About
The CO2 Laser is a highly effective way to remove unsightly or bothersome benign moles and to eradicate scars, surgical scars and other textural irregularities of the skin such as bumps, skin tags and warts. This form of removal is widely regarded as superior to traditional surgical techniques as the laser targets only the affected area, thus minimizing damage to the surrounding skin.
In addition, CO2 Laser doesn’t involve stitching, which can leave minimal scarring. Instead, the Laser seals the skin as it targets the tissue, thus reducing bleeding, minimizing the chance of infection and leaving a smoother surface than would ordinarily occur with traditional surgical techniques.
The procedure is safe, quick and simple and the treated area heals quickly, with great cosmetic results.
How does it work
Medically, moles are called naevus (plural: naevi). There are 4 types: junctional, intra-dermal, compound, and blue naevi
• Junctional: The naevus cells are in the epidermal-dermal junction. They appear black and are flat.
• Intradermal: The naevus cells descend into the deep dermis, and the naevus loses the black colour gradually while becoming more and more raised. With time it appears as a large skin-coloured dome-shaped lump.
• Compound: Somewhat in the middle between the above two. The are slightly raised with variable degree of black pigment.
• Blue naevus: it is blue in colour as the melanocytes are very deep in the dermis.
Since the compound and intra-dermal naevi are elevated, in order to achieve good cosmetic results, they need to be re-surfaced to the same level as surrounding skin, in addition to removing the black pigment.
As the CO2 Laser is absorbed by the water content and heat up the tissue, it burns and vaporises the skin, layer by layer. Therefore it can scrap the lump gradually down to a flat level. The black pigment is vaporised altogether at the same time.
Sometimes all the black pigment is within the elevated part, and no deeper than the skin level, and the wound is very shallow. Usually it is not the case, and we need to dig deeper into the skin, leaving a wound like a small hole. If the pigment is too deep, then we need to use the pigment laser on this wound too after the CO2 Laser.
The wound, either flat or as a small hole, will heal up after a few days, usually about a week. There may be a light reddish-brown mark after, but it will almost for sure fade away gradually, in 1 – 3 months, although sometimes it can take longer.
FAQ
Does it hurt?
This procedure is quick and easily tolerated by most people. You may however choose to ask for a topical anaesthetic.
How long does each session take?
This depends on the area being treated. Please contact one of our Advisors for details.
How many treatments will I need and how soon will I see results?
Likely, only one treatment would be required. However, sometimes if the mole contains hair, some of the mole might survive and you may need a second treatment. Please contact one of our Advisors for a consultation to determine your personal treatment schedule.
Are there any side effects and is there any downtime?
Moles/lumps are precisely removed with minimal scarring and downtime. The treated area will initially be red and some swelling may occur, but you won’t experience any major side-effects and will be able to return to your daily routine straight after the procedure. The redness and swelling will soon subside. Scabs form and fall about 1-2 weeks after the procedure, leaving normal pinkish skin. Regularly sunblock application of minimal SPF30 is highly advised after wound healing and as directed.
