What are Keloids?

Keloid scars are raised, thickened skin that can be painful and unsightly. They occur when there is an overproduction of collagen in response to injury and often appear after surgery or trauma. Some patients even develop keloids from repeated needle pricks. Is cryotherapy effective at removing them?

Cryotherapy is one of the most promising treatments available today for keloids. This non-invasive technique uses extremely low temperatures to destroy abnormal tissue. In fact, it's been shown to be effective for treating other skin conditions like acne scars, stretch marks, and warts.

Cryotherapy involves exposing skin tissue to extremely cold temperatures. This treatment has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In addition, some studies suggest that it may also improve scar appearance. If you've tried other treatments without success, cryotherapy might be worth a try.

How Does Cryotherapy Work?

Cryotherapy works by destroying cells through extreme cold exposure. When this happens, the dead cells slough off and get removed as they would normally during normal cell turnover. Because the procedure kills cells, it's not recommended for people who have active infections or open wounds. However, if you do have these conditions, then cryotherapy could still work for you.

The exact mechanism behind how this works isn't fully understood, but it's believed that the process causes changes in blood flow and cell signaling. These changes lead to reduced inflammation and increased healing.

How Does Cryotherapy Remove Keloids?

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen which is cooled down to -196 degrees Celsius (or -315 degrees Fahrenheit), but the actual temperature of your skin depends on what part of the body you're treating. The most common areas treated with cryotherapy include:

  • Face
  • Hands
  • Knees
  • Shoulders
  • Back

The procedure takes about 30 minutes per area and can be performed as often as once every 2 weeks. It's important to note that this technique should not be used if you have any open wounds in the area being treated.

Is Cryotherapy Effective at Removing Keloids?

There isn't enough evidence yet to determine whether cryotherapy is effective at removing keloids. However, it does seem to help prevent new ones from forming. There are several case reports where keloids were successfully treated using cryotherapy, so it's possible that it could work for you too.

Is Cryotherapy Safe?

Yes! Although cryotherapy is relatively new, it's already used to treat many different types of skin problems. It's generally safe and well-tolerated.

Cryotherapy Side Effects

Side effects of cryotherapy vary depending on the type of treatment. For example, ice packs applied directly to the skin can cause blisters and pain. However, cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen causes no side effects because it doesn't come into direct contact with the skin.

The side effects of cryotherapy also depend on where you receive the treatment. For example, face-related procedures usually cause more pain than those done elsewhere. Other possible side effects include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Itchiness
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Blisters
  • Cramps
  • Burns
  • Skin peeling
  • Hair loss
  • Temporary hair growth
  • Temporary scarring

If you experience any of these symptoms after a cryotherapy session, stop immediately and seek medical advice. You may need to use an over-the-counter medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Combined Treatments Yield the Best Results

Cryotherapy has proven to be highly successful at reducing keloids. It can even eliminate them completely. But there are some drawbacks to cryotherapy. First, it takes time to heal. Second, it can only be performed once every two weeks. Third, it won't remove all keloids. And finally, it's expensive.

Cryotherapy is a great option for patients who don't want surgery. It's less invasive than surgery and much cheaper. Plus, it's easy to schedule appointments and perform at home.

However, cryotherapy alone isn't always sufficient to get rid of keloids. Some people still require additional treatments. That's why combining cryotherapy with other therapies can provide better results.

Cryotherapy combined With Laser Therapy

Laser therapy works by heating up the affected area. When this happens, collagen fibers contract and shrink. As a result, keloids become smaller.

In addition to shrinking keloids, laser therapy can help prevent new ones from forming. It does this by destroying the cells responsible for creating keloids.

Although laser therapy is often used in conjunction with cryotherapy, it's not necessary. You can use cryotherapy alone to treat your keloids.

Cryotherapy combined with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is another popular keloid treatment. IPL uses a special type of light to heat up the affected area.

When this happens, collagen fibers shrink and keloids shrink as well. However, IPL doesn't work as effectively as cryotherapy.

That's because cryotherapy destroys the entire keloid. By contrast, IPL only heats up the surface layer of the keloid.

The combination of cryotherapy and IPL may be more effective than either therapy alone.

Can I Get Cryotherapy Done At Home?

No. Cryotherapy requires specialized equipment and training. If you want to try it yourself, you'll need to go to a clinic or dermatologist.

What Is The Cost Of Cryotherapy?

Costs vary based on the location of the treatment and the number of sessions required. Prices typically range between $100-$200 per session.