Treatment Overview
Cryo Therapy (also known as cryosurgery or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen) is a dermatological procedure that uses extreme cold (usually liquid nitrogen at –196°C) to target and remove damaged or abnormal skin cells. In Korean dermatology, cryotherapy is often applied for sun-induced lesions, sunspots, actinic keratoses, and precancerous changes caused by chronic UV exposure.
For sun-damaged skin, cryotherapy helps by freezing and destroying UV-damaged cells, allowing new, healthy skin to regenerate. It is particularly effective for localized sunspots, rough patches, and early precancerous lesions, and is often paired with lasers or chemical peels for overall rejuvenation.
It belongs to the Skin Concerns: Sun-Damaged Skin / Sunspots / Actinic Keratosis / Photoaging family (Cryo Therapy, Chemical Peel, CO₂ Laser, BB Laser, IPL Photofacial):
- Cryo Therapy: Best for isolated sunspots and precancerous lesions.
- Chemical Peel: Best for exfoliation and pigmentation from sun damage.
- CO₂ Laser: Best for resurfacing deeper UV damage and wrinkles.
- BB Laser: Best for pigmentation and texture brightening.
- IPL Photofacial: Best for redness and vascular sun damage.
Purpose & Benefits
- Sunspot Removal: Freezes and removes pigmented lesions.
- Precancerous Lesion Treatment: Destroys actinic keratoses caused by chronic UV exposure.
- Skin Renewal: Triggers healing response with new cell growth.
- Non-Surgical: Simple outpatient procedure with minimal downtime.
- Synergy: Often combined with resurfacing treatments (CO₂, chemical peels) for total rejuvenation.
Ideal Candidates
Cryo Therapy in Korea for sun-damaged skin is recommended for:
- Adults with localized sunspots or UV-induced pigmentation.
- Patients with actinic keratoses or rough precancerous patches.
- Those seeking a quick, targeted treatment rather than full-face resurfacing.
Men and women comparing treatments:
- Cryo Therapy: Best for isolated sunspots and keratoses.
- Chemical Peel: Best for diffuse pigmentation and photoaging.
- CO₂ Laser: Best for wrinkles and deeper UV damage.
- BB Laser: Best for brightening + pigmentation repair.
- IPL Photofacial: Best for redness and broken capillaries.
Possible Risks & Complications
Cryo Therapy is safe, but may include:
- Redness & Swelling: Temporary, fades within a few days.
- Blistering or Crusting: Common, part of the healing process.
- Temporary Hypopigmentation: Light patches may occur where lesions were frozen.
- Rare Risks: Scarring or infection (uncommon with expert care).
Surgical Techniques Used
Cryo Therapy uses controlled cold exposure:
- Liquid Nitrogen Spray or Cotton Swab: Applied directly to sun-damaged spots.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Cells are frozen, thawed, and destroyed.
- Localized Treatment: Focused on sunspots, keratoses, or rough patches.
- Combination Therapy: Often followed by chemical peel, CO₂ laser, or BB Laser.
- Protocol: Single session for small lesions; repeat if needed.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Immediately: Redness, tingling, or mild discomfort.
- 1–3 Days: Blistering or scabbing may occur.
- 1–2 Weeks: Lesions peel off, leaving new skin underneath.
Aftercare Tips:
- Keep area clean and moisturized.
- Do not pick scabs or blisters.
- Use SPF 50+ daily to protect new skin.
- Avoid direct sunlight until healed.
Results & Longevity
- Immediate: Sunspots darken, blister, then shed off.
- Short-Term (1–3 Weeks): Clearer, smoother skin as new cells regenerate.
- Medium-Term (2–3 Months): Reduced sunspots and improved tone.
- Long-Term: Permanent removal of treated lesions; new sun damage may appear without protection.
Treatment Process in Korea
- Consultation & Skin Analysis – Doctor examines sunspots and UV damage.
- Preparation – Cleansing and marking treatment areas.
- Cryo Application – Liquid nitrogen applied via spray or swab.
- Optional Add-Ons – CO₂ Laser, BB Laser, or chemical peels for overall rejuvenation.
- Post-Care – Soothing cream and sun protection.
- Follow-Up – Additional treatments may be recommended for widespread damage.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
- Korea is highly skilled in precision cryotherapy for sun-damaged skin.
- Clinics use modern cryo devices for controlled application.
- Dermatologists often combine cryo with brightening and resurfacing treatments.
- More affordable than Western dermatology clinics.
- Seoul is recognized for multi-step protocols addressing UV damage comprehensively.
Cost Range (Detailed Breakdown)
Pricing for Cryo Therapy in Korea for sun-damaged skin:
- Single Lesion: USD 50 – 100
- Multiple Spots (session): USD 100 – 250
- Cryo + Chemical Peel/BB Laser Combo: USD 300 – 600 per session
- Premium Photoaging Package (Cryo + CO₂ Laser + PN Boosters + Exosomes): USD 1,500 – 3,000
Additional Costs in Korea:
- Consultation: USD 20 – 30
- Add-ons (Rejuran, Exosomes, Vitamin infusions): USD 100 – 400
💡 Patients often call Cryo Therapy the “spot eraser”, since it precisely removes UV-damaged spots while allowing healthy new skin to grow.
Popular Clinics
- Banobagi Dermatology (Seoul): Cryo + brightening laser programs.
- Oracle Dermatology (Seoul): Cryo for actinic keratoses + BB Laser.
- Renewme Skin Clinic (Seoul): Cryo + CO₂ Laser for UV damage repair.
- View Plastic & Dermatology (Seoul): Cryo + Vitamin therapies for skin renewal.
- Chaum Anti-Aging Center (Seoul): Premium cryo + regenerative therapy protocols.
