Safe, effective, and professional treatment for all types of warts

Wart Removal in London

Warts are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While harmless, they can often be persistent, uncomfortable, or cosmetically concerning, particularly when they appear on visible or sensitive areas.

At her London practice, Dr Nicki Bystrzonowski provides safe and effective wart removal using precise medical and surgical techniques. Each treatment is tailored to the type, size, and location of the wart, ensuring complete removal and minimal risk of recurrence.

As a fully qualified plastic surgeon, Dr Nicki combines clinical expertise with an aesthetic approach, focusing not just on clearing the wart, but also on achieving smooth, healthy skin and minimal scarring.

What Is Wart Removal?

Wart removal is a straightforward outpatient procedure that eliminates unwanted warts through methods such as surgical excision, cauterisation, or cryotherapy (freezing).

Warts can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, hands, feet, and genital area. Some resolve naturally over time, but many persist or recur despite over-the-counter treatments. For these cases, medical removal offers a more definitive and hygienic solution.

Dr Nicki carefully assesses each lesion to confirm that it is benign before removal. Where appropriate, the tissue may be sent for histopathology analysis to confirm diagnosis and ensure peace of mind.

Key Information

DetailSummary
Procedure Time20–45 minutes
AnaestheticLocal anaesthetic
Hospital StayDay case (outpatient)
Recovery TimeMinimal; normal activity can resume immediately
ScarringUsually minimal; depends on wart size and depth
Results VisibleImmediate removal; area heals over 1–2 weeks
LongevityPermanent if fully excised; recurrence possible in viral warts
Follow-UpReview appointment if required to check healing

How Wart Removal Works

Consultation and Assessment

Every treatment begins with a short consultation with Dr Nicki Bystrzonowski to examine the wart and confirm suitability for removal. She’ll explain the different removal techniques available, discuss healing expectations, and outline any aftercare required.

Anaesthetic and Preparation

A small amount of local anaesthetic is applied to fully numb the area. The procedure is quick and painless, typically performed in an outpatient setting.

The Procedure

Depending on the wart’s size and depth, Dr Nicki may remove it by:

  • Surgical excision – cutting out the wart cleanly with a scalpel, often used for deeper or resistant lesions.

  • Cauterisation – using gentle heat to remove and seal the tissue.

  • Cryotherapy – freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy the viral cells.

For persistent or multiple warts, a combination approach may be used to ensure full clearance.

Aftercare and Healing

The treated area is covered with a small dressing. Healing typically occurs within 7–14 days. Dr Nicki provides aftercare guidance, including how to clean the area and avoid infection.

Long-Term Results

Once healed, the skin appears clear and smooth. While warts can occasionally recur, medical-grade removal significantly reduces the likelihood of regrowth compared with home remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes warts to develop?
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the top layer of the skin and causes localised overgrowth. They are common, non-cancerous, and can appear anywhere on the body. The virus spreads through direct contact or from contaminated surfaces, which is why warts can sometimes recur or spread to nearby areas.
When should I consider professional wart removal?
You should consider removal if a wart becomes painful, irritated, infected, or continues to grow despite home treatment. Many patients also choose professional removal for cosmetic reasons — especially when warts appear on visible areas such as the face, hands, or neck.
Is wart removal painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so the area is completely numb. You may feel light pressure during treatment, but not pain. Any mild discomfort afterward can be managed easily with over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Will the wart come back after removal?
Most warts are permanently removed in a single session. However, because warts are caused by a virus, recurrence can sometimes occur — particularly if the immune system reactivates the virus or if surrounding tissue was infected. Dr Nicki removes the wart thoroughly and provides advice on reducing the risk of recurrence.
Will I have a scar after wart removal?
Scarring is minimal, particularly when performed by an experienced surgeon. The risk depends on the size, location, and depth of the wart. Dr Nicki uses precise, tissue-sparing techniques to ensure smooth healing and the best cosmetic outcome.
How long does it take to heal?
Healing usually takes between 7 and 14 days. During this time, the area should be kept clean and dry. A small scab or pink mark may remain temporarily but will fade over time as new skin forms.
Can multiple warts be removed in one session?
Yes. If you have several warts, Dr Nicki can remove them in the same appointment where safe and appropriate. The exact number depends on their size and position, which will be discussed during consultation.