Medical Dermatology◇Wart Removal

Wart Removal

Warts are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, often appearing as rough, raised bumps on the skin.

3Removal methods
ErbiumLaser for warty lesions
1Rule: diagnosis first
Close view of a small raised wart on the skin beneath the eye
As featured in
Vogue Elle Women's Health Cosmopolitan The Telegraph Evening Standard Country & Town House Sheerluxe

What warts are

Caused by a common virus.

At our London clinic, we specialise in effective wart removal using advanced treatments tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Our expert skin doctors provide safe, precise care to ensure optimal results, helping patients regain smooth, healthy skin and feel confident once again.

A wart is a benign skin growth caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that infects the outer layer of skin. Warts often appear as rough, raised bumps with a hard texture and can form on various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and face. While generally harmless, warts may spread through direct contact with the virus and can sometimes cause discomfort or make patients feel self-conscious. Different types of warts, such as common warts, verrucas (plantar warts), and genital warts, may vary in appearance, but they share similar characteristics, often featuring tiny black dots from tiny blood vessels supplying the wart. Our wart removal treatments are designed to target the affected skin cells while preserving the surrounding healthy skin for a safe, effective outcome.

Close view of a rough, raised common wart on a finger
A raised wart on the skin of the hand

How we treat warts

Three ways to remove a wart.

At Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, we specialise in removing a variety of benign skin lesions, including warts, skin tags, and other common skin growths. Our expert team carefully assesses each lesion through a physical examination and diagnostic tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis before proceeding with treatment. This patient-centred approach enables us to choose the most suitable removal method for optimal cosmetic outcomes and minimal disruption to surrounding healthy skin.

Laser removal

It is possible to remove warty lesions with a laser treatment. The laser therapy relies on light energy to burn excess skin cells using erbium laser. However, this method is not advised for individuals with a history of cancer in their family.

Shave removal

Some of the skin lesions that protrude from the skin can be removed by shaving them off followed by a numbing injection. This procedure is carried out with a blade and the wound base is burnt off with a hot diathermy to stop any vessels from bleeding. There is a chance to have a pink mark on the skin where the lesion was, but this usually fades away over time.

Excision removal

Some of the deeper seated skin lesions might need to be cut away in an ellipse shape. The procedure needs to be performed under local anaesthetic and requires a few stitches to close the wound. A small linear scar will be left, which can fade over time or be improved with laser subsequently.

Why choose us

Care built around your skin.

Expert-led care

Our treatments are guided by experienced skin doctors who specialise in dermatology and skin lesion removal, ensuring every procedure is performed with precision and expertise.

Advanced laser and surgical techniques

We use cutting-edge laser technology and surgical methods that target the affected area precisely, minimising impact on surrounding skin and promoting rapid healing. Our technology is designed to safely treat a variety of warts, including those in sensitive areas.

Customised treatment plans

Recognising that each patient's skin and wart type is unique, we develop personalised treatment plans that provide the best chance for effective wart removal and prevent recurrence.

Minimally invasive options

Our techniques offer minimally invasive solutions that involve little to no downtime, so patients can return to daily life quickly and confidently.

Long-term care and prevention

In addition to treatment, we provide detailed aftercare plan that meets the need of each patient. The purpose of this aftercare advice is to help patients maintain their results and minimise the risk of the wart returning. We emphasise patient safety and comfort throughout the entire process. Our goal is to help our patients achieve clear, healthy skin with confidence.

A doctor in a white coat making notes on a clipboard
A woman with her eyes closed, her face and neck in warm sunlight

Who it's for

When warts won't settle.

Ideal for individuals who
  • Have persistent warts that have not responded to over-the-counter or home treatments, including warts that recur or spread
  • Feel self-conscious about visible warts on exposed areas like the hands, face, or feet
  • Prefer effective, minimally invasive procedures with minimal downtime
  • Seek professional treatment to address warts in sensitive areas
  • Want expert guidance on preventing the spread or recurrence of warts, especially in cases of resistant warts or those caused by the wart virus (HPV)
Worth knowing
  • We do not use chemical treatments
  • Laser is not advised if there is a history of cancer in your family
  • Larger or resistant warts may need more than one treatment
  • HPV can remain dormant, so warts can recur
  • Mild redness or tenderness after treatment is possible
  • The right approach is agreed at consultation

Your consultant

Led by Dr Jinah Yoo.

Dr Jinah Yoo, consultant dermatologist

Dr Jinah Yoo

MBChB FRCP · Consultant Dermatologist · Founder

Dr Yoo is a Korean, UK-trained consultant dermatologist and the founder and medical director of Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, with special interests in cosmetic dermatology, hyperpigmentary disorders and skin lymphoma, a medical foundation that matters when a lesion needs diagnosing rather than simply removing.

Where a lesion needs further investigation or referral, that is said plainly at the consultation.

  • GMC-registered consultant dermatologist
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP)
  • Special interest in skin lymphoma and lesion diagnosis
  • Surgical and laser removal available in clinic

The clinic

45 Albemarle Street, Mayfair.

Treatment room with terracotta wall and daylight ceiling
Treatment rooms
The patient lounge at the clinic
The lounge
Dr Yoo's framed qualifications on the clinic wall
Dr Yoo's credentials

Frequently asked questions

Wart removal FAQs.

Our wart removal treatments at Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology are highly effective, especially for persistent or recurrent warts. Our treatments range from advanced laser treatments to surgical excision, depending on the type and location of the wart.

Yes, laser treatment can effectively remove warts by targeting the human papilloma virus (HPV) within the wart tissue. By breaking down the affected skin cells on the skin surface, laser treatment helps prevent the wart from spreading. However, since HPV can remain dormant, there is a possibility of recurrence, especially if the immune system is compromised.

At Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, we use only the safest methods for wart removal, focusing on advanced laser treatments, shave removal, and excision. We do not use chemical treatments, as our procedures are designed to minimise discomfort and maximise safety and effectiveness. While risks are minimal, some patients may experience temporary redness or mild scarring at the treatment site, which typically fades over time. Our experienced skin doctors are available to discuss any concerns and ensure the safest outcome.

The number of treatments depends on the size, depth, and location of the wart, as well as the patient's immune response. While many patients experience successful results after one session, larger or resistant warts may require more than one treatment for complete removal.

After the wart removal treatment, there is a chance of mild redness or tenderness at the treatment site. Our advanced laser treatments and minimally invasive options are designed to keep downtime to a minimum, and most patients can return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure. We provide personalised aftercare guidance to ensure a smooth recovery.

Laser treatment is highly versatile and effective for many types of warts, including those on sensitive skin areas. However, the ideal treatment depends on the specific characteristics of each wart. During your consultation, our dermatologists will recommend the best approach to remove warts safely and effectively.

Warts can spread to different body parts, and to other individuals through direct contact. Prompt treatment not only helps remove warts effectively but also reduces the risk of spreading the human papilloma virus to healthy skin. Additionally, early intervention can prevent discomfort or cosmetic concerns from worsening over time.

Next step

Treat warts promptly.

Book a consultation to have your warts assessed and the right removal method discussed with you.

The Dr Jinah Yoo sign outside the clinic on Albemarle Street