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.

What To Expect

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

Avoid sex until the treated area heals. Because treatment does not completely get rid of the virus that causes warts, you may still spread the virus through sex. Wearing a condom during sex can help. It does not completely prevent spreading the virus, but it can reduce the risk.

Why It Is Done

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.

How Well It Works

Laser surgery often works to remove warts. But treatment does not get rid of the virus that causes genital warts, and warts may grow back.

Risks

Laser surgery may cause any of the following:

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

Credits

Current as of: May 5, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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Current as of: May 5, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: May 5, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.