Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a medical skin treatment that uses controlled freezing to remove unwanted or abnormal skin tissue. It is commonly performed using liquid nitrogen, which reaches extremely low temperatures, allowing for targeted treatment of specific skin lesions.

In dermatology, cryotherapy is often used as a non-surgical alternative to excision or cautery for appropriate conditions. It allows targeted disruption of abnormal skin cells to be destroyed while preserving surrounding healthy tissue, without the need for cuts or stitches.

How does Cryotherapy work?

The treatment works by exposing targeted skin cells to extreme cold in a controlled manner. This process disrupts abnormal cells while allowing the skin’s natural healing mechanisms to take over.

It works through the following steps:

• Targeted freezing – liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the lesion, rapidly lowering the temperature of the affected tissue. Ice crystals form within abnormal skin cells, disrupting their structure and function.
• Cell damage and reduced blood supply – the extreme cold temporarily reduces blood flow to the treated area and weakens abnormal cells, triggering a controlled inflammatory response.
• Natural tissue breakdown – over days to weeks, the treated tissue forms a blister or crust and gradually sheds.
• Skin regeneration – new healthy skin develops as healing progresses, continues naturally, with the surrounding tissue remaining largely unaffected.

What skin conditions can Cryotherapy treat?

Cryotherapy is commonly used for a range of benign and sun-related skin lesions that benefit from controlled tissue destruction, including:

• Actinic keratoses – rough, scaly patches caused by long-term sun exposure.
• Seborrhoeic keratoses – these are common benign growths that increase with age.
• Skin tags – often found in areas of friction, such as the neck or underarms.
• Warts – these are caused by viral infection of the skin and can be persistent or uncomfortable.

What are the benefits of Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy offers several advantages when used for appropriate skin lesions:

• Non-surgical treatment with no cuts or stitches
• Targeted and precise destruction of abnormal tissue while preserving surrounding healthy skin
• Minimally invasive with minimal downtime
• Quick in-clinic procedure 

What can I expect from a Cryotherapy treatment?

Since cryotherapy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, the process is straightforward and tailored to each lesion. 

Before the session

Our dermatologist will examine the skin lesion carefully, assessing its appearance, duration and any recent changes.

The goal is to confirm the diagnosis and ensure cryotherapy is appropriate. Our dermatologist will also share the expected outcome, healing process and potential side effects before proceeding with the treatment.

During the session

The skin is cleansed thoroughly before the treatment. Liquid nitrogen is then applied directly to the lesion using a spray device or applicator.

You may experience an intense cold sensation, followed by brief stinging or burning. This discomfort usually lasts only a short time and settles quickly after application.

The duration of freezing depends on the type and thickness of the lesion. Some lesions require a single freeze, while others may need multiple freeze-thaw cycles for better results.

After the session

The treated area may appear red or swollen shortly after the procedure. A blister or scab may also form within the first few days of the procedure as part of the normal healing process. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately. However, it is important to adhere to basic aftercare instructions. This will ensure that the treatment heals optimally and reduces the risk of scarring.

What results can I expect from Cryotherapy?

Results typically develop gradually rather than instantly. The treated lesion often darkens, crusts or blisters before falling off naturally.

Over the following weeks, new skin will form in its place. Many lesions clear completely with minimal scarring.

Temporary pigment changes may occur, but this usually improves over time.

How many sessions do I need?

Some lesions respond well after a single treatment, while others may require more than one session, especially if they are thicker or long-standing.

Warts and actinic keratoses may need a series of sessions for complete clearance. The number and timing of sessions depend on how the skin responds and the lesion heals.