NHHS is now offering office laser surgery as treatment for several skin conditions.  It is superior to other techniques for managing the most common skin cancers on the face as well as pre-malignant changes from sun damage (actinic keratosis).  There is much less scarring than seen with conventional techniques and the cosmetic results are superior when compared to excising lesions and closing with sutures. 

Local anesthesia is used – typically the procedure is completed within a matter of minutes.  Excising large skin cancers on the face typically would require surgery in the hospital setting.  With the laser, these procedures are done in the office using only a local anesthetic.

Common plantar warts are frequently difficult to control with other techniques such as liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).  Laser surgery is quite effective with lower chances of wart recurrence.  Ingrown toenails are best treated by removing the ingrown segment, the laser is used to remove the portion of the nail bed responsible for nail growth.  This results in a lower incidence of recurrence.

In short, the CO2 laser is quite effective in removing the most common skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) with minimal scarring and no need for stitches. 

I have performed thousands of these procedures in the office setting over the past 22 years.  Patients appreciate the cosmetic results compared with suturing as well as cost savings (no need for hospital surgery), and the fact that it can be completed quickly and easily with only an office visit. 

The CO2 laser is not indicated for tattoo removal, hair removal, varicose vein treatment or the management of pigmented skin lesions.  For more information, please call our clinical representatives at  (509) 447-3139. 

Timothy Chavis, MD
General Surgeon