Liquid Nitrogen Treatment

Liquid nitrogen is cold, liquefied gas with a temperature of 196 degrees below Celsius (-321 degrees Fahrenheit). It is used to freeze and destroy superficial lesions and growths such as warts, keratoses, and sunspots.

Liquid nitrogen causes stinging and some pain while the lesion is being treated. This discomfort is temporary and should last less than one hour.

No special care is needed after liquid nitrogen treatment. You can wash your skin as usual. If clothing irritates the area, cover it with a band-aid.

Following a liquid nitrogen treatment, you will notice that your skin will become red and irritated. It may blister. A scab (crusting over the wound) will form. The scab will fall off on its own and leave healthy, new skin. Lesions on the face normally heal within two weeks. The back, chest, and extremities usually take longer to heal, often within 4 to 6 weeks. Smaller lesions heal faster than larger ones.

If your lesion required deep (prolonged) freezing, there may be considerable blistering and swelling. Sometimes a blood blister may appear. The blisters and swelling are a normal part of the treatment and will gradually heal by themselves.

Occasionally, liquid nitrogen treatment fail. If the lesion is not cured by the treatment, please schedule a return appointment for evaluation and to review other treatment options.