Overview
Cryosurgery is a procedure that freezes tissue in order to destroy it. Doctors use cryotherapy to treat a variety of conditions, among them improving the appearance of keloid and hypertrophic scars.
Detailed Description
Doctors use a probe that contains circulating nitrous oxide, which they touch to the skin surface. The freezing process takes place twice, allowing the skin to thaw in between. The tip of the probe is about –20 degrees Celsius. The entire procedure lasts between fifteen and twenty minutes.
Research suggests that cryotherapy is effective in about 30% of scar patients.
Last updated: 19-May-04
