What is Cryotherapy and what does it treat?
CryoProbe™ is an advanced cryotherapy innovation that is a fast, effective, safe and new solution for removal of skin imperfections. Procedures typically last from 5 to 25 seconds.
The CryoProbe™ emits a fine jet of nitrous oxide under high pressure, which allows the clinician to work with millimetre precision. This destroys the tissue by freezing the inter-cellular fluid, forming ice shards and crystals which rupture the membrane, thereby destroying the cell. That means there will be no collateral damage to healthy tissue. It’s so incredibly accurate and practical. Cosmetic procedures such as skin tags, millia, age spots and cherry angiomas can now be treated.
How it works
First cycle – freeze
The applicator is held as close as possible to the skin imperfection and moved quickly towards and away from it. This could be from 1-30 seconds, depending on the size and depth.
Thaw
After the first freeze cycle, the tissue is allowed to thaw for about 30 seconds.
Second cycle – freeze
Now the second freeze cycle will begin. The tissue will freeze faster than during the first freezing cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any side effects?
Cryotherapy is relatively low risk.
There are a few side effects that may occur as a result of treatment, including:
- Pigmentary changes (hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation).
- Nerve damage (particularly in areas where nerves lie close to the surface of the skin, on fingers, wrist, area behind the ear)
- Shards of frozen ice (minor shards of frozen ice may blow out, that will thaw on contact with healthy skin)
- Hair follicle damage and permanent alopecia (especially when treating area on sites with coarse terminal hair).
Discuss any concerns you have with your clinician.
How long are CryoProbe™ treatments?
The duration of the treatment time will depend on the surface area and the thickness of the tissue being treated. Upon the clinical evaluation of the thickness of the area, the clinician will choose an application time from 1 to 30 seconds.
How much will the treatment cost?
The cost of treatment will depend on the clinic and the size of the area. Make an appointment with your clinician to discuss costs and to assess your area.
How safe is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a relatively low-risk procedure. CryoProbe™ delivers N2O directly to the area, and not the healthy surrounding tissue.
Is the treatment painful?
There will be a pain sensation similar to a ballpoint pen being pushed onto the skin when the nitrous oxide reaches the bottom of the area. There might be a little residual stinging for a few minutes after treatment. Occasionally a blister might form and persist for a few hours.
What if I have darker skin?
Repeated short freezing cycles of 3 to 6 seconds at two-week intervals are recommended if you have a darker skin type.
- In a matter of seconds you can have flawless skin
- Removes unsightly skin tags, warts and age spots for that perfect finish
- Minimally invasive
