What is laser surgery for genital warts?

A laser can be used to destroy genital warts.

Laser surgery may be done in a doctor's office or clinic, a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center. Local or general anesthetic may be used. Which one you get depends on how many warts need treatment and the size of the area to be treated.

Laser surgery often works to remove warts. But warts may come back after surgery.

Laser surgery may cause any of the following:

• Pain, swelling, or itching
• Sores in the area treated
• Tissue that sticks together
• Scarring

Recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed. Healing usually occurs in 2 to 4 weeks.

Avoid sexual intercourse until the treated area heals and the soreness is gone. (This usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. It depends on the size of the area treated.)

Laser surgery may be done when:

• Medicine didn't work to remove the warts.
• Warts are widespread.
• Warts need to be treated during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about when treatment should be done during pregnancy.