: Our primary clinic is conveniently located at 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN. Discover more about our Baker Street clinic.

At the Centre for Surgery, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest standard of care in verruca removal. With our expert team, advanced technology, and commitment to patient satisfaction, we are the go-to choice for those seeking effective verruca treatment in London.