Treatment Overview
Cryotherapy is a widely used dermatology procedure in Korea for treating age spots (liver spots), sunspots, seborrheic keratoses, warts, and other benign pigmented lesions.
The method involves applying extremely cold liquid nitrogen (-196°C) directly to the lesion. This freezes the pigmented skin cells, causing controlled destruction of abnormal melanocytes. Over the following days, the treated area crusts, flakes, and heals with lighter, clearer skin.
It belongs to the Pigmentation Treatment family (Spectra, Nd:YAG Toning, Dual Toning, Pico Lasers, Fraxel Dual, Clear + Brilliant, Carbon Peel, CO₂, Chemical Peels, Cryotherapy):
- Spectra / Nd:YAG Toning: Best for diffuse freckles + PIH.
- BB Laser: Best for sun-induced age spots + freckles.
- Pico Lasers: Best for stubborn, resistant pigment.
- Fraxel Dual: Best for age spots + wrinkles + sun damage.
- Carbon Peel: Best for pigment + oily skin + glow.
- Chemical Peels: Best for superficial pigment.
- CO₂ Laser: Best for stubborn pigment + scars/texture.
- Cryotherapy: Best for isolated, stubborn age spots or raised pigmented lesions.
Purpose & Benefits
- Age Spot Removal: Freezes and destroys localized liver spots.
- Quick Treatment: Each lesion takes only seconds to treat.
- Minimal Equipment Needed: Safe, simple, and cost-effective.
- Precision: Focused treatment for individual lesions.
- Low Recurrence Rate: Permanently removes targeted spots.
Ideal Candidates
Cryotherapy in Korea is recommended for:
- Adults with isolated or raised age spots (liver spots).
- Patients with benign pigmented lesions confirmed by dermatologists.
- Those seeking a fast, effective treatment for stubborn single spots.
Treatment Comparison
- BB Laser / Pico Laser: Best for multiple or diffuse flat age spots.
- Fraxel Dual: Best for pigment + wrinkles + sun damage.
- CO₂ Laser: Best for deep, stubborn spots + resurfacing.
- Cryotherapy: Best for single, localized age spots (especially raised lesions).
Possible Risks & Complications
Cryotherapy is safe but may cause:
- Redness & Swelling: Normal healing reaction.
- Blistering/Crusting: Pigment lifts and peels away over several days.
- Temporary Darkening/Lightening: Treated spots may darken or lighten before normalizing.
- Hypopigmentation: Possible permanent light spot if over-frozen.
- Rare Scarring: More likely if deeper freeze is needed.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Liquid Nitrogen Application: Spray or cotton-tip method.
- Freeze–Thaw Cycle: Freezing pigment, then allowing thaw, repeated if necessary.
- Protocol: Often completed in 1 session per lesion, though some require repeat treatment after 4–6 weeks.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Immediately: Stinging, redness, or mild swelling.
- 1–3 Days: Blister or scab forms over treated spot.
- 1 Week: Scab falls off, revealing new pink skin.
- 2–4 Weeks: Spot fades significantly.
Aftercare Tips:
- Do not pick at scabs or blisters.
- Apply healing ointments or barrier creams as advised.
- Avoid direct sun exposure; use SPF 50+ daily.
- Monitor treated area for pigment changes.
Results & Longevity
- After 1 Session: Most single age spots are cleared or significantly faded.
- Follow-Up: Occasionally needed for deeper or resistant lesions.
- Long-Term: Results are typically permanent for the treated spot, though new age spots may form with UV exposure.
Treatment Process in Korea
- Consultation & Dermatoscopic Exam – Confirm lesion is benign.
- Preparation – Cleansing + local anesthesia if needed.
- Cryotherapy Application – Liquid nitrogen freeze cycle performed.
- Post-Care – Healing cream, sunscreen, and wound care guidance.
- Follow-Up – Check for clearance, repeat if necessary.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
- Korean dermatologists use precision cryotherapy with advanced cooling devices for safe pigment removal.
- Often combined with lasers (Pico, CO₂) for comprehensive pigmentation care.
- More affordable than Western dermatology procedures.
- Widely available in dermatology clinics across Seoul.
Cost Range (Estimated)
- Per Spot Treatment: USD 40 – 100
- Multiple Spots (3–5 lesions): USD 150 – 300
- Cryotherapy + Laser Combo Programs: USD 500 – 1,200
Additional Costs:
- Consultation: USD 20 – 50
- Add-ons (brightening serums, boosters, whitening drips): USD 50 – 300
💡 In Korea, Cryotherapy is often nicknamed the “quick freeze solution” for stubborn age spots — ideal for single, well-defined pigmented lesions that don’t respond as well to toning lasers.
Popular Clinics in Seoul
- Oracle Dermatology: Cryotherapy + Pico for stubborn sun spots.
- Banobagi Dermatology: Spot-targeted cryotherapy for liver spots.
- Renewme Skin Clinic: Cryotherapy + brightening lasers for combined pigment care.
- View Plastic & Dermatology: Cryotherapy + CO₂ for raised age spots.
- Chaum Anti-Aging Center: Premium pigmentation protocols with cryotherapy add-ons.
