Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen Treatment)
Cryotherapy is a medical procedure used to remove benign skin lesions using liquid nitrogen, which has a temperature of approximately −196 °C.
During the procedure, liquid nitrogen freezes the water inside skin cells. When the frozen tissue thaws, the cellular structures break down and the treated skin cells are destroyed. As a result, a small blister may form at the treatment site.
Patients usually experience a cold sensation during the procedure, which may feel like mild stinging or tingling.
After the treatment, it is normal to experience:
- Mild pain or sensitivity for 2–3 hours
- A tingling or burning sensation lasting 20 minutes to 2 hours
- Formation of a blister, which usually heals within 10–14 days as a protective crust forms on the skin
Book a consultation to determine whether cryotherapy is suitable for your condition.
Who should avoid cryotherapy?
Tolerance to cryotherapy varies from person to person. The procedure is not recommended for patients who have certain cold-related conditions, including:
- Cold urticaria (allergic reaction to cold)
- Cryoglobulinemia
- Raynaud’s syndrome, which causes circulation problems and color changes in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold
Pain and procedure duration
Cryotherapy can be somewhat uncomfortable or painful, depending on the sensitivity of the treated area.
Most adults and children over the age of 10 are able to tolerate the procedure for at least 10 seconds, which is typically sufficient for effective treatment.
Cryotherapy is not recommended for patients who experience extreme anxiety or panic during the procedure, as movement may interfere with the safe application of liquid nitrogen.
For children, proper preparation and reassurance by parents before the procedure is important.
Follow-up care
Patients are usually asked to return for a follow-up visit after 7–10 days.
During this visit, the specialist will evaluate the treated area and, if necessary, perform a repeat cryotherapy session to ensure complete removal of the lesion.
Cryotherapy is a fast and effective method for removing certain benign skin lesions.
Book a consultation at Estonian Foot Clinic to receive professional evaluation and treatment.