Wart Removal in Seoul: Laser, Cryotherapy and Costs
The short answer
Wart removal in Seoul is usually done with CO2 laser, cryotherapy (freezing) or minor excision, chosen by the wart's type and location. A single small wart typically costs ₩30,000 to ₩150,000 per session. Common and flat warts often clear in 1 to 3 sessions, while plantar warts on the feet may need 3 to 6 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. Healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks.
Key facts
- Cause: human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the skin
- Methods: CO2 laser, cryotherapy, electrocautery, excision, topical treatment
- Typical cost: ₩30,000–₩150,000 per wart per session
- Sessions: 1–3 for common warts; 3–6 for plantar warts
- Healing: about 7–14 days per treated spot
- Recurrence: possible, as the virus can remain in nearby skin
What warts are
Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin and makes cells grow faster, forming a rough or raised bump. Warts are not dangerous, but they can spread, feel painful on the feet and be hard to cover on the hands or face.
Types treated in Seoul clinics
- Common warts: rough, raised bumps, often on fingers and hands.
- Plantar warts: flat, hard and sometimes painful warts on the soles of the feet.
- Flat warts: small, smooth, slightly raised spots, often in clusters on the face or hands.
- Filiform warts: thin, thread-like growths, usually around the mouth, nose or eyes.
A dermatologist should examine any new growth. Some spots that look like warts are actually skin tags, seborrheic keratoses or moles, which are treated differently.
Treatment methods
| Method | How it works | Best for | Typical cost per wart (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 laser | Vaporizes wart tissue precisely | Common, filiform, stubborn warts | ₩50,000–₩150,000 |
| Cryotherapy | Freezes tissue with liquid nitrogen | Common and plantar warts | ₩30,000–₩80,000 |
| Electrocautery | Burns tissue with an electric current | Small raised warts | ₩30,000–₩100,000 |
| Excision | Cuts the growth out | Large or unclear growths | ₩100,000–₩300,000 |
Many Korean dermatology clinics favor CO2 laser because it is quick and allows precise depth control. Clusters of flat warts on the face are often priced by area rather than per spot. National health insurance does not apply to most foreign visitors, so expect to pay the clinic's self-pay rate, and ask for the total for all warts before treatment starts.
What a session is like
The doctor examines the wart, sometimes with a dermatoscope, and confirms the diagnosis. For laser or cautery, a local anesthetic injection or numbing cream is used, so you feel little during treatment. Cryotherapy stings briefly but needs no anesthetic. Each wart takes only a few minutes, and you leave with a small dressing.
How many sessions you will need
Small common warts may clear in a single laser session. Plantar warts are deeper and covered by thick skin, so they usually need several treatments 2 to 4 weeks apart. If you are only in Seoul for a short visit, ask whether laser is suitable, since it often reduces the number of visits compared with freezing.
Treating warts on the face
Flat and filiform warts on the face need extra care, because the goal is to remove them without leaving marks or dark spots. Dermatologists usually choose low-energy laser settings, treat each spot very superficially and may spread treatment over two sessions. After treatment, small pink marks can remain for a few weeks. People with darker skin tones are more prone to temporary pigmentation, so strict sun protection matters. If you have many facial warts, ask whether a topical or immune-based treatment should be combined with laser to reduce recurrence.
Aftercare and healing
- Keep the area clean and covered with the ointment and dressing the clinic provides.
- Expect a small scab or blister that heals in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Do not pick the scab; let it fall off naturally to lower scarring risk.
- Avoid swimming pools and public baths until healed.
- Use sunscreen on healed facial spots to prevent dark marks.
Preventing recurrence
HPV can stay in surrounding skin, so warts sometimes return. Avoid picking or shaving over warts, wear sandals in shared showers, keep feet dry and do not share towels. If warts keep returning, ask your dermatologist about combining treatments. You can read about related care on our wart removal treatment page.
When to see a doctor sooner
See a dermatologist promptly if a growth bleeds, changes colour, grows quickly, or appears in the genital area, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. These situations need a proper diagnosis rather than home treatment, and some may need a biopsy to rule out other conditions.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Does wart removal leave a scar?
Small warts usually heal with little or no scar. Deep plantar warts or large excisions can leave a faint mark.
Is laser better than freezing?
Laser often needs fewer sessions and gives precise control, while freezing is cheaper. Your dermatologist will choose by wart type and location.
Can I fly after wart treatment?
Yes, there is no restriction. Keep the dressing clean and bring spare plasters for the trip.
Do warts on the feet hurt to treat?
Local anesthetic is used for laser, so treatment itself is comfortable. Walking may feel tender for a few days.
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