CO2 Laser Treatment for Pearly Penile Papules

Pearly penile papules are small bumps of flesh, which appear on the head of the penis. The only medical solution to this skin condition is laser treatment. There are many types of lasers and technologies which can be used, the most popular of them being the CO2 laser treatment. This treatment involves using the laser on the affected area and dissolving the bumps.

However, before undergoing this procedure it is absolutely necessary to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this technique. If you still do not know too much about this laser treatment, here are some information which may help you make up your mind.

First, you have to know that the surgery is performed under local numbness. The substance which is used for numbing the area is called Lidocaine. If you have had no contact before this surgery with this type of substance, you should ask the doctor to apply some Lidocaine on your hand or other less sensitive part of your body, so that you can be sure you will not develop any allergy to the anesthetic.

Another very important thing which must be known beforehand is the fact that, even though you will not feel any kind of pain during the surgery, once the effects of Lidocaine will fade away, the pain will set in. Swallowing and scabbed skin may be the results of the surgery, so that the period after the surgery will be quite a difficult one.

The recovery can take a week or even a month, depending on the way in which your body reacts to the operation. Thus, you must be sure that you are able to cope with this thing and that you can deal with the pain that follows the procedure. In addition to that, side effects may appear, which may be permanent.

Last, but not least, you should take into consideration the financial aspect. The procedure itself is quite expensive and in addition to that, you will also have to purchase special medication for the post-surgery treatment. Thus, other sums of money must be added. It is a great financial effort which has to be made and you must be sure that you have enough money to purchase everything you need before and after the surgery.

The decision which you have to make is quite difficult. However, before deciding to go for the procedure or live without it, you should discuss with your doctor and see what the chances are that this procedure will be successful for you. ?

Pearly Penile Papule Treatment and Removal

You’ve been to the doctor and now you know that you do not have some kind of sexually transmitted disease or have cancerous lesions on your penis. Those little white bumps are just pearly penile papules. But, maybe that doesn’t make you feel any better. The penis is the epitome of manhood- you get great pleasure from it, you make babies with it. But, it can also cause you a lot of grief. Now, you’ve got these, albeit benign, ugly bumps rimming your penis like a strand of pearls. You’re embarrassed to shower in the locker room and dates… well, forget about it. You worry she’ll think it’s a disease or in the very least, ugly. And, though they aren’t dangerous, they do cause some sensitivity that is not always welcome.

Sometimes the pearly penile papules go away by themselves, but sometimes they don’t and in worst case scenario, they come back in higher numbers. Not all treatment options work as well as others, but you do have varying degrees of treatment possibilities. To save your time, the following are a list of treatments to avoid and treatments to try.

What does not work?

Home Remedies- Over the counter products you get at the drug store will not work. The common wart removal products like freezing and the pads will not get rid of the bumps. Also, do not try to pop or scrape off the lesion. This can lead to permanent scarring and infection. You will end up worse off than when you just had the bumps.

Topical and Oral treatment- There are no proven effective treatments using a topical lotion, such as podophyllin, or a pill.

What does work?

Cryotherapy- This treatment involves freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen. The lesion should peel, blister or scab and then fall off. Though it is performed in a doctor’s office, the results are varied and there is no guarantee it will work as well as you want. But if the other treatments make you squeamish, you can try it.

Electrodessication with curettage- This procedure, using a local anesthetic, is more effective in that it uses a special tool to scrap off the bump. It is commonly used for benign growths and minor cancerous skin lesions. Once the scraping is complete, the area is cauterized to stop the bleeding and seal the wound.

Excisional Surgery- This treatment involves actual surgical removal of the bumps and then sutures to close it up. Non-affected tissue may be removed along with the lesion. A local anesthetic is used. This may be more tedious and is certainly not the easiest method of treatment.

CO2 Laser Ablation- Numbing cream and lidocaine are administered to make the procedure less painful. The carbon dioxide laser is used to vaporize the bump without damaging the skin around it. There will be some pain, swelling and scabbing afterwards and complete recovery may take a couple of weeks.

Just remember, removal is not necessary. However, if you notice that their presence is affecting your self-confidence and intimate encounters are embarrassing, you now know that you have options. No matter what, it is a good idea to see a doctor for an official diagnosis. If you decide to, your doctor can then recommend the best method of treatment for you.

Pearly Penile Papule Treatment

Pearly penile papules are small dome-shaped bumps that sometimes appear around the circumference of the sulcus or corona of the penis. These bumps, or papules, are commonly skin-colored or slightly lighter than the skin.

Pearly penile papules, technically called hirsuties papillaris genitalis, are not sexually transmitted. Their cause is unknown, although they are more common in men in their twenties and thirties, and are also more common in uncircumcised males.

Some men choose to leave this condition untreated, as the papules are generally asymptomatic. However, many men find this condition to be embarassing in intimate situations and suffer detrimental social and emotional effects from leaving the papules untreated.

Treatment for pearly penile papules is typically quite simple and effective through carbon dioxide laser treatment by a qualified dermatologist.

San Diego dermatologist Dr. Groff is experienced in treating pearly penile papules, and will be happy to discuss your concerns with you.

As with all surgery, there are risks. General surgical risks include inflammation and infection, hematoma, scarring issues, swelling, bruising, and numbness.

Once you decide pearly penile papule treatment is right for you, start by making an appointment with one or more of our board-certified dermatologists. While at your consultation, talk to him or her about your specific goals and expectations. By discussing your specific surgical expectations, the physician will be able to exam you and tell you what they think can be realistically achieved. The more you share in consultation with the dermatologist, the more likely you are to be happy with your result.

In summary, here’s what to look for and what you’ll find at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre:

Meet personally in consultation with an experience board certified dermatologist

At the consultation have an examination and discuss your desires and expectations and the specifics of the recommended procedureReceive information and materials that help you in the decision making processGet a specific written quote detailing all the costs

After scheduling surgery attend an individual “pre-op” appointment to discuss all surgical aspects and risks