Pearly penile papules

Pearly penile papules are small dome-shaped to filiform skin-colored papules that typically are located on the sulcus or corona of the glans penis. Commonly, pearly penile papules are arranged circumferentially in one or several rows and often are assumed wrongly to be transmitted sexually.

Many treatment methods have been tried, including circumcision, podophyllin, cryotherapy, and even the amateur application of toothpaste. But these methods had proven to be either ineffective or have side effects. Until recently, electrodessication and carbon dioxide laser were considered the most effective treatment options.

Since Radiofrequency surgery was introduced into dermatology, it became a great option to remove unwanted papules effectively, safely, and with no scarring or bleeding. Because radiofrequency uses radio waves and not electricity, there is less damage to surrounding tissue and its small and light hand-piece allows for more precise and complete removal. This is the reason Dr. Patel has chosen the Radiofrequency Wave Technology to remove penile papules.

For years,  Dr. Patel has safely and successfully utilized Radiosurgery to remove a myriad of benign skin lesions including skin tags, moles, warts, molluscum contagiosum, sebaceous hyperplasia and penile papules just to name a few.



FAQ

How much does the procedure cost?


The average cost is between £500 depending on the individual case.  Your cost will be determined at your complimentary consultation with Dr. Patel


How many treatments will I need to remove my pearly penile papules?


Usually one treatment is enough to remove all penile papules.

Is the procedure painful?


Treatment area is numbed with 30% lidocaine cream making the procedure painless.

Is there any social downtime after the procedure?


No, typically the patient may go back to work on the same day.

How long will it take for the skin to heal?


The recovery period is usually 7-10 days.

Who is not a candidate for this procedure?


Any person who has a history of keloids, hypertrophic scarring and uncontrolled diabetis.

References:

Treatment of Pearly Penile Papules with CO2Laser

  1. Joshua E. Lane MD,
  2. Christopher M. Peterson MD,
  3. John L. Ratz MD

Article first published online: 24 JUL 2002

DOI: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.01313.x

Dermatologic Surgery

Dermatologic Surgery

Volume 28, Issue 7, pages 617–618, July 2002

 

background. Pearly penile papules are angiofibromas found on the corona and sulcus of the glans penis. While these represent a benign condition, psychological and cosmetic concerns often prompt patients to seek therapeutic removal of these lesions. Multiple therapeutic modalities have been reported; however, use of CO2 laser has proven to be the most effective to date.

objective. To demonstrate the efficacy of CO2 laser in treating pearly penile papules.

methods. Case report.

results. We report the successful treatment of pearly penile papules in an African American man with CO2 laser.

conclusion. The use of CO2 laser is an effective treatment for pearly penile papules.

 

J. E. Lane, MD, C. M. Peterson, MD, and J. L. Ratz, MD have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters



The Clinical Superiority of Continuous Exposure versus Short-Pulsed Carbon Dioxide Laser Exposures for the Treatment of Pearly Penile Papules

  1. Joseph R. McKinlay MD,
  2. Bradley S. Graham MD,
  3. E. Victor Ross MD

Article first published online: 24 DEC 2001

DOI: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08075.x

Dermatologic Surgery

Dermatologic Surgery

Volume 25, Issue 2, pages 124–126, February 1999

Treatment of pearly penile papules was performed both with a conventional continuous-wave (CW) and a newer generation high energy pulsed carbon dioxide laser. When compared to the short pulsed laser, the CW laser, using relatively low power densities, provided superior hemostasis and improved visualization of the operative field. Despite the increase in thermal injury, wound healing was not compromised. The results of this case report support the CO2 laser in CW mode as the infrared laser treatment of choice for exophytic lesions with increased vascularity.