Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, or cryosurgery, is a procedure that uses extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) to remove sunspots and some small BCCs.

How it’s done

The doctor, usually a dermatologist, sprays liquid nitrogen onto the sunspot or skin cancer and a small area of skin around it. You may feel a burning or stinging sensation, which lasts a few minutes. The liquid nitrogen freezes and kills the abnormal skin cells and creates a wound. In some cases, the procedure may need to be repeated.

What to expect after

The treated area will be sore and red. A blister may form within a day. A few days later, a crust will form on the wound. The dead tissue will fall off after 1–4 weeks, depending on the area treated.

New, healthy skin cells will grow and a scar may develop. The area will heal in a few weeks, and the healed skin will probably look paler than the surrounding skin.

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