Cryotherapy is the use of a cold, liquefied gas to remove skin growths including, but not limited to warts, keratoses and skin cancers. This liquefied gas is cooled to around 300̊ below 0̊ F. Cryotherapy makes it possible to treat multiple skin growths with little to no scarring. Depending upon the size and location of the skin growth, you may need to have more than one cryotherapy treatment. This will be determined at your initial appointment or at subsequent visits.
What to expect:
The doctor will apply liquid nitrogen to the skin growth(s) to be removed. You may feel some stinging and mild pain, but this will not last long. If you have a growth removed from your forehead, some throbbing may persist.
After the treatment, your skin will become red and swollen and may develop a blister. Healing takes one to three weeks, after which the skin may look perfectly normal or slightly lighter in color.
Proper care after the procedure:
- Clean the treated area daily with gentle soap and water. NO RESTRICTIONS
- Apply a thin layer of ointment such as Vaseline or Aquaphor to the site twice daily to keep moist.
- If the site is prone to irritation, cover it with a bandage.
- You can shave around the treated site, use makeup or other skin care products.
- If a blister forms, do NOT attempt to remove it. You will get the best result if you leave the blister intact as long as possible. Keep the blister covered with a bandage.
- You will likely see a scab form after a few days. This scab will form a crust and fall off on its own. AVOID PICKING.
- If you experience any pain or discomfort, you can relieve this with Tylenol. Do not take any aspirin-related products. (unless instructed to do so by a physician)
- Watch for any signs of infection such as unusual redness, swelling, pain, tenderness or yellow drainage. Some redness is a normal occurrence.
* If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at (561) 498-4407.
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