Laser Wart Treatment

When tinctures and freezing are not enough

Warts are caused by human papillomaviruses and often sit on the hands, fingers and soles of the feet. Many disappear on their own – if they fail to do so over months, become painful under pressure, spread or keep coming back, targeted treatment makes sense. Salicylic acid plasters, freezing and creams are the first step; with stubborn or deep-seated warts, particularly on the sole of the foot (plantar warts), they are often not enough.

How the laser treatment works

We treat with the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Its wavelength is absorbed by the blood pigment: the fine vessels that supply the wart are specifically closed, cutting off its supply. The surrounding tissue is largely spared – unlike with excision, no open wound is created, and the risk of a scar on the sole of the foot is low.

Procedure and aftercare

After the treatment the wart gradually dries out and becomes smaller over the following weeks. We remove callused material between sessions so that the laser can work more deeply next time. Several sessions three to four weeks apart are usually needed; deep-seated plantar warts often take longer.

• Keep the treated area dry and protect it during the first few days
• Showering is fine, but avoid the swimming pool and sauna for a week
• Wear comfortable shoes after treatment on the sole of the foot
• Warts are contagious – do not share towels and wear pool shoes at the swimming pool

Costs and reimbursement

Laser wart treatment is a self-pay service and is billed according to the German scale of medical fees (GOÄ). Private health insurers usually cover the costs, as this is a medically indicated treatment. Patients with statutory health insurance bear the costs themselves; we tell you the amount before the treatment begins.

Fees

Laser treatment of warts is billed according to GOÄ. As a medical treatment the service is exempt from VAT; private health insurers usually reimburse it.

Frequently asked questions