Understanding Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic's Dual Laser Treatment

*Moles are skin changes that can occur when melanin pigment accumulates excessively in the epidermis or dermis.

Outwardly, they may appear as simple pigmented lesions, but the direction of treatment can vary depending on the actual depth and location of the mole.

Erbium YAG laser is useful for precise superficial ablation, and when removing shallow moles located in the epidermis, it can help reduce the burden on surrounding skin and manage the lesion.

This procedure can lower the possibility of scar formation and lead to aesthetic improvement, making it a viable option for facial mole removal. Next, the process of delicately finishing the base of the mole with heat using a CO2 laser can help treat melanin cells that may remain in deeper layers, thereby reducing the recurrence of moles. This helps lower the possibility of recurrent moles that can regrow from the root after only the surface is removed.

In particular, combining a CO2 laser finishing treatment can be considered in the following situations:

-When a mole is slightly raised or feels thick to the touch

-If there is a history of moles recurring in the same area

-When assessed as a nevus located deep in the dermis, such as a blue mole or a grayish-brown mole

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

They typically spread widely in the epidermal layer and appear as small, thin, flat, brownish or skin-colored lesions. The likelihood of developing them is higher when immune function is weakened, and they can also be transmitted through self-contact, making early management important.

Erbium YAG laser is useful for uniformly ablating the epidermal layer, and for widely distributed flat wart lesions,

it can help remove them in one go. It allows for even treatment of lesions while minimizing skin burden. However, due to the nature of viral diseases, there is a possibility of recurrence if only the visible lesions are removed. In such cases, the finishing process of applying thermal stimulation to the tissue surrounding the lesion with a CO2 laser can be a clinically significant approach to further treat latent virus-infected cells in and around the epidermal layer, thereby reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

CO2 laser finishing treatment is particularly important in the following cases:

-When the lesion's border is not clear or feels flat and spread out to the touch, or for individuals with weakened immunity due to stress or lack of sleep

-If there is a history of multiple recurrences of the lesion

-When the lesion is located in an area with frequent contact and high potential for spread, such as the hands or face

*Milia are small, white cystic lesions that occur when keratin, a horny protein, becomes trapped in hair follicles within the skin.

They are mainly observed around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, and unlike sebaceous cysts, they are cosmetic skin changes unrelated to infection or inflammatory reactions.

Erbium YAG laser can be effectively used for milia removal. It precisely refines the skin surface to remove the thin epidermal part of the milium and creates a channel for the trapped keratin to be safely expelled. After the procedure, a light finishing touch with a CO2 laser can help reduce the risk of residual keratinocyte proliferation and prevent milia from recurring in the same area. However, excessive heat stimulation to the skin can cause hyperpigmentation, requiring careful intensity control.

Situations where CO2 laser finishing treatment can be particularly beneficial are as follows:

-When milia repeatedly occur in the same spot

-If there is a history of lesions reappearing during the recovery process after treatment

-When anticipating uniform improvement of the skin surface during the recovery process after removing multiple milia

*Syringomas are benign skin lesions that appear due to the excessive proliferation of sweat gland tissue in the dermis.

They are typically characterized by multiple small, round bumps felt around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. They may have a genetic predisposition or are commonly observed in women in their 20s and 30s.

Erbium YAG laser can precisely treat the epidermis thinly, making it suitable for managing syringomas in sensitive areas like around the eyes. It helps to gently refine the skin surface and remove the upper part of the sweat gland lesion, and after recovery, the possibility of scars or hyperpigmentation can be reduced, allowing for aesthetic improvement. Next, by applying thermal stimulation using a CO2 laser,

the finishing process, which subtly affects the deeper part of the lesion, regulates the activity of sweat gland tissue within the dermis, and

can be clinically significant in preventing syringomas from proliferating again in the same area. However, due to the depth of the lesion, multiple treatments may be required.

More positive improvements can be expected when combining CO2 laser finishing treatment in the following cases:

-When multiple syringomas are distributed in relatively deep areas, such as under the eyes or on the cheeks

-If lesions recurred despite receiving multiple laser treatments in the past

-When aiming to increase expectations for recurrence prevention with a single treatment

*Skin tags are benign skin lesions that occur due to the excessive proliferation of fibrous tissue and blood vessels in the dermis.

They primarily occur in skin folds such as the neck, armpits, under the breasts, and eyelids, appearing as small, raised, skin-colored formations. They are painless but can become irritated due to friction. Generally, CO2 laser can be advantageously used for skin tag removal due to its cutting and hemostatic effects, making it suitable for relatively quick removal of multiple lesions. However, for small and thin skin tags, an approach that involves first precisely ablating the lesion with an Erbium YAG laser, followed by a final cauterization of the lesion's base with a CO2 laser, can help manage the root tissue of the skin tag, thereby reducing the possibility of recurrence in that area. Thermal stimulation may have the effect of influencing fibrous cells and microvessels within the tissue, thereby regulating the regenerative environment.

Situations where considering CO2 laser finishing treatment together can be beneficial are as follows:

-When skin tags occur in areas with frequent friction, such as the neck or armpits

-If there is a history of skin tags recurring in the same area after removal

-When the root of the lesion is deep and wide, potentially leaving a raised trace even after excision

Thus, tailored to the depth and characteristics of the skin lesion

Using a combination of two types of lasers

The 'Dual Laser Technique' is

a key approach that can help increase satisfaction with treatment results.

How long should Duoderm (a regenerative band) be kept on after mole removal?

Mole removal procedures involve a process of delicately exfoliating the skin's surface, which can irritate the skin.

Therefore, it is very important to properly protect and manage the treated area.

In particular, the moisture level of the treated area can affect the recovery process and the likelihood of scarring.

For this management, applying Duoderm, a hydrocolloid dressing, is recommended.

Duoderm helps cell regeneration by keeping the wound from drying out, and it can reduce the formation of scabs, thereby lowering the chance of scarring.

It is recommended to apply Duoderm immediately after mole removal, change it every 3-5 days, and continue management for at least 7 days.

The overall management period is recommended to be about 10 days.

If Duoderm is difficult to use or an allergic reaction occurs, regenerative cream or moisturizing gel should be applied frequently to prevent dryness. Additionally, it is recommended to carefully apply sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher and to avoid touching the treated area.

Post-mole removal care is a process that goes beyond simple wound protection and can significantly influence the treatment results.

Negligent care may lead to scarring, thus requiring continuous attention even after the procedure.

We provide detailed guidance on post-procedure care methods to help our patients recover quickly and healthily.

Recommended for those who

• 1. Have experienced discomfort due to moles, age spots, milia, syringomas, skin tags, etc.

• 2. Have had moles removed in the past but experienced their reappearance.

Procedure Steps

• STEP 01. Personal Cleansing

• STEP 02. Apply Numbing Cream

• STEP 03. Mole Removal Procedure

Post-Procedure Precautions

• ㆍPlease be careful not to let water touch the treated area. (It is recommended to wash your face while keeping the Duoderm attached.)

• ㆍDuring the skin regeneration phase, it is advisable to consistently replace and apply the regenerative tape. (Recommended to maintain for about 10 days)

• ㆍThere is a possibility that moles in the removed area may reappear, and re-treatment can be considered after approximately 4-6 weeks.

• ㆍFor moles with deep roots, it may be difficult to improve with a single treatment, and multiple sessions may be required.

• ㆍIt is recommended to minimize exposure to UV rays. (Always use sunscreen, and it is good to apply it even over the Duoderm.)