Treatment Overview
Cryotherapy is a quick, in-office dermatological treatment widely used in Korea to target inflammatory acne, cysts, and post-acne redness. It involves the controlled application of extreme cold (usually liquid nitrogen or cryo spray) to shrink inflamed pimples, reduce swelling, and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Unlike extraction or laser-based methods, cryotherapy works through rapid cooling, which decreases inflammation, constricts blood vessels, and speeds up the healing of acne lesions. It is often used as a spot treatment or as part of a larger acne management plan.
Purpose & Benefits
- Rapid Acne Relief: Quickly reduces swelling and pain in inflamed acne.
- Bacteria Reduction: Cold exposure limits growth of acne-causing bacteria.
- Redness Control: Vasoconstriction helps calm skin and minimize redness.
- Scar Prevention: Prevents further tissue damage by reducing inflammation.
- Adjunct Therapy: Enhances the results of extractions, peels, or laser treatments.
Ideal Candidates
Cryotherapy in Korea is recommended for:
- Patients with large, swollen, or painful inflammatory acne.
- Those with cystic acne prone to scarring.
- Individuals seeking quick improvement before important events.
- Patients undergoing combination acne programs (extractions, peels, lasers).
Possible Risks & Complications
Cryotherapy is generally safe under Korean dermatology protocols, but minor side effects may include:
- Temporary Redness or Numbness: Usually resolves within hours.
- Mild Frosting or Whitening: Normal effect that fades as skin rewarms.
- Dryness or Flaking: Skin may peel slightly at treated sites.
- Rare Risks: Blistering, PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), or hypopigmentation if skin is over-frozen—minimized in Korean clinics with precise, short applications.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Cryo Spray or Cotton-Tip Method: Liquid nitrogen applied directly to acne lesion.
- Targeted Application: Only inflamed spots are treated to avoid unnecessary skin trauma.
- Short Exposure Time: Typically 5–10 seconds per lesion.
- Protocol: Sessions can be performed weekly or bi-weekly depending on acne severity.
Recovery & Aftercare
Immediately: Lesions appear lighter or frosted, redness may follow.
1–2 Days: Acne lesion shrinks, inflammation reduced.
3–5 Days: Treated spot heals, scab may form and fall off naturally.
Aftercare Tips:
- Keep treated areas moisturized.
- Avoid picking at scabs or flakes.
- Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily to prevent pigmentation.
- Skip saunas, tanning, or harsh exfoliants for 2–3 days.
Results & Longevity
- After 1 Session: Noticeable reduction in swelling and redness of acne lesions.
- After Multiple Sessions: Ongoing control of inflammatory acne and fewer flare-ups.
- Long-Term: Works best as part of a combined acne program (with peels, extractions, or lasers).
Treatment Process in Korea
Consultation & Skin Analysis
Dermatologist identifies target acne lesions.
Preparation
Gentle cleansing, sometimes numbing cream for sensitive patients.
Cryotherapy Session
- Step 1: Liquid nitrogen applied via spray or cotton-tip applicator.
- Step 2: Lesion frosts briefly, then rewarms naturally.
- Step 3: Cooling gel or calming serum applied.
Duration: 10–15 minutes depending on number of spots.
Post-Treatment Care
Soothing products and sunscreen applied.
Patients resume normal activities immediately.
Follow-Up
Sessions may be repeated weekly for ongoing acne control.
Unique Korean Advantages
- High Precision: Short, controlled applications prevent skin damage.
- Combination Therapy: Often paired with acne extractions, chemical peels, or blue light.
- Safe for Asian Skin: Conservative freezing times reduce PIH risks.
- Cost-Effective: Affordable spot treatment compared to other acne procedures.
Cost Range (Estimated)
- Per Spot (Single Lesion): USD 20 – 40
- Small Area (Multiple Pimples): USD 50 – 100
- Full Session (Cryotherapy + Extraction/Peel): USD 100 – 200
Example Korean Packages:
- Cryotherapy Spot Treatment (3 sessions): USD 120–180
- Cryo + Extraction Combo: USD 200–350
- Premium Acne Program (Cryo + Laser + Peels): USD 500–900
Popular Clinics in Seoul
- Oracle Dermatology: Cryotherapy combined with acne extraction.
- Banobagi Dermatology: Cryo for inflamed acne + laser for scars.
- Renewme Skin Clinic: Cryo + peels for comprehensive acne care.
- View Dermatology: Intensive acne program with cryo + blue light therapy.
- Chaum Anti-Aging Center: Premium cryo-acne protocols with regenerative add-ons.
