Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, derived from the Greek words “cryo” meaning cold and “therapeia” meaning cure, is a cutting-edge treatment that harnesses the power of extreme cold to address a variety of cosmetic and dermatological concerns. It’s a non-invasive procedure that uses controlled freezing temperatures to target and eliminate unwanted tissue.

The history of cryotherapy is quite fascinating. While the use of cold for therapeutic purposes dates back to ancient civilisations, modern cryotherapy as we know it began in the 1970s. It was initially developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis but quickly found its way into dermatology and cosmetic treatments due to its effectiveness and minimal side effects.

At Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery, we offer you this treatment under the expert care of our renowned dermatologist, Dr Dalia. With cryotherapy, you can enjoy many benefits, including:

• Quick and relatively painless treatments
• Minimal downtime
• Precision in targeting specific areas
• Suitability for various skin types
• Cost-effectiveness compared to some surgical options

Whether you’re looking to remove an unsightly skin tag or seeking a solution for age spots, cryotherapy might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.

Conditions Treated with Cryotherapy

At Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery, Dr Dalia uses this treatment to address a wide range of skin concerns. Here are some of the conditions we can treat:

• Skin Tags: These small, soft, skin-coloured growths are harmless but can be bothersome or unsightly. Cryotherapy can effectively remove them, leaving your skin smooth and tag-free.
• Warts: Whether you’re dealing with common warts, plantar warts, or flat warts, cryotherapy can help. The freezing temperature destroys the wart tissue and stimulates your immune system to fight off the virus causing the wart.
• Age Spots: Also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, these flat, brown spots appear on areas exposed to the sun. Cryotherapy can lighten or remove these spots, giving you a more even skin tone.
• Actinic Keratosis: These rough, scaly patches are precancerous growths caused by sun damage. Cryotherapy is an excellent option for removing them before they potentially develop into skin cancer.
• Seborrheic Keratosis: These benign, often pigmented growths can be effectively removed with cryotherapy, improving the appearance of your skin.
• Molluscum Contagiosum: This viral skin infection causes small, pearl-like bumps. Cryotherapy can be an effective treatment option, especially for adults.
• Sebaceous Hyperplasia: These small, yellowish bumps are caused by enlarged oil glands. Cryotherapy can help reduce their appearance.
• Cherry Angiomas: These small, bright red dots on the skin are common as we age. Cryotherapy can remove them safely and effectively.

Remember, while cryotherapy is versatile, it’s not suitable for all skin conditions. During your consultation with Dr Dalia, she’ll assess your specific concerns and determine if cryotherapy is the best treatment option for you. In some cases, she might recommend combining cryotherapy with other treatments for optimal results.

Types of Cryotherapy

When it comes to cryotherapy, there are different types of cryotherapy treatments to address various skin concerns effectively. Here are the options available to you:

1. Liquid Nitrogen Spray: This is the most common type of cryotherapy used in dermatology. Here’s what you need to know:
   • How it works: Dr Dalia uses a canister to spray liquid nitrogen directly onto the skin lesion.
   • Temperature: It reaches extremely low temperatures of about -196°C.
   • Best for: Treating superficial skin lesions like warts, skin tags, and actinic keratosis.
   • Procedure time: Usually very quick, often taking just a few seconds per lesion.
   • Sensation: You might feel a stinging or burning sensation, but it’s generally well-tolerated.
2. Cryoprobe: This method offers more precise application, especially for smaller or hard-to-reach areas.
   • How it works: A metal probe is cooled with liquid nitrogen and then applied to the skin lesion.
   • Temperature: Similar to liquid nitrogen spray, reaching about -196°C.
   • Best for: Treating smaller lesions or those in delicate areas like around the eyes.
   • Procedure time: Can take a bit longer than the spray method, but still relatively quick.
   • Sensation: Generally less painful than the spray method as it’s more controlled.
3. Cryogenic Chamber (Whole Body Cryotherapy): While not typically used for treating specific skin lesions, whole body cryotherapy is gaining popularity for its potential overall health and beauty benefits:
   • How it works: You step into a chamber that envelops your body in extremely cold air.
   • Temperature: Usually between -110°C to -140°C.
   • Best for: General skin tightening, reducing inflammation, and potentially boosting collagen production.
   • Procedure time: Sessions typically last 2-3 minutes.
   • Sensation: You’ll feel intense cold, but it’s brief and many find it invigorating.

At Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery, we primarily use liquid nitrogen spray and cryoprobe methods for targeted skin treatments. Dr Dalia will recommend the most appropriate type based on your specific condition, the location of the lesion, and your personal preferences.

Treatment Process

Here are the details of what you can expect during your cryotherapy treatment at Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery:

Preparation:

• Consultation: Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with Dr Dalia. She’ll examine your skin, discuss your concerns, and determine if cryotherapy is the best option for you.
• Skin Preparation: On the day of your treatment, come with clean skin free of makeup, lotions, or creams in the treatment area.
• Comfort Measures: If you’re concerned about discomfort, Dr Dalia might apply a topical anaesthetic to the treatment area about 30 minutes before the procedure.

The Treatment Process:

• Positioning: You’ll be comfortably positioned, usually seated or lying down, depending on the treatment area.
• Protection: Dr Dalia will protect the surrounding healthy skin, often using a special cone or applying petroleum jelly around the treatment area.
• Application: Using either the liquid nitrogen spray or cryoprobe, Dr Dalia will apply the freezing temperature to the lesion. This usually takes just a few seconds per lesion.
• Thawing: After application, the frozen area is allowed to thaw naturally, which takes about 15-30 seconds.
• Repeat: Depending on the size and depth of the lesion, Dr Dalia might repeat the freeze-thaw cycle one or two more times in the same session.

Duration and Frequency:

• A typical cryotherapy session for a single or few small lesions usually takes about 15-30 minutes, including preparation time.
• For larger areas or multiple lesions, the session might take up to an hour.
• Most conditions require only one treatment session, but some might need 2-3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart for optimal results.

After the Treatment:

• You might experience some redness, swelling, and a blister might form in the treated area. Don’t worry – this is a normal part of the healing process.
• Dr Dalia will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.

Cryotherapy Benefits and Expected Results

Here are some of the benefits associated with this treatment:

Immediate Effects:

• Instant Freezing: You’ll notice the treated area turn white as the extreme cold takes effect.
• Quick Procedure: Most treatments are completed in just minutes, allowing you to return to your daily activities promptly.

Short-term Effects (Days to Weeks):

• Redness and Swelling: These are normal reactions and typically subside within a few days.
• Blister Formation: A blister may form in the treated area, which helps in the healing process.
• Scab Formation: As the blister heals, a scab may form. It’s important not to pick at this scab.

Long-term Benefits:

• Lesion Removal: Most treated skin lesions will fall off within 1-3 weeks, leaving you with smoother, clearer skin.
• Minimal Scarring: Cryotherapy typically results in minimal to no scarring, especially when compared to surgical removal methods.
• Collagen Stimulation: The healing process can stimulate collagen production, potentially improving the overall texture and appearance of the treated area.
• Cost-Effective: Compared to some other treatment options, cryotherapy is often more affordable, especially for treating multiple lesions.
• Versatility: Cryotherapy can treat a wide range of skin conditions, making it a versatile option for various cosmetic concerns.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

At Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery, we believe in providing you with comprehensive information about your treatment. While cryotherapy is generally safe and effective, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and risks. Remember, Dr Dalia will discuss these with you in detail during your consultation.

Common Side Effects:

• Redness and Swelling: The treated area may appear red and slightly swollen immediately after treatment. This usually subsides within a few days.
• Blistering: A blister may form in the treated area. This is a normal part of the healing process and should not be popped.
• Scabbing: As the blister heals, a scab may form. It’s important not to pick at this scab to avoid scarring.
• Temporary Pain or Discomfort: You might experience a stinging or burning sensation during and shortly after the treatment. This is typically mild and short-lived.
• Skin Colour Changes: The treated area may appear darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. This is usually temporary but can occasionally be permanent.
• Numbness: Temporary numbness in the treated area is possible and usually resolves on its own.

Less Common Side Effects:

• Infection: While rare, there’s a small risk of infection in the treated area. Proper aftercare helps minimise this risk.
• Scarring: In most cases, cryotherapy leaves minimal to no scarring. However, in rare instances, especially if the scab is picked, scarring can occur.
• Hair Loss: If cryotherapy is performed on areas with hair, it may result in permanent hair loss in the treated spot.
• Nerve Damage: In extremely rare cases, and typically only with prolonged or aggressive freezing, nerve damage could occur, potentially leading to numbness or altered sensation.

Contraindications:

Cryotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. It’s important to inform Dr Dalia if you have:

• Circulation problems or peripheral artery disease
• Diabetes (as it can affect healing)
• A weakened immune system
• Certain skin

FAQs about Cryotherapy

Further Reading about Dermatological Procedures with Dr Dalia

• Read more about Medical Dermatology
• Read more about Lesional Dermatology
• Read more about Hair Loss Treatments
• Read more about Pigmentary Disorders
• Read more about Eczema and Psoriasis

Medical References for Cryotherapy

• Cryosnip for skin tag removal
• Cutaneous Cryosurgery for Common Skin Conditions
• Efficacy Evaluation of the Pixie^® Skin Tag Cryogenic Device on Skin Tags in a Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized, Comparative Clinical Trial
• Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of a cryotherapy device with and without a serum in treating localized benign skin lesions
• What can get rid of age spots?