By Jennifer Reed
The Drake Center is excited to now offer cryotherapy to remove unwanted skin lesions, such as warts or skin tags, without the use of anesthesia.
Non-invasive cryotherapy, also known as cryosurgery, is the process of rapidly freezing tissue to destroy unwanted growths on the skin. Used successfully in medical practices for many years, cryotherapy is a fast, safe and effective alternative to traditional surgery for minor skin issues.
This procedure is performed using a CryoProbe, a hand-held instrument that delivers a very cold micro-blast of nitrous oxide directly onto the lesion and deep through the tissue. The pen-like device is small enough to pinpoint only the tissue needing treatment without affecting other areas of the skin.
After the procedure, the treated tissue will slowly begin to slough off. Depending on the type and size of the lesion being treated, the healing process can take several weeks. Multiple treatments may be required for larger and deeper growths.
Cryotherapy allows treatments to be performed quickly and comfortably during a regular office visit. Little to no pre-operative preparation or post-operative care is needed for these treatments.
Cryotherapy is a great option for small, benign masses such as:
- Warts
- Skin tags
- Eyelid tumors (depending on size and location)
- Oral tumors
- Papillomas
- Lick granulomas
- Sebaceous adenomas
Large or malignant masses, however, are not good candidates for this type of removal. In addition, cryotherapy may not be used to obtain biopsy samples.
As always, any new lumps or bumps should be examined by your veterinarian.
To learn more about cryotherapy or to schedule an appointment, please call The Drake Center at (760) 456-9556.