Treatment of scars with cryotherapy
Scar treatment by cryotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses extremely low temperatures to selectively destroy pathological scar tissue and stimulate the skin’s natural regenerative processes.
Indications
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars
- Postoperative and post-traumatic scars
- Certain forms of post-acne scars
- Need to reduce scar volume, density, and subjective symptoms (pain, itching, tightness)
- Correction of aesthetic appearance and improvement of skin elasticity
Procedure / Treatment
- Clinical evaluation of the scar and treatment protocol planning
- Cleansing and disinfection of the treatment area
- Application of a cryogenic agent (usually liquid nitrogen) using controlled techniques
- Destruction of scar tissue through rapid freezing and gradual thawing
- Post-procedure monitoring of the local reaction
- 10–30 minutes per session
- Number of sessions is individualized based on scar type, size, and age
- Interval between sessions: 3–6 weeks
Contraindications
- Active infections or inflammation in the treatment area
- Severe peripheral circulation disorders
- Cold sensitivity (e.g. cryoglobulinemia, Raynaud phenomenon)
- Active skin diseases in the treatment area
- Pregnancy (based on individual medical assessment)
Rehabilitation / Restrictions
- Mild redness, swelling, or sensitivity in the treated area may occur for 1–2 days
- Avoid intense sun exposure and tanning beds for 5–7 days after the procedure
- Do not use aggressive skincare products on the treated area for 2–3 days
- Avoid massage or mechanical pressure on scars for the first 24–48 hours
- Procedure should be postponed if open wounds or infections are present until complete healing
Advantages
- Reduction of volume and density of hypertrophic and keloid scars
- Relief of pain, itching, and tightness
- Smoothing of the skin surface and improvement of scar appearance
- Stimulation of skin remodeling and increased elasticity
- Minimally invasive procedure with a short recovery period
- Can be included in a comprehensive treatment plan for scars and post-acne correction
Sources:
https://thedermdigest.com/the-dermatologists-guide-to-treating-keloids-5-pearls-and-promising-future-therapies/
https://www.chaban-medical.com/what-is-cryotherapy
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5965337/
IMPORTANT!
The information presented in this section is for informational purposes only and is not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment. In case of pain or worsening health, it is essential to consult a physician, who will recommend the necessary investigations and establish a personalized treatment plan. To ensure the most accurate and consistent interpretation of test results, it is recommended that analyses be performed in the same laboratory, as different laboratories may use different methods and measurement units for similar tests.
Pregătirea:
- Prior dermatological consultation
- Avoid sun exposure of the treated area at least 7 days before the procedure
- Inform the physician about any topical or systemic treatments
- Follow personalized recommendations provided after clinical evaluation