Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a very effective procedure that uses an extremely cold liquid (liquid nitrogen) to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells that require removal.

It can be used to destroy a variety of benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions such as warts and Actinic Keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions). In addition, it is used for malignant lesions such as squamous cell cancers and basal cell carcinomas.

During the procedure, the lesion is frozen with the liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the lesion. It is in essence a cold burn that damages the target skin cells without causing harm to the surrounding skin.

Usually one treatment of Cryotherapy is sufficient however some lesions may need further sessions. It is only 40% successful each time with viral warts.

Once treated, the area will heal with a growth of healthy skin. The new skin may contain less pigment than the original skin but should end up nice and smooth. The new skin grows across the area from the edges and from deep follicles. This is underneath the scab that forms.

Scabs should always be left to fall off by themselves as this reduces the chances of scarring. This normally happens around 7 to 14 days after the procedure although this can sometimes be longer for the legs. The new skin will be rose pink and over 6 to 8 weeks will fade to its final colour.