Quick Links
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a non-surgical medical treatment that uses extreme cold to target and destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. At Falcon Plastic Surgery, cryotherapy is used to treat common skin concerns, including warts, skin tags, age spots, and keratosis. The treatment is performed using localized applications of liquid nitrogen or liquid nitrous oxide, which safely expose the affected area to sub-zero temperatures. This controlled cold exposure damages abnormal cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue, making cryotherapy an effective and efficient option for select skin conditions in an outpatient setting.
What Does Cryotherapy Treat?
During a cryotherapy treatment, cold liquid is applied directly to the affected area. These intense cold temperatures cause tissue damage to abnormal cells, effectively destroying them. Cryotherapy is widely used in dermatology to treat benign lesions such as:
Warts
Cryotherapy freezes the wart tissue, damaging cells and destroying virus-infected cells. After a freeze-thaw cycle, a scab forms over the treated area and eventually falls off, revealing healthy skin underneath.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, benign growths that can appear anywhere on the body. Cryotherapy works by freezing the affected tissue with extremely cold liquid, which destroys the abnormal cells. Over a few days, the treated area forms a scab that falls off naturally.
Age Spots
Also known as liver spots or sun spots, age spots are areas of pigmentation caused by sun exposure over time. Cryotherapy can target these pigmented lesions with precision, using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the abnormal cells.
Keratosis
Actinic keratosis and other keratotic lesions are precancerous or rough, scaly patches of skin caused by sun damage. Cryotherapy is a first-line treatment for keratosis, effectively destroying abnormal tissue through intense cold exposure. A scab forms during the thawing process, and once it falls off, healthier skin is revealed underneath.
Sports Medicine
Cryotherapy can also be applied for sports medicine and pain management. Cold therapy helps reduce muscle soreness, aid recovery, and relieve muscle pain by improving blood flow, altering nerve conduction velocity, and reducing muscle guarding. Athletes often use ice packs or ice baths as part of a cryotherapy regimen.
“Excellent, compassionate, very nice and knowledgeable doctor. Dr. Falcon spends time with you and really listens. He's one of the best doctors I have ever seen and I would recommend him to anyone.”
Benefits of Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy provides a variety of therapeutic benefits. For skin conditions, the treatment helps safely and efficiently destroy abnormal tissue with just one freeze-thaw cycle. A scab forms over the treated area during the thawing process and eventually falls off, revealing healthier skin. Further cryotherapy benefits include:
- Improved circulation
- Reduced inflammation
- Faster healing of both malignant and benign lesions
- Decreased muscle soreness
- Improved blood flow
- Enhanced recovery after sports injuries
The physiologic effects of cold exposure can help elite athletes, individuals with poor circulation, or patients with chronic pain conditions manage symptoms effectively.
Ideal Candidates for Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is suitable for a wide range of patients with various skin conditions or therapeutic needs. Ideal candidates include individuals with benign lesions such as:
- Skin tags or warts
- Precancerous keratotic lesions
- Certain malignant lesions, like basal cell carcinoma
While generally safe, cryotherapy may not be recommended for individuals with poor circulation, impaired sensation, or certain medical conditions that make extreme cold exposure risky. During a consultation, each patient’s skin condition and overall health are evaluated to determine whether cryotherapy is an appropriate and effective option.
Why Choose Falcon Plastic Surgery
Falcon Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive, patient-centered care delivered by a highly qualified medical team. Cryotherapy treatments are performed with precision and safety in mind, guided by a collaborative approach that blends medical expertise with personalized attention. Dr. Christopher Falcon, DO, brings extensive training and experience in procedural medicine, ensuring cryotherapy treatments are performed efficiently and comfortably in an outpatient setting.
Working alongside him is Dr. Christine Falcon, a board-certified dermatologist with specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions, including benign lesions, precancerous growths, and skin cancer. Together, the Falcon Plastic Surgery team carefully evaluates each patient’s skin condition to determine the safest and most appropriate option.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in cryotherapy treatment for skin cancer, abnormal cells, benign lesions, or muscle pain relief, Falcon Plastic Surgery is here to help. During your consultation, our team will evaluate your condition, explain how cryotherapy works, and discuss potential risks and benefits. Contact Falcon Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation and discover the health benefits of cryotherapy for yourself.
Cryotherapy FAQs
What types of skin issues does cryotherapy address?
How long does cryotherapy treatment typically take?
Is there anything I should avoid after cryotherapy?
Will I see results immediately after cryotherapy?
Is cryotherapy painful?
Does cryotherapy leave a scar?
Are there any risks of with cryotherapy?
How do I know if cryotherapy is right for my skin issue?
Is there any recovery with cryotherapy?
Can cryotherapy help with muscle pain?
State-of-the art, on site surgical suite located in Natrona Heights, PA
Our suite is certified with the highest level of accreditation by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF).
Learn More
