What Is Cryotherapy? How It Works, Benefits & What to Expect

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a medical treatment that uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy targeted tissue.

The term comes from the Greek words kryos, meaning cold, and therapeia, meaning healing or treatment.

Although cryotherapy can refer to several cold-based treatments, dermatological cryotherapy typically involves the application of liquid nitrogen, which has a temperature of approximately -196°C.

This technique, also known as cryosurgery, allows healthcare professionals to treat certain skin lesions without making a surgical incision.

Unlike whole-body cryotherapy, which involves exposing the body to cold air, dermatological cryotherapy focuses on a specific area of skin.

How Does Cryotherapy Work?

Cryotherapy works by exposing targeted tissue to extremely low temperatures.

When liquid nitrogen is applied to a skin lesion, rapid cooling causes cellular damage. Ice formation and changes within the affected tissue disrupt the cells, eventually causing the treated tissue to break down.

Over the following days or weeks, the body naturally sheds or heals the damaged area.

The depth and duration of freezing depend on the type, size, thickness, and location of the lesion being treated.

Because the treatment is localized, it can be performed directly on the affected area. However, some surrounding healthy skin may also be affected by the freezing process.

What Is Cryotherapy Typically Used For?

In dermatology, cryotherapy is commonly used to treat certain benign and precancerous skin lesions.

Some of its most common applications include:

Warts

Warts are skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cryotherapy can help destroy wart tissue through repeated freezing, although multiple sessions may be necessary.

Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches that develop from long-term sun exposure. These lesions are considered precancerous because some can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

Cryotherapy is frequently used to treat individual actinic keratoses by destroying abnormal skin cells.

Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses are common, non-cancerous growths that often have a waxy, raised, or textured appearance.

Cryotherapy may be used to remove certain lesions, particularly when they become irritated or bothersome.

Certain Benign Skin Growths

Some small skin tags and other benign superficial growths may also be treated using cryotherapy.

However, not all skin growths are suitable for freezing. Accurate diagnosis is essential, particularly when a lesion is changing, unusual, or potentially cancerous.

What Are the Benefits of Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy offers several advantages when used for appropriately selected skin conditions.

Quick treatment: The freezing process often takes only seconds per lesion, making cryotherapy convenient for in-office procedures.

Minimally invasive: Many superficial lesions can be treated without surgical incisions or stitches.

Targeted application: Liquid nitrogen can be applied directly to a specific lesion, although nearby skin may also be affected.

Minimal disruption to daily routines: Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after treatment, depending on the area treated.

Established medical use: Cryotherapy has a long history in dermatology and is a recognized treatment for several common skin conditions.

How Effective Is Cryotherapy?

The effectiveness of cryotherapy depends on the skin condition being treated, the size and depth of the lesion, and the freezing technique used. For certain

superficial lesions, a single treatment may be sufficient. Other conditions, particularly persistent warts, may require multiple sessions.

Cryotherapy is commonly effective for individual actinic keratoses, although clearance rates vary and some lesions may recur or require additional treatment.

For warts, results can be less predictable. The effectiveness of freezing depends on factors such as wart location, duration, and thickness.

It’s also important to understand that cryotherapy treats existing lesions rather than preventing new ones from forming.

For example, freezing an actinic keratosis does not reverse the underlying cumulative sun damage or prevent future lesions from developing.

Ultimately, the best treatment approach depends on the diagnosis and individual skin characteristics.

Does Cryotherapy Hurt?

Cryotherapy is generally well tolerated, but it isn’t completely sensation-free.

During treatment, patients may experience a brief stinging, burning, or intense cold sensation as the liquid nitrogen is applied.

The treated area may remain tender for a short period afterward.

The level of discomfort varies depending on the location, size, and depth of the treatment.

What Happens to Your Skin After Cryotherapy?

Following cryotherapy, the treated area goes through a natural healing process.

It’s common to experience temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or blistering. A scab or crust may form as the treated tissue begins to separate.

Over time, the area heals and new skin develops.

For many superficial lesions, healing takes approximately one to three weeks, although recovery can take longer depending on the treatment site and depth.

It’s important to avoid picking at the treated area, follow the recommended aftercare instructions, and protect healing skin from unnecessary sun exposure.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Like any medical procedure, cryotherapy carries potential risks.

Possible side effects include:

• Temporary redness, swelling, or blistering

• Skin irritation or tenderness

• Changes in pigmentation, including lighter or darker patches

• Scarring

• Infection, although uncommon

• Incomplete lesion removal or recurrence

Pigmentation changes may be particularly noticeable in individuals with darker skin tones.

A healthcare professional can help determine whether cryotherapy is appropriate based on the lesion and the patient’s skin type.

Is Cryotherapy Right for Your Skin?

Cryotherapy can be an effective treatment for many common dermatological concerns, but not every lesion should be frozen.

Skin growths that are new, changing, bleeding, or otherwise suspicious require appropriate medical assessment before treatment. In some cases, a biopsy or alternative removal method may be necessary.

Understanding the underlying condition is always the first step toward choosing an appropriate treatment.

The Bottom Line

Cryotherapy is a well-established dermatological treatment that uses extreme cold to target and destroy certain unwanted or abnormal skin cells.

With its quick application, minimally invasive approach, and range of medical uses, it remains a valuable tool in modern dermatology.

Whether you’re curious about a persistent skin growth or exploring treatment options for sun-related skin changes, understanding how cryotherapy works can help you make more informed decisions about your skin health.

Curious About Your Skin? Start With a Professional Assessment.

Not every skin concern requires the same approach, and identifying the cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

At SURFACE Dermatology, we believe informed skincare begins with understanding your skin.

Book a consultation with SURFACE Dermatology to explore your skin concerns and learn which treatment options may be appropriate for you.

Because healthy skin starts with informed decisions.