Does CO2 laser for Hidradenitis Suppurativa hurt? (Photo)

Question

Does staged CO2 laser marsupialization procedure for HS, does it hurt ?

Erik Peterson, MD · Answer

Hi I’m Dr Peterson, a board‑certified dermatologic surgeon &mdash; great question.
A staged CO₂ laser marsupialization procedure for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is generally done under local or sometimes general anesthesia, so most patients don’t feel pain during the procedure itself because the area is numbed. 
After the procedure, you will experience some discomfort, pressure, redness and swelling as the treated tissue heals. Pain is usually less than with traditional surgical excision, and many patients report that the discomfort in the recovery period is more manageable and often less intense than the pain they were experiencing from active HS before surgery.
During healing you may feel:
A burning or sore sensation as the wound settles
Pressure or tenderness especially during dressing changes or when the area is warm
Redness and swelling that gradually improve
Pain and discomfort vary by person and treated area size, but most doctors say pain after CO₂ laser‑based excision is manageable with standard pain meds and wound care and not as severe as untreated HS lesions. 
Because healing happens by secondary intention (letting the wound fill in on its own over weeks to months), you’ll have a healing period where sensation is different than normal skin and it can feel uncomfortable at times. Regular follow‑up, dressing changes, and pain control help make this phase tolerable.

Does CO2 laser for Hidradenitis Suppurativa hurt? (Photo)

Answers (1)

More CO2 Laser Questions

Will CO2 laser and subcision help reduce the appearance of my lip lift scar? 9 months post op

3 months post op - can my prolonged hyperpigmentation be a permanent result of aggressive treatment? (photos)

Which procedure would help correct volume loss form fractional Co2 and laser genesis? (photos)

Hyperpigmentation 2 years after CO2 laser - is it reasonable to ask for a refund? (photos)

Can CO2 laser induce growth of keloids?

Do I need to combine CO2 and Subcision with Sculptra? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS