At Gavino Dermatology, we offer cryotherapy, a simple, non-invasive treatment that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and eliminate skin growths such as warts, skin tags, moles, and precancerous lesions. This quick, affordable procedure promotes healing with minimal discomfort and low infection risk, helping you achieve healthier, blemish-free skin.
Freeze and eliminate abnormal skin cells
Cryotherapy, also known as cryosurgery, is a non-invasive procedure that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells. This treatment is effective for various skin conditions, including warts, skin tags, moles, and precancerous lesions like actinic keratoses. By targeting damaged cells, cryotherapy causes the treated area to blister and scab, eventually healing within three to six weeks. The procedure is simple, affordable, and involves minimal discomfort.
Cryotherapy Treats:
- Warts
- Skin tags
- Moles
- Actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions)
- Certain types of skin cancer
- Other benign skin growths
- Localized internal tumors (such as liver and prostate cancer)
- Verrucas (plantar warts)
- Keloids and hypertrophic scars
Your Experience
During cryotherapy, your dermatologist will apply liquid nitrogen to the targeted skin lesion using a cotton swab, spray, or cryoprobe. The extreme cold freezes the abnormal cells, causing them to die. You may feel a brief stinging or burning sensation as the tissue freezes. The treated area might form a blister or scab within a few days, which will heal over the next three to six weeks.
Recovery & Side Effects
Following cryotherapy, you may experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Side effects are minimal, but slight redness and swelling may occur. Keep the area clean and avoid picking at the scab. Your dermatologist will provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and prevent infection.
How Cryotherapy Works
Cryotherapy involves the application of liquid nitrogen, stored at extremely low temperatures (-196°C), to abnormal skin tissue. The liquid nitrogen rapidly freezes the water inside the cells, causing ice crystals to form. This disrupts the cell membrane and induces cellular damage, leading to cell death. The treated area subsequently thaws, resulting in localized inflammation and the activation of the body’s healing processes. Over time, the damaged tissue forms a blister and scab, which eventually falls off, revealing healthy, regenerated skin.
Benefits of Cryotherapy:
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Quick and simple treatment
- Minimal discomfort during and after treatment
- Low risk of infection
- Suitable for various skin conditions
- Can be performed as an outpatient procedure
- Short recovery time
- Effective for precancerous and benign lesions
- Precise targeting of damaged tissue
- Minimal scarring compared to surgical options
The Cryotherapy Results
After cryotherapy, the treated area will gradually heal over three to six weeks. As the scab falls off, you’ll notice healthier, blemish-free skin underneath. Results are typically excellent, with minimal scarring compared to surgical options. The full cosmetic outcome may take a few weeks to become apparent, but you’ll start seeing improvements as the area heals.
Schedule an Appointment
Gavino Dermatology is a state-of-the-art practice led by Dr. Gavino, a quadruple-board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Gavino and his expert team provide high-quality cryotherapy treatments for various skin conditions, including warts, skin tags, moles, and precancerous lesions. If you’re considering cryotherapy for skin lesions or other concerns, don’t hesitate to take the next step. Schedule an appointment with us today and experience exceptional skincare.
