Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic's Dual Laser Treatment Approach!

Moles are skin lesions that appear when melanin-producing cells excessively proliferate in the epidermis or dermis.

Although they may look similar to visible pigment lesions, the appropriate treatment method can vary depending on the mole's location and depth.

The Erbium-YAG laser is advantageous for precisely ablating the skin surface. This helps remove shallow moles in the epidermal layer while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin.

This laser reduces the risk of scarring while removing moles, making it particularly effective for cosmetic improvement in facial areas. After mole removal, using a CO2 laser to thermally refine the underlying part of the lesion aims to destroy pigment cells that might remain deep within. This approach can reduce the possibility of 'recurrent moles,' which appear to be removed on the surface but regrow due to remaining roots.

Specifically, applying CO2 laser finishing can be considered in cases such as:

When a mole is slightly raised or feels softly protruding to the touch.

When there is a history of a mole reappearing in the same area.

When a lesion is suspected to be a nevus located deep in the dermis, such as a blue mole or grayish-brown mole.

Flat warts are viral skin diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

They appear as thin, widely spread lesions on the skin surface, visible to the naked eye as small, brown or flesh-colored lesions. They are more likely to occur when immunity is weakened and can spread to other areas if touched, so early treatment is recommended.

The Erbium-YAG laser helps to uniformly remove the epidermal layer. Therefore, it can be suitable for tidying up widely spread flat wart lesions

all at once. This offers the advantage of evenly removing lesions while minimizing skin damage. However, viral lesions may recur if only the surface is removed. In such cases, using a CO2 laser to apply subtle thermal stimulation around the lesion can help reduce recurrence rates by additionally eliminating virus-infected cells that might remain in the epidermis and surrounding areas.

A finishing process using a CO2 laser may be particularly necessary in the following cases:

When the lesion's borders are unclear, or it feels flat and spread out to the touch. Also, for individuals with weakened immunity due to stress or lack of sleep.

When there is a history of wart recurrence multiple times.

When lesions are located in frequently touched areas like the hands or face, or areas where they can easily spread to other parts of the body.

Milia are small, white cysts that form when keratin (skin protein) accumulates within the skin.

They are mainly observed around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, and unlike sebaceous cysts, they are cosmetic skin concerns that do not involve infection or inflammation.

The Erbium-YAG laser is a useful method for milia removal. It precisely ablates the skin surface to open the thin outer layer of the milia, allowing the trapped keratin to be safely expelled. A light finishing with a CO2 laser after the procedure can help prevent remaining keratinocytes from regrowing, thereby reducing the recurrence of milia in the same location. However, excessive thermal stimulation to the skin can cause hyperpigmentation, so careful intensity control is crucial.

Cases where CO2 laser finishing can be particularly helpful include:

When milia repeatedly occur in the same location.

When there is a history of lesions reappearing during the recovery process after a previous procedure.

When expecting a more even skin condition during the recovery phase after removing multiple milia.

Syringomas are benign skin lesions caused by the excessive proliferation of sweat gland tissue in the dermis.

They usually appear as multiple small, round bumps, mainly under the eyes, on the cheeks, and forehead. They tend to have a genetic predisposition or are relatively common in women in their 20s and 30s.

The Erbium-YAG laser can thin and refine the skin surface, making it suitable for treating syringomas in sensitive areas like around the eyes. By smoothing the skin's outer layer, it removes the upper part of the sweat gland lesion, reducing the concern of scarring or hyperpigmentation during recovery and enhancing cosmetic satisfaction. After the procedure, applying heat with a CO2 laser to

create micro-thermal damage in the deeper parts of the lesion helps weaken the abnormal activity of sweat glands within the dermis,

and may have clinical significance in preventing syringomas from proliferating again in the same area. However, as lesions are often deep, multiple treatment sessions may be required.

In the following cases, combining CO2 laser finishing can further enhance the expected treatment effects:

When syringomas are relatively deeply distributed in multiple areas such as under the eyes or on the cheeks.

When there is a history of recurrence despite receiving multiple laser treatments previously.

When aiming to prevent recurrence as much as possible, even with a single treatment.

Skin tags are benign skin lesions caused by the excessive proliferation of fibrous tissue and blood vessels in the dermis.

They commonly occur in skin folds such as the neck, armpits, under the breasts, and on the eyelids, appearing as small, skin-colored bumps. They are painless but can be irritated by friction. CO2 laser is primarily used to remove skin tags due to its excellent cutting and hemostatic effects, allowing for rapid treatment of multiple lesions. However, for small and thin skin tags, precisely ablating the lesion with an Erbium-YAG laser and then finishing the base with a CO2 laser is useful for removing the root tissue of the skin tag and reducing the likelihood of recurrence. This thermal stimulation can damage fibrous cells and microvessels in the tissue, helping to suppress the environment for recurrence.

Combining CO2 laser finishing may be particularly recommended in the following cases:

When skin tags are located in areas with frequent friction, such as the neck or armpits.

When there is a history of lesions reappearing in the same area after skin tag removal.

When the root of the lesion is deep or wide, which might leave a raised mark on the skin even after removal.

By considering the depth and characteristics of each lesion in this way,

Combining two types of lasers

The 'dual laser treatment technique'

plays a crucial role in enhancing the treatment's effectiveness and outcome.

After mole removal, for how long should DuoDERM (sticker) be applied?

Mole removal procedures are performed by gently exfoliating the skin's surface, which may cause minor skin damage.

Therefore, proper care and protection of the treated area significantly impact recovery.

Keeping the treated area moisturized, in particular, aids in wound healing and can help reduce the possibility of scarring.

For this purpose, we recommend applying DuoDERM, a type of hydrocolloid dressing.

DuoDERM helps maintain a moist environment for the wound, promoting new cell regeneration and slowing down unnecessary scab formation, which can reduce the risk of scarring.

After applying DuoDERM immediately following mole removal, it's recommended to replace it every 3-5 days and continue consistent care for at least 7 days.

We generally recommend a total care period of about 10 days.

If using DuoDERM is difficult or if a skin allergic reaction occurs, please manage the area by periodically applying a regenerating cream or moisturizing gel to prevent dryness, diligently using SPF 50+ sunscreen, and carefully avoiding touching the treated area.

Post-mole removal care is more than just protecting the wound; it's a critical step that significantly influences the treatment outcome.

Neglecting aftercare can increase the likelihood of scarring, so continued attention after the procedure is essential.

We provide detailed guidance on post-treatment care methods to ensure healthy recovery.

Recommended for

• 1. Those who have experienced discomfort due to skin issues such as moles, lentigines, milia, syringomas, or skin tags.

• 2. Those who have had moles removed previously, but they have reappeared, causing concern.

Treatment Process

• STEP 01. Self-cleansing

• STEP 02. Anesthetic Cream Application

• STEP 03. Mole Removal

Post-Treatment Precautions

• ㆍCare is needed to prevent water from directly contacting the treated area. (You may wash your face after applying DuoDERM.)

• ㆍDuring skin regeneration, it is advisable to continuously replace and apply the regenerative tape for about 10 days.

• ㆍThere is a possibility that the removed mole may reappear, and if necessary, re-treatment can be considered after 2-3 months.

• ㆍIf the mole has deep roots, it may be difficult to remove in a single session, and repeated treatments may be necessary.

• ㆍIt is important to avoid exposing the treated area to UV light as much as possible. (Sunscreen use is essential, and applying it over DuoDERM can also be helpful.)