What is Cryosurgery?

June 20, 2016

Cryosurgery is a very effective treatment technique for a wide variety of benign skin conditions. It is ideal for treating lesions in certain areas of the body. Benign skin conditions ideal for cryosurgery include:

  • Actinic keratosis
  • Seborrheic keratosis
  • Solar lentigo
  • Viral warts
  • Dermatofibroma

Cryosurgery does not involve much time, and its advantages include low infection risk, short preparation time and minimal wound care. No expensive supplies are needed. It also does not require injectable anesthesia or a return visit to remove sutures.

The Treatment
Cryosurgery involves the use of freezing liquid nitrogen. The skin lesion comes into contact with the nitrogen for a few seconds. In some cases, the treatment must be repeated after thawing has finished. Repeat treatments are usually for resistant viral warts and skin cancers.

The area treated by cryosurgery tends to blister within 24 to 48 hours. The blister may be clear or colored. The area treated can be gently cleansed twice daily and needs to remain clean. Dressings are optional but needed when the treated area is subject to clothes rubbing on it or trauma.

After the blister has dried and formed a scab, apply petroleum jelly to it and do not pick it. This scab should fall off within 10 days if on the face. Scabs on the hands can take as long as three weeks. Infections are extremely rare following cryosurgery. Any discomfort felt after the procedure can be relieved with Extra Strength Tylenol or something similar.

Final Results
Following a conventional freeze of seborrhoeic keratosis, actinic keratosis or viral warts, it is possible for the skin to look quite normal with no evidence of the skin lesion. A single session is all that is often needed for skin lesions, although several treatments are sometimes required. This will be discussed during a consultation at our office.

Are You a Good Candidate for Cryosurgery?
Cryosurgery has been used in treatment for a variety of conditions for over 25 years. It is a safe and effective way to eliminate a variety of benign skin conditions, and it takes very little time to complete. To determine if you could benefit from cryosurgery, consult the experts at The Dermatology Office. Our offices are conveniently located in Paragould and Poplar Bluff.

After evaluating the condition of your skin, our team of medical professionals will be able to determine if this treatment can benefit you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more.

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