The wound may then be sutured just as if a scalpel had been used. If the laser light is defocused, the spot of light is larger and less powerful. The shallow surface layers of the skin are vaporized without cutting into deeper layers of the skin. This is particularly helpful for shallow tumors, warts or other lesions that typically do not extend deeply into the skin. Patients with bleeding problems, or those taking blood-thinner medication, often have trouble with regular surgery.
All surgery leaves a scar.
Scarring is the body's way of healing itself. The CO 2 laser minimizes scarring by destroying tissue it contacts without damaging tissue close by. The scar produced by a CO 2 laser depends on the nature, the size and the location of the tissue being removed. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.