What is a CO2 surgical laser and what is it used for?

A CO2 surgical laser is a type of laser that is used in dermatological and gynaecological surgery. CO2 laser surgery is a simple procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis. It is quick, safe and painless, and only requires a topical anaesthetic cream.

The laser is highly precise and allows the effective removal of any type of dermatological lesion, even those that are benign and are removed only for aesthetic reasons.

In gynaecology, this type of laser allows vaporising and cutting to reduce surgical damage, whilst preserving surrounding tissue. This enables faster post-operative recovery. CO2 surgical laser can treat several gynaecological pathologies, including:

• problems with vaginal mucosa or the vaginal wall
• laxity of the vaginal walls
• vaginal dryness
• urinary incontinence
• correction of labia minora that are longer than usual, and vulvar melanosis

In dermatology, this treatment is used to remove warts, moles, and other types of lesions.

What does C02 laser surgery involve?

The CO2 laser procedure for removing lesions is quick and comfortable. Once the lesion has been anaesthetised, it is selectively and precisely vaporised, allowing the surgeon to control the exact depth they want to reach. This means that the lesion can be eliminated precisely, thereby minimising the risk of subsequent scarring.

How do you feel after the procedure?

During the first few days a small scab will develop in the area, which will come away by itself, leaving a reddish area that later returns to the normal skin colour and is barely noticeable, in most cases.