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CRYOSURGERY

Cryosurgery is an effective and safe treatment method involving the local freezing of diseased tissue, most often using liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide.

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Cryosurgery – what does the procedure involve?

This technique enables controlled destruction of diseased tissue by freezing it to very low temperatures, which leads to its death and replacement by healthy skin cells. The procedure is non-invasive, bloodless, and usually does not require general anesthesia, making it convenient and safe for the patient.

What is cryosurgery used for?

Cryosurgery is primarily used in dermatology, where it is used to remove skin lesions such as warts, fibromas, precancerous lesions, and even some skin cancers. The procedure can also be used in aesthetic medicine to reduce scars on the body or skin lesions for both aesthetic and health reasons. Cryosurgery is also used in other fields, such as gynecology, oncology, and otolaryngology.

What problems does it help to combat?

List of benefits of the procedure:

  • Removal of warts and fibromas – effective freezing of viral lesions and benign skin lesions.
  • Reduction of scars and aesthetic changes – without the need for surgical intervention.
  • Treatment of precancerous lesions – e.g., solar keratosis or keratotic diseases.
  • No need for sutures – the procedure does not cause deep damage, eliminating the need for stitches.
  • Faster healing and low invasiveness – the healing process takes several days, without a long recovery period.

Indications for cryosurgery

  • Viral warts (hands, feet, face)
  • Fibroids
  • Benign and precancerous changes (e.g., solar keratosis)
  • Spotted discoloration and hemangiomas
  • Certain skin cancerous changes (after consultation with a dermatologist)
  • Scars and postoperative changes

Contraindications and side effects

Although dermatological cryosurgery is considered a safe treatment method, there are certain contraindications:

  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Active skin infections at the treatment site
  • Vascular disorders
  • Extreme sensitivity to cold
  • Pregnancy

Side effects

Side effects may include burning and itching, sometimes blistering, which heals over time. Complications such as discoloration or scarring are rare.

How is cryosurgery performed?

The cryosurgical procedure is quick, requires no special preparation, and can be performed on patients of all ages. A dermatologist or aesthetic medicine doctor selects the appropriate gas (nitrogen or nitrous oxide) and uses an applicator to direct it directly onto the affected tissue. The duration of exposure to low temperatures depends on the size of the lesion. The freezing procedure can be performed on a spot basis without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. After the procedure, slight swelling or blistering may occur, and the healing process usually takes several to a dozen or so days. After the procedure, the treated areas should be protected from excessive sun exposure. 

Article verified by lek. Aleksandra Jagielska. Information is for reference only and is not a substitute for medical consultation.

Sources:

1. Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Two Cryotherapy Protocols for Common Viral Warts

2. A clinical guide to cryotherapy for actinic keratosis, PMC

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