Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is the process of destroying tissue by freezing it to -40 � C or below. Liquid nitrogen, the only cryogen effective in completely getting rid of malignant and premalignant skin tumors, is used.

The Procedure

The entire growth as well as a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it will be completely frozen. Your doctor will first outline the tumor, then a spray gun is filled with liquid nitrogen, and the area is sprayed for about 30 seconds, and then thawed for two to five minutes. This quick-freeze, slow-thaw cycle will normally be repeated a second time.



It takes at least 24 hours for the tissue to die, so you will not see immediate results. However, you will notice that the dead tissue looks significantly different from the living tissue. The dead tissue will fall off by itself over the course of a couple of weeks following the procedure, revealing a smooth pink surface that can stay swollen for several days.

The Pros of Cryosurgey Include

• Rapid treatment

• Inexpensive

• Cosmetically, the skin looks much better after treatment

• A bloodless procedure

The Cons of Cryosurgery Include

• Swelling

• Pain

• An open would develops after treatment and it takes 4-5 weeks to heal

• Scarring and permanent loss of pigmentation

• If there is treatment over hair-bearing skin, hair will not regrow

If you are interested in learning more about cryosurgery you should contact a cosmetic dermatologist in your area today.