Seborrheic keratoses can be removed using a laser, an intense beam of light that burns and destroys the growth. Laser light cleans (sterilizes) and seals as it cuts tissue, which reduces bleeding, pain, and healing time.
A laser procedure may be done in your doctor's office or clinic. An injection of a numbing medication (local anesthetic) may help control pain. After laser treatment, the wound will be painful for a few days. Your doctor may advise you to clean the wound and apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Laser treatment normally causes no scarring, but it can cause permanent skin lightening.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | March 16, 2007 |
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