Cryosurgery

WHAT TO EXPECT FOLLOWING CRYOTHERAPY AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE TREATMENT SITE

1. Following cryotherapy, redness and swelling will probably occur within the first several hours.
2. Within a day or two, a blister may form. This blister may be accompanied by weeping and draining of clear to blood-tinged fluid. If the blister would become painful, you may take a sterile needle and lance the blister. The drainage should be wiped away with a tissue or a gauze pad.
3. The treated site may be washed with a mild soap.
4. You may apply a bandage daily, but it is not essential.
5. A crust or scab may form in three to five days. Please do not pick at the crust.
6. Treated areas on the face usually heal in five to ten days. A loss of pigmentation may occur.
7. When the lesions are treated around the eyes, swelling of the eyelids on one or both sides is quite common. The swelling may persist for several days.
8. When lesions are treated on the temples or scalp, headaches may occur. These headaches may persist for 15 to 30 minutes. Uncommonly, headaches occur several days post-treatment. In most cases, Tylenol is sufficient for relief of pain.
9. Infection following cryotherapy is rare; however, if pus or spreading redness is observed or you are worried by the appearance of the treatment site, do not hesitate to notify the office immediately.