Please note: Kliniek het Bolwerk does not carry out this treatment

Cryotherapy, in which tissue is treated by freezing (for example with liquid nitrogen), is not performed at Kliniek het Bolwerk. This treatment falls under regular medical care and is usually used for dermatological conditions.

If cryotherapy is necessary, it takes place in a hospital or at another healthcare facility that provides regular (specialist) care. For assessment and treatment, you will therefore be referred to regular care.

What is cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy, also known as cryosurgery or cryoablation, is a technique that uses liquid nitrogen or other cold substances to freeze and destroy unwanted tissue. It is usually done to treat superficial skin lesions, such as warts, actinic keratoses or certain forms of skin cancer. The procedure is quick, effective and is often carried out as an outpatient procedure, which means patients can go home the same day.

How does cryotherapy work?

During cryotherapy, an applicator or spray is used to apply liquid nitrogen directly to the area being treated. The extremely cold temperature of the nitrogen (about -196°C) causes the cells in the target tissue to freeze rapidly. This leads to crystals forming inside the cells, which damages the cell walls and eventually leads to cell death. As the tissue thaws, it is shed by the body and replaced by new, healthy skin cells. Depending on the size and depth of the lesion, the procedure may be repeated several times to achieve the full effect.

What are the benefits of cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy offers several benefits:

Minimally invasive: The procedure does not require incisions or stitches, so there is no risk of large scars.
Quick treatment: Cryotherapy is a quick procedure that can often be completed within a few minutes, even with several lesions.
Effective for various conditions: Cryotherapy can be effective in treating a wide range of skin lesions, from benign warts to certain forms of skin cancer.
Little recovery time: Patients can often return to their daily activities immediately, with minimal care needed after the treatment.

When is cryotherapy suitable?

Cryotherapy is suitable for patients with superficial skin lesions such as warts, actinic keratoses, seborrhoeic keratoses and certain forms of skin cancer, such as early-stage basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is also a useful treatment for cosmetic purposes, such as removing benign skin growths or age spots. However, cryotherapy may be less effective for deeper or larger tumours, which require more invasive surgical techniques.

The difference between cryotherapy and other skin treatments

Cryotherapy differs from other skin treatments such as excision, laser therapy and electrocoagulation because it uses extreme cold instead of cutting, burning or laser to remove tissue. Compared with excision, which removes tissue completely and often involves a longer recovery time and a greater chance of scarring, cryotherapy is less invasive and usually requires less aftercare. Laser therapy may be more effective for certain deeper or extensive lesions, but cryotherapy remains a popular choice for its simplicity and effectiveness in superficial skin lesions.

Risks and considerations

Although cryotherapy is generally safe, there are some risks and side effects that patients should be aware of. Possible complications include pain during the procedure, temporary redness, swelling, blistering and, in some cases, hypopigmentation or depigmentation of the skin at the treated site. This can lead to a lighter skin colour at the treatment site, which is particularly important for people with darker skin. Infection is rare but possible if the blisters are not cared for properly. Before the procedure, the doctor will inform the patient about what to expect and how to prevent complications.

Conclusion

Cryotherapy is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for removing unwanted or abnormal tissue by freezing. It offers a quick option that causes relatively little pain for treating various skin lesions, with minimal recovery time and little risk of scarring. Although it is suitable for many common dermatological conditions, it is important to decide together with a doctor whether cryotherapy is the best choice for the patient’s specific medical or cosmetic needs.

Want to know more? Read more about Removal of skin imperfections or having a mole removed at Kliniek het Bolwerk.