All the Information You Need About Wart Removal Surgery

Warts are small, rough bumps on the skin that are caused by some forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They aren't typically hazardous, but they can be unattractive, annoying, and even hurtful at times. Many individuals find warts to be very upsetting, especially when they appear on visible areas, such as the face, hands, or feet.

Some warts go away on their own, but some might last for months or even years. Over-the-counter treatments, such as lotions or freezing kits, may help in mild cases. But if your warts don't go away or come back, you may need to see a doctor. This is when you need to get rid of warts.

In this post, we'll speak about the many types of warts, when surgery is needed, the different types of surgery that are available, and how long it takes to heal.

Getting to know warts

When you get HPV, you get warts on your skin. You can get them by handling something that is infected, sharing personal items, or having skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected.

Common warts include:

• Most of the time, common warts are rough, raised bumps that show up on the hands and fingers.
• Plantar warts are hard, grainy bumps on the bottoms of your feet that might pain as you walk.
• People often have flat warts on their arms, legs, or face.
• Filiform warts are long, thin growths that often appear around the lips, eyes, or nose.
• Genital warts are soft bumps that appear in the genital area and can be spread from person to person through sexual contact.
• Some warts fade away on their own, but others don't react to treatment and hurt, so they need to be cut out.

When is surgery necessary to get rid of a wart?

You don't have to get surgery to get rid of all warts. Doctors may recommend surgery to get rid of warts if they cause discomfort or get in the way of everyday living, like plantar warts.

• Warts don't go away with topical or non-surgical treatments.
• Warts can spread swiftly or grow in groups.
• Warts can appear on sensitive areas such as the face, genitals, or beneath the nails.
• Patients have a weaker immune system, which makes it more probable that they may have HPV infections that last a long time.

Ways to Get Rid of Warts with Surgery

There are a few different techniques to get rid of warts with surgery. You can choose based on the wart's size, type, location, and the patient's medical history.

1. Cryosurgery, which is also known as freezing therapy

• A wart is frozen with liquid nitrogen, which helps it fall off in one or two weeks.
• You may need more than one therapy for warts that won't go away.
• Some common adverse effects include mild pain, blisters, or changes in skin color.

2. Electrosurgery (using electricity to burn)

• High-frequency electric current burns and destroys wart tissue.
• Usually done with curettage (scraping) to get rid of the warts that are still there.
• Local anesthetics are often used to reduce the severity of pain.

3. Laser surgery

• A focused beam of laser light shuts off the blood flow to the wart tissue, destroying it.
• This is good for warts that are hard to get rid of or are deep, like plantar warts.
• It could take a few weeks for the wound to heal, and in some cases, it might leave a scar.

4. Excision (cutting with a knife)

• A scalpel is used to chop off the wart.
• Most of the time, this is done using a local anesthetic.
• Works well on large or stubborn warts; however, it may leave a scar.

5. Chemical surgery (using very strong chemicals)

• Some people use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and other powerful acids to get rid of warts.
• Most of the time, this is only utilized for flat warts on the genitals or warts that won't go away.

Preparing for Wart Removal Surgery

• People should talk to a dermatologist or surgeon before having surgery to remove a wart to make sure that the growth is a wart and not something else on the skin.
• Talk about your medical history, including any allergies, drugs, and immunological status.
• Avoid applying any skin care products for at least a week before the procedure, as this can make it more difficult to remove and irritate the skin.
• If the wart is on your foot or hand, ensure you have help with aftercare, as this may make it more difficult to move around for a while.

What to expect before surgery

• Most wart removal procedures are done on an outpatient basis, so patients can go home the same day.
• Most of the time, a local anesthetic is utilized to numb the part of the body that hurts.
• The process itself takes just a few minutes, but if the wart is wide or deep, laser or electrosurgery may require longer treatment times.
• The patient is instructed on how to care for the wound at home after it has been cleaned and dressed.

What to Expect After Surgery to Remove Warts

The length of time it takes to heal will depend on the type of operation and the location of the wart. Here's what you need to know in general:

The First Few Days

• It's usual to feel some pain, swelling, or redness.
• You can use over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses to feel better.
• Make sure the area that was treated stays clean and dry.

One to two weeks

• A scab often forms on the area that was treated.
• To reduce scarring to a minimum, don't pick at the scab.
• Most patients can return to their normal lifestyles within a few days, although they should avoid heavy lifting and swimming until they are fully healed.

2 to 4 Weeks

• Most of the time, healing is done, although it could take longer for warts that are bigger or deeper.
• You may need to return for follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure the wart doesn't recur.

How to Help Yourself Get Better Go Well

• Follow your doctor's instructions for how to care for your wounds.
• Don't touch the area that was treated directly to stop the illness from spreading.
• Choose shoes that are comfortable if the wart is on your foot to help the affected area recover faster.
• Don't share towels or razors to minimize your risk of getting HPV.
• Eating well, getting enough sleep, and working out will all help you stay healthy and keep your immune system robust.

Possible Issues and Risks

• There are some risks involved with wart removal surgery, even though it is safe.
• An infection at the site of the procedure
• Darkening or scarring of the skin
• Pain that comes and goes or lingers
• Warts coming back (because HPV persists in the body)
• There is a very low chance of nerve damage if warts are removed from sensitive areas.

Success and Recurrence Rates

• Most methods for removing warts are effective, with success rates ranging from 70% to 90%, depending on the specific method used.
• But HPV can stay hidden under the skin, so it could come back.
• Surgery and taking steps to avoid getting sick, like washing your hands and staying away from infectious surfaces, can help minimize the risk of recurrence.

Commonly asked questions

1. Does getting rid of warts through surgery hurt?

You can experience some slight pain during and after the treatment, although local anesthesia and medications can help.

2. Can warts come back after surgery?

Yes, because HPV can stay in the body. But surgery makes it a lot less probable that the disease will come back.

3. How long will it take to become better?

Most people heal in two to four weeks; however, this depends on the size and type of wart that was removed.

4. Will I have a scar?

Some surgical methods, including excision, can result in minimal scarring. Laser and cryotherapy usually don't leave a mark.

5. Do all warts need surgery to get rid of them?

No. Many warts can be treated with topical medications, freezing sprays, and tablets. People only have surgery when they are in pain or when the problem is hard to fix.

Conclusion

Warts are common skin growths that can cause you to feel embarrassed and self-conscious. Some of them go away on their own with simple treatments, while others are more stubborn and need medical attention. Cryotherapy, laser therapy, electrosurgery, and excision are all safe and effective ways to get rid of stubborn warts and restore your skin to its normal state.

Our hospital utilizes the latest surgical techniques, tailored to each patient, to minimize pain and promote rapid healing. If you have warts that won't go away on their own, our team of professionals, like Dr. Mohna Chauhan, can help you feel better and more sure of yourself.