Seborrheic Keratosis, Moles, Skin Tags, and Wart removal with CO2 Laser in Bangkok

  Currently, laser treatment is one of the top choices for seborrheic keratosis, moles, skin tags, cysts, sweat gland tumors, and sebaceous gland tumors (sebaceous hyperplasia) removal. At Mingkwan Clinic in Bangkok, we use the ultrapulse CO2 laser technology, which provides precise laser beams specifically targeting the lesions, resulting in highly effective treatments with fine, detailed, and excellent outcomes.

What is CO2 Laser or Carbon Dioxide Laser?

• A laser that creates wounds, used to burn or cut lesions, similar to a surgical knife.
• Uses carbon dioxide gas as a medium to generate laser light, hence called CO2 laser.
• The emitted wavelength is 10,600 nm, which is absorbed best by water in the skin.
• The energy is absorbed by water in the tissue, generating rapid heat, causing the tissue to vaporize and blood vessels to contract, effectively stopping bleeding. This allows for burning or cutting unwanted lesions without stitching and with no bleeding.

What Can CO2 Laser Treat?

• Moles and skin tags
• Warts
• Skin tags
• Seborrheic keratosis
• Sweat gland tumors
• Sebaceous gland tumors (Sebaceous hyperplasia)
• Milia
• Opening clogged pores

How is CO2 removal Laser at Mingkwan Clinic Different?

• The CO2 system is ultrapulse, emitting shorter energy bursts than typical CO2 lasers, allowing for more precise treatments that target only the lesion without damaging surrounding tissues, reducing scarring and promoting faster healing.
• All laser treatments are performed by a doctor.
• Follow-up sessions are scheduled for two additional times within three months after the initial laser treatment (3-month warranty).
• No additional charges for anesthesia or doctor’s fees.

Is the Laser Removal Painful?

• Before the laser removal, anesthesia is applied (Topical numbing cream) or injected, making the procedure painless, except for some areas with deep roots where a slight stinging sensation may be felt.

How Many Laser Sessions are Required?

• Typically, superficial lesions like seborrheic keratosis or skin tag are removed in a single session.
• Deeper lesions like moles, wart or sebaceous gland tumors (sebaceous hyperplasia) may require multiple sessions to avoid scarring from removing the root in one go.

What is the Treatment Procedure?

1. Clean the area to be treated.
2. Apply topical anesthesia and wait for 45 minutes to 1 hour or use an injection for immediate effect.
3. Wipe off the anesthesia and dry the skin.
4. Wear protective eyewear.
5. The doctor performs the laser treatment, taking 5-20 minutes depending on the size and number of lesions.
6. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

What Does the Wound Look Like After Laser Removal?

• The treated area will look like a scrape and may be slightly swollen and red.
• In 3-5 days, the treated area will form a scab.
• In 5-10 days, the scab will fall off, revealing pinkish skin.
• After 1 month, the skin will start to look normal.

In summary: Patients undergoing CO2 laser treatment should have at least 14 days for recovery.

How to Care for the Wound After Laser Treatment?

1. The wound can get wet but must be dried thoroughly each time by patting, not rubbing.
2. When washing your face, do it gently without rubbing hard.
3. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (C+F) usually for 3-5 days or until the scab forms.
4. Avoid direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks and avoid intense sunlight for at least 1 month.
5. Apply SPF 50 sunscreen daily, even if not going out in the sun.
6. Avoid picking, scratching, or rubbing the scab, as it acts like an umbrella protecting the wound.
7. After the scab falls off, start applying scar removal cream (Scar gel, White).
8. Follow up with your doctor as scheduled.

Before – After of Seborrheic Keratosis, Skin Tags, and Mole Removal

Treatment Costs (including doctor’s fee, anesthesia, and 3-month warranty)

• very small Seborrheic keratosis
  1 spot: 500 THB, subsequent spots: 300 THB each
  For whole face or neck : Evaluation at the clinic, priced based on the number, size and difficulty of the laser procedure.
• very small Skin tag: Price start at 800 Baht, priced based on the number, size and difficulty of the laser procedure.
• Moles, wart, sebaceous gland tumors (sebaceous hyperplasia), sweat gland tumors: Prices start at 800-3,000 THB per spot depending on size or location.
• 3-month warranty means there is no charge for laser if we repeat the laser procedure on the same spots for 3 months
• *** Please not that : ***
  – We do not perform any laser treatment on genital or anal area.
  – We do not offer laser treatment for plantar, palmar or periungual warts. However, we do provide immunotherapy, which involves injection treatment for these types of warts.
• Recommend to send the photos for evaluation via Messenger, Whatsapp or Line application

Frequently Asked Questions About CO2 Laser Removal of Seborrheic Keratoses, Skin Tags, and Other Benign Skin Lesions

• What conditions can CO2 laser treat?

CO2 laser can be used to treat skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, selected types of moles, milia, sebaceous hyperplasia, warts, and closed comedones.

• Is CO2 laser treatment painful?

A topical anesthetic cream or local anesthetic injection is applied before treatment. During the procedure, you may feel mild stinging or a warm sensation, which is generally well tolerated.

• How long does the wound take to heal after CO2 laser treatment?

Areas on the face usually heal within approximately 5–7 days, while areas on the body may take around 1–2 weeks. In a small number of patients, residual redness may last longer.

• Can CO2 laser treatment cause scarring?

The risk depends on the type and depth of the lesion, as well as how the wound is cared for after treatment. Superficial lesions such as seborrheic keratoses and skin tags have a very low risk of scarring. Deeper lesions, such as certain moles or sebaceous hyperplasia, may carry a slightly higher risk, although significant scarring is uncommon.

• Can CO2 laser cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Using an ultrapulse CO2 laser can help reduce heat-related skin damage and lower the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but it cannot eliminate the risk completely. Skin tone, treatment depth, sun exposure, and post-treatment care can all affect the likelihood of developing pigmentation.

• When can I wear makeup after CO2 laser treatment?

Makeup can usually be applied approximately 48 hours after treatment, provided that the treated area is dry, clean, and no longer oozing. Please follow your doctor’s individual instructions.

• How many treatment sessions are needed?

Most lesions can be treated in one session. However, larger or deeper lesions may require additional treatment. Mingkwan Clinic provides a three-month follow-up warranty, during which repeat treatment of the same lesion may be performed without an additional treatment fee, subject to the doctor’s assessment.

• How is CO2 laser different from electrocautery?

CO2 laser allows the doctor to control the treatment depth, intensity, and treatment area with greater precision. This often makes it suitable for smaller or more delicate lesions. Electrocautery may be preferred for very large lesions or lesions with a higher risk of bleeding. The most appropriate method depends on the type, size, and location of the lesion.

• Is a biopsy required before CO2 laser treatment?

This depends on the doctor’s clinical assessment. At our clinic, suspicious lesions are examined with a dermatoscope. If there is any concern that a lesion may be precancerous or malignant, the patient will be referred for surgical removal and histopathological examination rather than laser treatment.

• How should I care for the treated area after CO2 laser treatment?

Clean the wound as instructed, apply the prescribed antibiotic or wound-care ointment, and avoid picking or removing the scab. Avoid swimming, contaminated water, and activities that may expose the wound to dirt during the first 1–2 weeks.

• How much does CO2 laser treatment cost?

Prices generally start from approximately 500 THB. The final cost depends on the type, size, number, depth, and location of the lesions. The doctor will assess the lesions and confirm the treatment price before proceeding.

• Which lesions should not be treated with CO2 laser?

CO2 laser should not be used for lesions that may be precancerous or malignant. It may also be unsuitable for very large lesions, such as skin tags or growths measuring approximately 5–10 cm or more, which may require surgical evaluation instead.