Cryotherapy, a medical technique that employs extreme cold, serves as a common dermatological procedure for addressing various skin growths and is frequently utilized for the removal of certain moles. This article will explain the process of freezing a mole, the immediate effects, the subsequent healing phases, and important considerations for individuals considering this treatment.
Understanding the Procedure
Cryotherapy for mole removal involves the application of extremely low temperatures to the targeted tissue. This is typically achieved using liquid nitrogen, which has a boiling point of approximately -196°C (-321°F). The liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the mole, often using a spray device, a cotton swab, or a cryoprobe, for a few seconds. This rapid freezing causes thermal shock to the mole’s cells, disrupting their structure.
The extreme cold forms ice crystals within the targeted cells, damaging their membranes and leading to cell death. Melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in moles, are particularly sensitive and can be destroyed at temperatures as mild as -5°C, while other skin cells require colder temperatures for optimal destruction. The procedure often involves a “freeze-thaw-freeze” cycle, where the tissue is frozen, allowed to thaw, and then frozen again to maximize cellular destruction. Cryotherapy is often chosen for benign, superficial moles due to its minimally invasive nature, quick treatment time, and low risk of scarring.
Immediate Post-Freezing Effects
During the application of liquid nitrogen, individuals commonly experience intense cold, often accompanied by stinging or burning. This discomfort is usually brief, subsiding shortly after the freezing agent is removed. Following the procedure, the treated area typically appears red and may become slightly swollen within hours.
The mole itself may immediately turn white or grayish due to the freezing, then darken as the tissue reacts to the cold. Within hours to a day, a blister often forms over the treated site. This blister can contain clear fluid or, less commonly, blood. The area may also feel sore or tender for a few days.
The Healing Journey
Following the initial post-freezing effects, the treated mole progresses through several stages of healing. The blister typically dries out within a few days, leading to the formation of a scab. This scab acts as a protective layer over the new skin developing underneath. It is important to avoid picking at the scab to prevent infection and minimize scarring.
The scab will naturally detach and fall off as the new skin forms, usually within one to two weeks, especially for moles on the face. For moles on other body parts, such as the hands, feet, or lower legs, healing can take longer, ranging from three weeks to several months due to slower wound healing in these areas. Once the scab falls off, the skin is often pink or lighter in color. This new skin will gradually blend with the surrounding skin over weeks or months.
Important Considerations
Cryotherapy is suitable for many non-cancerous moles and superficial skin growths. However, it is generally not recommended for moles that are suspicious for skin cancer, large, or deep, as these may require alternative removal methods. A dermatologist’s assessment is important to properly diagnose the mole and determine the most appropriate course of action.
Potential side effects include scarring, particularly if the mole was large or deep, or if proper aftercare was not followed. Changes in skin pigmentation, such as lightening (hypopigmentation) or darkening (hyperpigmentation), can also occur, especially in individuals with darker skin tones, and may be temporary or permanent. In rare cases, nerve damage leading to temporary numbness or tingling may result if nerves are affected. Recurrence is also possible if not all abnormal cells were eliminated.