Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy (removal with liquid nitrogen) is the most effective and safe method of removing skin lesions (papillomas, warts, moles, etc.) in modern dermatology.

The popularity of cryotherapy lies not only in its effectiveness and safety, but also in the cosmetic results, which are superior to those of other treatment methods. Cryotherapy allows for the treatment of benign, precancerous, and malignant skin lesions on all areas of the body.

Cryotherapy is effective for many dermatological conditions, including:

• acne;

• skin pigmentation;

• warts;

• papillomas;

• genital warts;

• molluscum contagiosum;

• rosacea;

• skin fibroma;

• nevi;

• hemangiomas;

• keloids;

• leishmaniasis;

• sarcoidosis and many others.

Dermatologists at Oxford Medical successfully use cryotherapy to treat certain forms of basal cell carcinoma—the most common type of skin cancer.

Cryotherapy is an ideal method for treating lesions on the eyelids, as it does not damage the tear ducts. Overall, the procedure is suitable for treating any area of the body.

Cryotherapy at Oxford Medical is performed using liquid nitrogen, which, due to its low boiling point (-196°C), is ideally suited for treatment.

The affected areas of skin are cooled to a temperature of -50°C to -60°C, which leads to the destruction of the lesions. The depth and degree of freezing are determined by the dermatologist performing the procedure through observation, palpation, and temperature measurement of the treated area.

The procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia—the patient feels only cold on the treated surface. After the procedure, the skin in the treated area recovers within 2–4 weeks, depending on individual characteristics and the specific condition. During this period, redness and peeling of the skin in the treated area may occur—this is the process of shedding old skin cells and the formation of new, healthy ones.