Based on a dvm360 expert interview featuring Boaz Man, DVM (2026 Kumar Patel Prize in Laser Surgery recipient for BOAS laser surgery education).
In a new dvm360 video interview, titled “What are the advantages of using a CO2 laser for surgical procedures” Boaz Man, DVM, explains why CO2 lasers are the best tool for certain veterinary soft tissue situations: they can vaporize tissue with controlled precision, reduce the need for large incisions and multiple sutures in select cases, and help maintain visibility when you’re working in confined, highly vascular anatomy (like the nostril and throat). He highlights common themes that many teams care about every day—procedure efficiency, clean access in tight spaces, and patient comfort—and summarizes the consistent benefits he sees across procedures: less bleeding, less swelling, and less pain. For general practitioners managing brachycephalic patients and other soft-tissue lesions, that combination can make laser surgery a compelling option when it fits your practice’s case, training, and equipment.
What Dr. Man emphasized in the interview
1) Surgical lasers can vaporize tissue (and that changes the workflow)
Dr. Man notes that few instruments can “vaporize tissue,” which is important when a patient has multiple small adenomas or benign cysts. The goal is often to avoid large incisions and multiple sutures, which can streamline the procedure and potentially shorten anesthesia time.
2) Precision can reduce or eliminate sutures in select superficial lesions
He describes superficial skin lesions (including Bowen disease) being ablated using an “eraser tip” style approach—precise removal of unhealthy superficial tissue. In certain cases, that level of control can allow treatment without sutures, reducing the risk of suture reactions—especially in delicate, highly vascular regions of the throat.
3) Tight anatomy + bleeding = visibility problems… surgical lasers can help
In confined spaces such as the nostrils, bleeding can obscure the field of view, and access is limited. Dr. Man explains that lasers can improve visibility and enable the removal of tissue that can be difficult to reach with conventional instruments.
4) The consistent clinical theme: patient comfort
Across procedures, he summarizes the recurring benefits as reduced bleeding, swelling, and pain—reasons many practices consider adding laser capabilities for soft-tissue work.
How VetScalpel surgical lasers fit into the conversation
At VetScalpel, we’re focused on supporting veterinarians who want to integrate surgical laser workflows—especially in soft tissue cases where precision and access matter. If you’re exploring a veterinary CO2 laser for surgical applications, our team can help you think through training, setup, and practical use cases aligned with your case mix.
Watch the interview
dvm360: “Why lasers are the right tool for BOAS and other soft tissue cases.”
Want to talk through whether a veterinary CO2 laser is a fit for your BOAS-adjacent soft tissue workflow? Contact VetScalpel for a practical conversation about training, setup, and day-to-day use.
