Remove Precancerous Lesions, Warts, and Benign Skin Growths with Cryotherapy
What is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy, also called cryosurgery, is a quick, in-office procedure that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal or unwanted skin tissue. It is one of the most common treatments performed in dermatology because it is safe, effective, and requires little to no downtime. This therapy is used to treat actinic keratosis, warts, seborrheic keratoses, and molluscum.
What Is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen, an extremely cold substance, to freeze abnormal skin cells. The freezing process damages the targeted tissue, allowing your body to naturally remove it over the following days or weeks.
Depending on the type of lesion being treated, the area may blister, form a scab, and eventually heal with healthy new skin underneath.
Most treatments take only a few minutes and can be completed during a routine office visit.
What Can Cryotherapy Treat?
Cryotherapy is commonly used to treat several skin conditions, including:
- Actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions)
- Common warts
- Plantar warts
- Seborrheic keratoses
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Certain benign skin growths
Your provider will examine the lesion and determine whether cryotherapy is the most appropriate treatment or if another option would provide better results.
How Does Cryotherapy Work?
Liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the abnormal tissue using either a spray device or a cotton-tipped applicator.
The extreme cold rapidly freezes the targeted cells, causing them to break down. Over the following days, your body naturally removes the damaged tissue while healthy skin develops in its place.
Depending on the condition being treated, more than one freeze cycle or multiple treatment sessions may be recommended.
What Happens During Treatment?
Cryotherapy is performed in the office and usually takes only a few minutes.
During treatment:
- The treatment area is examined.
- Liquid nitrogen is carefully applied to the lesion.
- The tissue freezes for several seconds.
- The area is allowed to thaw before treatment is complete.
Most patients experience a brief cold or burning sensation during the freezing process that quickly subsides once treatment is finished.
What Is Recovery Like?
After treatment, it’s normal for the area to become:
- Red
- Slightly swollen
- Tender
- Blistered
- Scabbed
The treated lesion typically falls off over the next one to three weeks, depending on its size and location.
Most patients return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.
Does Cryotherapy Hurt?
Cryotherapy is generally well tolerated.
Most patients describe the sensation as intense cold followed by mild burning or stinging that lasts only a few seconds. Some soreness may continue for several hours after treatment, but it usually resolves quickly.
Will I Need More Than One Treatment?
That depends on the condition being treated.
- Actinic keratoses often respond after one treatment.
- Common and plantar warts may require multiple sessions.
- Larger or thicker lesions sometimes need repeat treatments for complete removal.
Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your diagnosis.
Benefits of Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy offers many advantages, including:
- Quick in-office treatment
- Little to no downtime
- No surgical incision
- Minimal discomfort
- Effective treatment for many common skin conditions
- Helps remove precancerous lesions before they progress
- Fast recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cryotherapy used for?
Cryotherapy is commonly used to treat actinic keratoses, warts, seborrheic keratoses, molluscum contagiosum, and other benign skin lesions by freezing and destroying abnormal tissue.
Will there be a blister afterward?
Possibly. A blister is a normal part of the healing process for many patients and usually resolves on its own. Your provider will explain how to care for the treated area.
Does cryotherapy leave a scar?
Most lesions heal with little or no noticeable scarring. Some patients may experience temporary changes in skin color, particularly on darker skin tones.
Can cryotherapy prevent skin cancer?
Cryotherapy is frequently used to treat actinic keratoses, which are considered precancerous lesions. Treating these lesions helps reduce the risk that some may develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
When should I call my dermatologist?
Contact our office if you develop excessive pain, signs of infection, prolonged bleeding, or if the treated lesion does not heal as expected.
Request an appointment at Boise Dermatology
If you have a skin growth that you would like to remove, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brooks or her P.A. Sammy Verner at Boise Dermatology & Medspa. Dr. Brooks will assess your skin and determine if cryotherapy is the best treatment for you. Request an appointment on our website or give us a call at (208) 888-0660 to get started.