Cryosurgery

Freezing Away Unwanted Skin Lesions with Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery, also known as cryotherapy, is a quick, non-invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells. This technique is commonly used to treat benign skin lesions like warts, skin tags, actinic keratoses, and certain types of skin cancers. During cryosurgery, liquid nitrogen is applied to the lesion, causing the targeted cells to freeze and eventually fall off as the area heals. Cryosurgery is popular for its minimal discomfort, quick recovery, and high success rate.

Undergoing cryosurgery treatment at Pinnacle Dermatology can offer several significant advantages for patients managing various skin concerns. This minimally invasive procedure is not only effective for common issues like warts and precancerous lesions, but cryosurgery for skin cancer can also be an important treatment option in select cases. 

Here are some of the key benefits you may experience after treatment:

• Efficient Tissue Removal: Cryotherapy quickly targets and destroys abnormal skin tissue, helping to restore healthy skin with minimal disruption.
• Minimally Invasive: With no incisions required, the procedure is generally well-tolerated and causes only mild, short-term discomfort.
• Versatility: Dermatology cryosurgery can address a wide range of conditions, from cosmetic skin growths to more serious concerns like precancerous spots.
• Effective for Certain Skin Cancers: In select cases, cryosurgery for skin cancer can provide a precise, non-surgical option to remove cancerous cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
• Low Risk of Scarring: Due to its precision, skin cryosurgery often results in little to no visible scarring compared to surgical alternatives.
• Convenient Outpatient Care: Cryosurgery is performed right in the office, offering patients a quick, effective treatment without the need for a hospital stay.

At Pinnacle Dermatology, every treatment is tailored to your individual needs, ensuring both effective results and personalized care.

At Cumberland Skin, our experienced dermatology team specializes in performing cryosurgery with precision and care. We assess each patient’s unique skin concerns to determine if cryosurgery is the best treatment option and provide personalized aftercare to ensure optimal healing. Whether treating a benign growth or a precancerous lesion, we prioritize effective treatment and patient comfort throughout the process.

At your appointment, a dermatologist will review your skin concerns and confirm that cryosurgery treatment is the right option for you. The procedure itself is quick, usually taking just 15–30 minutes depending on the area being treated.

Liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the targeted skin, creating a brief cold or stinging sensation. Most patients tolerate it well, and any discomfort passes quickly. Afterward, your dermatologist will explain care after cryosurgery and schedule follow-ups if needed to check your healing.

Before your cryosurgery, share your full medical history and medications with your dermatologist at Pinnacle. Wear loose, comfortable clothing or be prepared to change into a gown for easy access to the treatment area.

You may want to arrange transportation if the procedure site could cause discomfort afterward. Avoid applying creams or lotions on the skin before your visit, and follow any instructions provided to ensure a smooth skin cryosurgery experience.

Following cryosurgery treatment, it’s normal to experience temporary side effects like redness, swelling, or blistering at the treated site. These are part of the natural healing process and usually improve within days. Most areas will scab over within a week, with healthy skin revealed once the scab falls away. To support healing and comfort, follow your dermatologist’s aftercare instructions carefully.

Aftercare Tips:

• Keep the treated area clean and dry.
• Avoid applying lotions, creams, or makeup unless approved by your dermatologist.
• Protect the area from direct sun exposure; use sunscreen once the skin has healed.
• Do not pick at scabs or blisters, as this may increase scarring.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers if you feel mild discomfort.
• Follow up with your dermatologist as recommended to monitor healing.