Blue laser ablation is a highly precise, in-office procedure used to treat a wide variety of vocal fold and airway lesions — including benign growths (like polyps or nodules), fluid swellings (Reinke’s edema), fragile blood vessels (varices), inflammatory tissue (granulomas or granulation), scars, papillomas, and mild narrowing (stenosis). The laser’s wavelength targets blood-rich tissue while minimizing injury to the surrounding healthy structures, which helps preserve voice quality.

The procedure is performed through a flexible scope inserted via the nose, usually with local anesthesia to numb the throat and nose. It takes about 15–30 minutes, and while patients may feel some pressure or warmth, it’s generally well tolerated. You may be asked to limit speaking for 1–3 days afterward, and some throat irritation or mild hoarseness is normal for a few days. Most people can return to work the next day. Multiple treatments may be required for conditions like papilloma or scar tissue, but many patients experience noticeable improvement after just one session. Risks are low and include temporary voice changes, swelling, or rare minor bleeding. The biggest benefits are improved voice clarity and less invasive treatment — all done right in the office.

The KTP laser (potassium titanyl phosphate) is a versatile, office-based laser used to treat a variety of voice, airway, and nasal conditions. It’s especially effective for treating vascular lesions like varices or papillomas, inflammatory growths like granulomas, and benign vocal fold lesions like nodules and polyps. It’s also used in the nasal cavity to stop bleeding (epistaxis) or reduce enlarged turbinates, which improves nasal breathing.

The procedure is usually done in the office using a flexible scope, with topical anesthesia to keep you comfortable. A thin laser fiber is threaded through the scope to deliver gentle pulses of light energy directly to the lesion. Most sessions take 20–30 minutes. You may feel heat, pressure, or the urge to cough briefly, but the discomfort is minimal for most patients. Some voice rest is usually recommended for 1–3 days, and mild hoarseness or sore throat can last up to a week. Conditions like papillomas or chronic lesions may require multiple sessions spaced weeks apart. The KTP laser is highly effective and precise, with a very low risk of scarring or tissue damage, and it allows for outpatient treatment without general anesthesia.

The Nd: YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser is used to treat chronic inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis) or tonsils (tonsillitis) when other treatments, like antibiotics or lifestyle changes, have failed. It reduces inflammation and vaporizes infected or hyperactive tissue, often helping patients with persistent sore throats, throat clearing, and bad breath caused by tonsil crypts or low-grade infections.

This procedure is typically done in the office under topical anesthesia. A laser fiber is passed through a flexible scope or directly to the tonsils or back of the throat. Patients may feel some warmth or irritation during the treatment, but it is generally brief and tolerable. The session lasts about 15–20 minutes. Afterward, you may experience a sore throat for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief and saltwater rinses can help. Most patients are back to normal activity within 24–48 hours. Depending on the condition, one to three treatments may be needed. Benefits include reduced throat infections, better breath, and less discomfort long-term. Risks are minimal and may include temporary throat dryness or swelling.

This procedure combines a photosensitizing agent (alpha levulinic acid) with KTP laser treatment to target leukoplakia and other premalignant lesions on the vocal folds or pharynx. Alpha levulinic acid is absorbed by abnormal cells, making them more responsive to laser energy. When activated by the laser, it destroys damaged or precancerous tissue while preserving healthy structures. This targeted approach is ideal for managing high-risk lesions in patients who want to avoid traditional surgery.

The treatment is done in the office in two stages. First, the alpha levulinic acid is applied topically to the affected area and allowed to incubate for a short period (usually 180 minutes). Then, a flexible scope with a KTP laser fiber activates the treatment area. The entire session for the procedure takes about four hours and 20 minutes for the KTP laser. Patients may feel a mild burning or tingling sensation during laser activation, but numbing medication is used to reduce discomfort. After treatment, some hoarseness, burning, or soreness is expected for a few days. Voice rest is recommended for 2–3 days. Most patients need only one or two sessions, though close monitoring is essential for high-risk lesions. The procedure is safe, highly effective, and allows for early intervention without hospitalization or sedation. Risks are minimal and include temporary voice change, redness, or swelling.