Cryotherapy

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a quick, minimally invasive treatment used to remove certain benign and precancerous skin lesions by applying extreme cold with liquid nitrogen. It is commonly used to treat actinic keratoses (precancerous sun damage), seborrheic keratoses, common warts, and other superficial skin growths.

Benefits

• Fast in-office treatment
• No incisions or stitches
• Minimal downtime
• Effectively treats many precancerous lesions
• Helps reduce the risk of skin cancer progression
• Excellent cosmetic outcomes for many lesions

Who is a Candidate?

Cryotherapy may be recommended if you have:

• Actinic keratoses
• Common or plantar warts
• Certain benign skin growths
• Superficial lesions your provider determines are appropriate for freezing

Your provider will examine your skin and determine whether cryotherapy is the most effective treatment option.

How Does It Work?

Liquid nitrogen rapidly freezes abnormal cells. As the treated tissue thaws, the damaged cells are destroyed while healthy surrounding tissue remains largely unaffected. Over the following days, the treated area naturally heals and new healthy skin develops.

Preparing for Treatment

Very little preparation is needed. We recommend:

• Arriving with clean skin
• Informing your provider of any medications or medical conditions
• Avoiding picking or irritating the treatment area before your appointment

During Your Procedure

Treatment typically takes only a few minutes. Liquid nitrogen is applied using a spray device or cotton-tipped applicator. You may experience a brief stinging or burning sensation during the freezing process.

Recovery

Following treatment, the area may become red, swollen, or develop a small blister. This is a normal part of healing.

You should:

• Keep the area clean
• Avoid picking at blisters or scabs
• Protect healing skin from excessive sun exposure
• Follow any aftercare instructions provided by your provider

Most areas heal within one to three weeks depending on the location and size of the lesion.

Results

Many lesions resolve after a single treatment, although some may require additional sessions. Cryotherapy is highly effective for many precancerous and benign skin conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it leave a scar?
Most patients heal with little to no noticeable scarring.

Will I need more than one treatment?
Some lesions require additional treatments for complete resolution.

Is cryotherapy painful?
Most patients experience only brief discomfort lasting a few seconds.