How cryotherapy works
Liquid nitrogen at about minus 196 degrees is sprayed or applied to the spot for a few seconds, freezing and destroying the abnormal cells.
The treated skin then blisters, crusts and peels away as healthy skin grows underneath.
Cryotherapy, freezing treatment
Liquid nitrogen freezing treatment for sunspots, warts and some other skin lesions, done quickly in the clinic. Cryotherapy is a procedure and attracts a fee.
We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice
Fees and eligibilityGP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Good to know before you book
01A fee applies
Cryotherapy is a procedure.
Tap to see moreReception will confirm the cost.
Fees02Quick treatment
Each spot takes seconds.
Tap to see moreSeveral spots can be treated in one visit.
Book nowOnline, any hour03Expect a blister
Treated areas may blister and crust.
Tap to see moreThey usually heal in one to three weeks.
Aftercare04Diagnosis first
Your GP will check the spot is suitable.
Tap to see moreSome spots need a biopsy instead.
Skin checksFind the care that fits
Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
Sunspots, warts and more
What it treats
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells. It is commonly used for sunspots (solar keratoses), viral warts and some seborrhoeic keratoses.
Not every spot is suitable; your GP will check first.
- 1Assessment
- 2Spot frozen for a few seconds
- 3Blister or crust forms
- 4Heals in one to three weeks
What it costsThis procedure attracts a fee. Reception will confirm the cost before your appointment.
Does it hurt?
It stings during and shortly after treatment.
Will warts need more than one treatment?
Often, yes.
What to expect
Aftercare
The area may sting, redden, swell and blister, then crust and heal. Keep it clean and avoid picking.
Lighter or darker marks can remain, especially on darker skin.
- 1Keep it clean
- 2Do not pick
- 3Protect from sun
- 4Return if not healing
What it costsThis procedure attracts a fee. Reception will confirm the cost before your appointment.
Can I shower?
Yes.
What if it gets infected?
Contact the clinic.
Understanding cryotherapy
Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.
Which spots are suitable
Cryotherapy is commonly used for sunspots (solar keratoses), viral warts and seborrhoeic keratoses. It is not used for spots that might be skin cancer without first checking them.
Your GP examines each spot first and may recommend a biopsy instead.
What to expect afterwards
The area may sting for a few minutes, then become red and swollen. A blister may form within a day, then dry into a scab that falls off in one to three weeks.
Keep the area clean, avoid picking, and protect it from the sun as it heals.
Possible side effects
Lighter or darker skin at the treated site is common, especially in darker skin, and may be permanent. Scarring, infection and numbness are uncommon.
Warts often need several treatments a few weeks apart.
What cryotherapy can treat
Your GP will check each spot first.
01SunspotsTap for details
Sunspots
- What
- Rough, scaly patches from sun damage.
- Good to know
- Very commonly treated.
- Treatments
- Usually one treatment.
02Viral wartsTap for details
Viral warts
- What
- Rough growths on hands and feet.
- Good to know
- Common in children and adults.
- Treatments
- Often several treatments.
03Seborrhoeic keratosesTap for details
Seborrhoeic keratoses
- What
- Waxy, stuck-on spots.
- Good to know
- Harmless; treated if bothersome.
- Treatments
- One or more treatments.
04Skin tagsTap for details
Skin tags
- What
- Small, soft growths.
- Good to know
- If irritated.
- Treatments
- Freezing or removal.
Myth or fact?
Test what you know about cryotherapy. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.
01
Every skin spot can be frozen off.
Spots are checked first; some need a biopsy instead.
02
Blistering after cryotherapy is common.
It usually heals in one to three weeks.
03
Warts often need more than one treatment.
Treatments are usually a few weeks apart.
0 of 3 answered
Evidence, sources and advertising standards
Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:
Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.
The numbers worth knowing
SecondsPer spot
Quick treatment.
1–3Weeks to heal
Usually.
FeeApplies
Reception will confirm.
0Visit
For most sunspots.
Everyone involved, around you
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.
Youat the centre of your care
Cryotherapy at every stage
Hands and feet.
Face, hands and arms.
Healing and review.
Who can help
Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with cryotherapy. These team members list it among their interests.
GP and directorDr Ali Zubaidy
Book now
Skin checks and procedures, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, chronic conditions and men's health.
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GP FellowDr Mofada HadiBook now
Chronic and complex care, geriatrics, mental health, skin cancer medicine and women's health.
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General practitionerDr Alice NajjarBook now
Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.
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GP registrarDr Prishantha SirisenaBook now
Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.
Book nowMake the most of your appointment
A little preparation gives you and your doctor more time for what matters. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits and risks, and only examine with your consent.
What to bring0 of 6 ready
Your health, your choice
Book online at any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. New patients welcome.
Cryotherapy questions, answered
If yours is not here, call (02) 4006 8222 and reception will help.
Is cryotherapy bulk billed?
No; it attracts a fee.
Does it leave a scar?
Usually not, but colour changes can occur.
Is it suitable for children?
Sometimes, for warts; your GP will advise.
How many treatments will I need?
Sunspots often need one; warts may need several.
Can moles be frozen?
Moles are not usually frozen; they may need a biopsy.
Do I need a referral?
No.
