Let’s talk about Cryotherapy.
If you have been crying (or shall we say “cryo-ing”) about pesky warts and unwanted skin lesions taking over your skin, then this revolutionary aesthetic treatment may just be the spectacular skin solution you seek, as Cryotherapy stands at the forefront of such advancements.
What Is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is derived from the Greek word “krýos,” meaning icy cold. It is a treatment method that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve overall wellness.
Originally developed in the 19th century, Cryotherapy has evolved over time, finding its way into various medical fields, including dermatology.
Today, dermatologists and aestheticians primarily use Cryotherapy to treat various skin lesions, such as warts, skin tags, actinic keratosis (scaly spots or patches on the top layer of the skin), seborrheic keratoses (benign skin growths), acne, scars, verrucae (painful and contagious warts on the sole), and even certain types of skin cancer.
How Does It Work?
During a Cryotherapy session, the liquid nitrogen (a boiling point of -195.8°C) is applied directly to the targeted area using a specialised device (usually like a cryospray or a cotton-tipped applicator).
The extreme cold of the liquid nitrogen rapidly freezes the specific area of the skin, leading to the formation of ice crystals within the cells. This process induces cellular injury and triggers events that ultimately destroy the abnormal tissue.
Wow, that was a mouthful to read. In a nutshell, liquid nitrogen is super cold, and when applied to the skin, it creates little ice crystals inside the cells, which hurt the cells and thus kill the abnormal tissue.
Additionally, cryotherapy causes your immune system to notice and eliminate the damaged cells. As the area heals, new healthy tissue grows, making the skin look fresh and renewed.
And voilà.
Treating Warts & Skin Lesions
Warts are noncancerous growths that appear when your skin is infected with one of the many viruses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) family and can develop on your hands, feet, and face.
While most warts are completely harmless, they can bruise your self-confidence and in some cases, also cause physical discomfort or pain. That is where cryotherapy comes in, as it offers a fast, effective and minimally invasive treatment option to send that unwelcome wart packing.
Multiple treatment sessions may be required, depending on the size and location of your wart, but over time, it will slough off and disappear from your body and life.
Similarly, cryotherapy is used to treat other types of skin lesions, like precancerous growths resulting from sun damage. By targeting the abnormal cells with its extreme cold, cryotherapy can remove these lesions and reduce the risk of their progression to skin cancer.
Benefits Of Cryotherapy
Other than removing various skin conditions, cryotherapy is:
Minimally Invasive
This non-surgical procedure requires no incisions, thus minimising the risk of scarring and infection.
Quick And Convenient
Cryotherapy sessions are typically brief, lasting only a few minutes, making it a super convenient option if you lead a busy life.
Versatility
It can be tailored to target specific areas of your skin, which allows for the precise treatment of specific lesions whilst minimising potential damage to the surrounding healthy tissue and skin.
High Success Rate
When performed by a skilled dermatologist or aesthetician, cryotherapy has a high success rate in effectively eliminating warts and other skin lesions. Who is not a fan of the word success?
Minimal Downtime
Since cryotherapy is a non-invasive aesthetic skin treatment, most patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume their regular activities immediately. Again, you have a jam-packed schedule, so this may be a great treatment option for you. The wart/skin lesion that has been treated will usually come off between 2 to 3 weeks.
Let’s Freeze-Frame Our Findings
Cryotherapy is an incredible aesthetic treatment that can help you wave goodbye to warts and skin lesions on your body and face. It is safe, it is effective, and it is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional slicing and dicing to help provide you with renewed confidence and skin.
Ready to explore the power of cryotherapy? Book your consultation today!