Dr. Steven Selchow and his team at Rejuv Skin and Hair Clinic successfully use the flexible waveguide CO2 laser for the removal of benign moles, bumps, skin tags, and warts. The 10.6 micron CO2 laser is regarded as superior to a conventional scalpel or cryotherapy techniques as it precisely targets only the affected area. Because of its ability to achieve hemostasis and a very thin zone of thermal necrosis (around 50 microns), the CO2 laser allows for a more conservative excision/ablation than a blade or cryotherapy. Moreover, the removal of skin lesions with the CO2 laser often doesn’t require suturing. The area treated with the CO2 laser is left to heal by secondary intention which results in smooth new skin. Several studies have shown that CO2 laser irradiated areas heal with less wound contraction and scarring due to the reduced amount of myofibroblasts at the surgical site.
The procedure is safe, short, simple, and the treated area heals quickly, with excellent cosmetic outcome.