Wart Removal (RF / Laser / Cryo)

Warts are small, rough skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on hands, feet, face, or other areas, and while many warts are harmless, they often cause discomfort, embarrassment, or pain, especially when located on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet. At TLC Skyn in Kollam, wart removal is approached with precision and care, using three proven methods: radiofrequency (RF) ablation, laser therapy, and cryotherapy.

The right treatment depends on the wart’s type, size, location, and how long it has been present. Rather than relying on over-the-counter remedies that often fail, a professional assessment helps identify the most effective approach while minimising the risk of scarring or recurrence. Kollam’s humid, warm climate can make skin more prone to moisture-related irritation, which is one reason why properly treated warts tend to heal more comfortably when managed in a clinical setting.

What Is Wart Removal (RF / Laser / Cryo)?

Wart removal refers to a set of in-clinic procedures that destroy or extract wart tissue caused by HPV. The virus infects the top layer of skin, usually entering through small cuts or abrasions, and triggers abnormal skin cell growth. Warts are contagious and can spread to other parts of the body or to other people through direct contact or shared surfaces.

Treatment Options & Advantages

Treatment Options

TLC Skyn offers three main approaches for wart removal, each selected based on the wart’s characteristics and the patient’s skin type.

RF ablation uses high-frequency radio waves delivered through a fine probe to precisely cut or vaporise wart tissue down to its root while sealing surrounding blood vessels. This method offers virtually no bleeding, high precision, and typically requires only one session. Local anaesthesia is administered via a small injection to keep the procedure comfortable. RF is particularly suitable for well-defined warts on the hands, fingers, and other accessible areas where precision matters.

Laser treatment directs an intense, focused beam of light at the wart, heating and destroying the tiny blood vessels that feed it. Without a blood supply, the wart tissue dies and eventually falls away. Laser therapy is often recommended for stubborn, thick, or deeply rooted warts that have not responded to other treatments. It works well for plantar warts and warts in sensitive or hard-to-reach areas. Some temporary pigmentation changes may occur, especially in darker skin tones, which is why a dermatologist’s assessment beforehand is essential.

Cryotherapy applies ultra-cold liquid nitrogen, typically around -196°C, directly to the wart. The rapid freezing destroys wart cells and creates a small blister beneath the growth, causing the tissue to die and fall off within one to two weeks. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes and usually requires no anaesthesia. Cryotherapy often needs repeat sessions spaced two to four weeks apart to fully clear the wart. It is commonly used for common warts on hands and fingers, as well as smaller plantar warts.

Treatment Advantages

• Precise removal with minimal damage to surrounding healthy skin
• Most procedures are quick, often completed within 15 to 30 minutes
• RF and laser methods typically require fewer sessions than topical treatments
• Low risk of significant bleeding due to vessel sealing during RF and laser procedures
• Professional treatment reduces the likelihood of wart spread and recurrence
• Suitable for warts that have failed to respond to pharmacy-bought creams or home freezing kits

Frequently Asked Questions