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Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses sub-zero temperatures to remove skin lesions and other imperfections.

It works by destroying tissues affected by the condition at hand. Many doctors administer liquid nitrogen with their cryotherapy treatments.

What Type of Lesions Can Be Treated With Cryotherapy?

These lesions benefit the most from cryotherapy:

• Benign
• Precancerous
• Superficial skin cancer

Benign lesions are non-cancerous. Precancerous ones are growths on the skin that have an increased risk of developing into a skin cancer. Superficial skin cancers include basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Both of which form on the epidermis, the top layer of skin and then metastasize to other parts of the body.

What Are the Benefits of Cryotherapy?

Virtually Pain-Free

One of the benefits of cryotherapy is that it’s virtually pain-free. In fact, there’s absolutely no need for anesthetics. In addition to that, there’s zero healing time required.

Quick Procedure

Unlike similar dermatological procedures, cryotherapy does not take hours to complete. The amount of time it takes to complete the process depends on the size and severity of the lesion. In many cases, cryotherapy takes a matter of seconds to complete.

Minimal Scarring

Cryotherapy leaves minimal scarring once lesions are removed. Unlike skin treatments that use heat, such as electrocautery, cryotherapy does not leave visible scars behind.

Before and After Getting Cryotherapy Skin Treatment

Before Treatment

Before having cryotherapy performed, your dermatologist will prepare the area for treatment. It is recommended that you refrain from wearing lotion or makeup before the procedure.

After Treatment

After receiving the treatment, you may notice redness at or around the treatment area. This is very normal. Healing can take between a week to long as 10 days. If you are using cryotherapy to remove warts, you will need a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Warts are rather resilient and consistent post-treatment care is key

During the healing process, it's best to avoid using scented soap and body washes. You should also avoid using harsh skin exfoliators during this time. The chemicals in these products can irritate the treatment sites, even if your skin isn’t normally sensitive.

You may also notice drainage leaking from the treatment site – it’s normal. If there is excessive drainage from the treatment site, do not hesitate to contact your dermatologist. Slight discoloration or pigmentation of the skin is also normal.

Once the cryotherapy skin treatment is complete, make sure you follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your dermatologist for the best results.

The dermatologists at Dermatology Consultants of Frisco are here to help if you ever need a cryotherapy treatment. We specialize in different skin treatments for a variety of skin conditions, including moles, sun spots, acne and skin cancer.

At the Dermatology Consultants of Frisco, we strive to provide high-quality dermatological care in a comfortable environment. We are true leaders in dermatology, and we’ve been trained at top programs across the country. Book an appointment or call us today for more information about our cryotherapy skin treatments and learn how else we can help improve your skin's appearance.