On Thursday, 11 July 2024, I underwent a laser surgery to remove a stubborn viral wart on my left foot. The procedure took place in the Procedure Room of the consultation suite at Sunway Medical Centre. The procedure started at 12 noon sharp, and by 12:15 p.m., it was all over. It was an outpatient procedure.
The dermatologist instructed me to lie on my right side so she could easily access my left foot. Before administering the two Local Anesthetic (LA) injections, she sprayed a numbing spray on the site. The spray was freezing cold, making my foot almost numb. She quickly followed with the LA jabs. The first jab was excruciatingly painful, and I cringed in agony. The second jab, though still painful, was slightly more bearable. Both jabs lasted for about 6-7 seconds. After the LA jabs were administered, the doctor reassured me that the worst part was over.
The Laser Procedure
After ensuring that I couldn’t feel any pain on the wart site, the doctor began the laser procedure. She explained each step as she worked. I felt no pain during the laser treatment, only a tugging sensation on my foot. The room was filled with the smell of burning, which was the carbon dioxide (CO2) from the laser and my burnt skin and flesh. I could see bits of white debris flying, which I assumed was my skin. I also heard the sound of a vacuum cleaner, likely a suction machine to suck away the burnt skin debris. I stayed still and avoided moving my body to look at what the doctor was doing.
At 12:15 p.m., the doctor announced that the procedure was over. She mentioned that I might feel pain after two hours, but thankfully, I experienced no post-surgery pain. My foot was bandaged, and I was instructed to keep it dry for two days. If it got wet, I was to apply Murozin ointment on the wound and re-bandage it.
The cost of the laser surgery cost RM750. After adding up the consultation charges last week and post-surgery consultation in two weeks’ time, the total cost would be around RM1,500. I hope my insurance will approve this claim.
Post-Surgery Care
Despite three layers of protection—a cotton crepe bandage, a layer of plastic food cling wrap, and a plastic bag covering my foot—the outside of the plaster was still slightly damp after my shower. However, the plaster is water-resistant, so my wound was still dry. Showering without wetting my left foot was quite a challenge. I sat on a backless, armless chair, trying to keep my left leg up at a 90-degree angle by resting on the wall. After my shower, I changed the plaster and bandage and finally saw my wound. There was a large hole where the wart had been, with some blood oozing out 😮. It was a gory sight, but I had to dress the wound myself. Thankfully, Sherilyn was there to help me with the flimsy op-site plaster.
I thought hard about whether I should post a photo of my lasered foot and I think I shouldn’t, not at the moment. It can be too creepy and disturbing to some.
The next day, I improved my showering technique. I used a non-slip rubber plastic chair with arms and back support, hanging my left leg on the armrest. This time, the bandage stayed quite dry, though I changed it anyway due to some slight blood stains. Although the doctor advised keeping the wound dry for two days, I plan to keep it dry for longer. The hole looks deep and scary, and I can’t risk getting it infected.
After two days of showering with my left leg up at almost 90 degrees and walking on my toes to avoid putting pressure on the wound on the side of the heel, I now have an achy leg.
Conclusion
The laser surgery to remove my viral wart was a brief but intense experience. The pain from the LA jabs was significant, but the actual laser procedure was painless. The post-surgery care has been a challenge, but I am managing with careful bandaging. I hope for a smooth recovery, free from infection, and that new flesh and skin will grow back to cover the hole in my foot. This journey has been tough, but I am optimistic about the healing process and look forward to walking pain-free again.
Photo on the left – after the laser surgery in the hospital.
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