Cryotherapy is a targeted technique used to treat specific skin concerns by applying controlled cold to safely remove unwanted or abnormal growths. At Lycia Thornburg, MD Dermatology, this method is used to address conditions like warts, actinic keratoses, and other benign lesions with efficiency and precision. Dr. Lycia Thornburg carefully evaluates each area to ensure treatment is both effective and mindful of the surrounding healthy skin, helping maintain overall skin integrity while resolving the concern.
Remove Unwanted Skin Growths Safely
Cryotherapy is a medical treatment that uses controlled bursts of extreme cold, most commonly liquid nitrogen, to destroy the abnormal or damaged skin cells. When applied, the cold rapidly freezes the targeted tissue, causing cellular injury and ultimately allowing the body to shed and replace it with healthier skin. Dr. Thornburg performs this treatment with precision, targeting skin concerns like warts, actinic keratoses, and benign growths while preserving surrounding tissue. Over time, your skin heals naturally, revealing clearer, healthier skin.
Cryotherapy Treats:
- Common warts on the hands, feet, and body
- Actinic keratoses caused by sun damage
- Seborrheic keratoses (benign, rough growths)
- Skin tags and other benign lesions
- Certain precancerous skin changes
- Superficial vascular or pigmented lesions
- Small, localized areas of abnormal skin growth
Your Cryotherapy Treatment at Thornburg MD Dermatology
Your experience begins with a thoughtful consultation with Dr. Lycia Thornburg. She takes the time to carefully examine your skin, confirm the diagnosis, and determine whether cryotherapy is the most appropriate option for your concern. Every treatment plan is curated with intention. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Thornburg considers the type of lesion, its location, and your overall skin history before moving forward.
Treatment
Dr. Thornburg applies liquid nitrogen to the targeted lesion using a specialized spray device or cotton-tipped applicator. The area is rapidly frozen for several seconds, sometimes in multiple cycles, depending on the depth and type of growth. You may feel a brief stinging or burning sensation as the tissue freezes. The goal is controlled cellular destruction, allowing the abnormal tissue to break down while preserving the surrounding healthy skin.
Recovery
After treatment, the area may appear red and slightly swollen, similar to a mild burn. Within hours to a day, a blister or crust can form as your body begins the healing process. This should not be disturbed. Most areas heal within one to two weeks, depending on size and location. You’ll be advised to keep the treatment area clean, protected, and out of the sun to support proper healing and minimize the risk of irritation or discoloration.
Results
As the treated tissue breaks down, it gradually sloughs off, revealing healthier skin beneath. You may begin to notice improvements within several days, with the full results visible once healing is complete. Some lesions resolve with a single treatment, while others may require additional sessions for complete clearance. Once removed, many growths do not return. Dr. Thornburg guides you on follow-up care to support lasting results and overall skin health.
Benefits of Cryotherapy:
- Quick, in-office treatment completed in minutes
- Precisely targets abnormal tissue while preserving surrounding skin
- Minimally invasive with no incisions or stitches
- Effective for both medical and select cosmetic concerns
- Little to no downtime for most patients
- Can treat multiple lesions in a single visit
- Low risk when performed by an experienced dermatologist
- Supports early intervention for precancerous changes
Remove Unwanted Lesions With Cryotherapy in Rapid City
When it comes to changes in your skin, timely evaluation and the right treatment approach matter. Dr. Lycia Thornburg, MD, FAAD, and her team bring a careful, medically focused perspective to cryotherapy, using it to address lesions with accuracy and clinical judgment. Each decision is based on what will best protect your skin’s health, both now and over time. Whether you’re concerned about a new growth or something that hasn’t resolved on its own, you’ll receive clear guidance and individualized care. Schedule your consultation for cryotherapy in Rapid City to take a proactive step toward maintaining healthy skin.
