Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses freezing temperatures, almost to the point of freezing, to remove abnormal tissue and skin lesions, including warts, skin tags and certain cancers. Although not always comfortable, the process is not painful, and only the area affected receives the treatment.
Cryotherapy is most commonly used to remove skin lesions like warts and skin tags. But it can also be used to remove precancerous growths and certain tumours.
Dr Maphosa provides cryotherapy treatment for the following:
The procedure for cryotherapy is quick and painless. First, Dr Maphosa will assess the area, lesion or tissue that needs to be removed and then clean it to prepare for the solution.
In most cases, liquid nitrogen is used for cryotherapy. This is applied only to the tissue that needs to be removed, either in a spray or via a cotton swab. The liquid nitrogen freezes the tissue, allowing it to fall off after a few days naturally.
After the treatment, the area will be red and swollen. In the days following, the area will blister and form a scab that eventually falls off. In some cases where some abnormal tissue remains, you may need a repeat session. Dr Maphosa can assess the area a week or two after treatment and determine if another session is necessary.
