At Arvé Aesthetics in Greenville, SC, genital wart removal is performed with clinical precision, strict attention to patient dignity, and a commitment to providing effective options for patients who have not found success with conventional treatments. Every procedure is performed by our physicians in a private, closed-door treatment room where your comfort and privacy are the priority.
What Are Genital Warts?
Genital warts are soft, flesh-colored growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on the external genitalia and perianal skin and vary significantly in size, number, and distribution. While genital warts are not dangerous in themselves, they can cause physical discomfort, emotional distress, and significant impact on quality of life and intimate relationships.
It is important to understand that treatment removes the visible wart tissue but does not eradicate the underlying HPV virus from the body. Recurrence is possible following any form of treatment, and ongoing monitoring is an important part of management. Our physicians will discuss this clearly and honestly during your consultation so that your expectations are well informed before treatment begins.
Why CO₂ Laser?
Genital wart removal at Arvé Aesthetics is performed using the Tetra Pro CO₂ laser by DEKA, one of the most precise and clinically validated CO₂ laser platforms available. CO₂ laser ablation is a well-established treatment modality for genital warts and is typically pursued after conventional first-line treatments such as topical therapies, cryotherapy, or other in-office procedures have not achieved adequate clearance.
The CO₂ laser offers several advantages in this context:
- Precision: the laser ablates wart tissue with a high degree of control, allowing the physician to target lesions while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue
- Effectiveness for resistant lesions: laser ablation can address warts that have proven resistant to topical or other conventional approaches
- Physician-controlled depth: treatment depth and energy are adjusted by the physician based on the size, thickness, and location of each lesion
- Comprehensive treatment in each session: each appointment is dedicated entirely to removing as much wart tissue as safely possible, maximizing clearance with each visit
What To Expect
Consultation
A consultation with one of our physicians is required before treatment begins. Your provider will evaluate the extent and location of the lesions, review your treatment history, discuss realistic expectations, and confirm that CO₂ laser ablation is the appropriate next step for your situation. Because this treatment is typically pursued after other options have been exhausted, your provider will want to understand your full history with the condition before proceeding.
The Procedure
Treatment is performed in a private room with the door closed. Local anesthesia with lidocaine is administered to the treatment area prior to laser ablation to ensure comfort throughout the session. Once the area is adequately anesthetized, the Tetra Pro CO₂ laser is used to ablate the wart tissue with precision and control. Each session is dedicated to removing as much lesion tissue as safely possible within the appointment window. All procedures are performed exclusively by our physicians.
Duration
Each treatment session is approximately 90 minutes.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
The number of sessions required varies significantly depending on the size, number, and distribution of the lesions being treated and cannot be predicted in advance. The estimated total treatments will be determined during your initial consultation, but the actual number of treatment sessions may vary. Your physician will assess progress at each visit and advise on the recommended course of treatment as it develops. Sessions are spaced a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow adequate healing between appointments before additional ablation is performed.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate?
CO₂ laser genital wart removal is not appropriate for everyone. Treatment is not recommended for patients who:
- Have internal lesions, as this treatment addresses external and perianal warts only
- Have active infections or open wounds in the treatment area
- Are pregnant, as treatment of genital warts during pregnancy requires obstetric guidance and specialized consideration
- Have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinning medications without medical clearance
- Have a known allergy to lidocaine
- Have a medical condition that significantly impairs wound healing
Aftercare
Following each treatment session, the treated area will require careful attention during the healing process. Your physician will provide detailed post-care instructions at your appointment. General guidance includes:
- Keep the Area Clean: gently cleanse the treated area as directed using mild, unscented products
- Avoid Sexual Activity: avoid sexual contact with the treated area until your physician confirms the skin has fully healed
- Avoid Tight Clothing: wear loose, breathable clothing to reduce friction and allow the area to heal comfortably
- Sun Protection: avoid direct sun exposure to the treated area during healing
- Monitor for Recurrence: continue to monitor the area following clearance and return for evaluation if new lesions develop, as HPV can cause recurrence even after successful treatment
A Note on HPV and Recurrence
CO₂ laser ablation can effectively remove visible wart tissue, but it does not eliminate HPV from the body. Recurrence after treatment is a known possibility with any wart removal method and is not a reflection of treatment failure. Some patients achieve long-term clearance following a course of laser treatments, while others may require ongoing management over time. Your physician will discuss what to monitor for and when to return for follow-up so that any new lesions can be addressed promptly.
Patients are encouraged to discuss HPV vaccination with their primary care provider if they have not already done so, as vaccination may reduce the risk of new HPV-related lesions and cervical or anal cancer from additional strains.
Discreet, Physician-Led Care
Seeking treatment for genital warts takes courage, and every patient who walks through our doors deserves to be met with professionalism, compassion, and complete discretion. At Arvé Aesthetics, this procedure is approached with the same care and clinical rigor as every service we offer, in a private setting where your dignity is always protected.
To schedule a consultation at Arvé Aesthetics in Greenville, SC, contact our team at (864) 696-2234 or use our online booking link.