Cryotherapy for Skin Lesions: A Leading Non-Surgical Treatment Option in Melbourne
Cryotherapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for common skin lesions. It involves applying extreme cold, typically liquid nitrogen, to freeze and destroy abnormal or damaged skin cells. For individuals in Melbourne seeking non-surgical options for managing skin cancer and other skin lesions, cryotherapy offers a practical, low-impact solution.
What Types of Skin Lesions Can Be Treated?
Cryotherapy is commonly used to treat:
- Actinic keratoses (sun spots)
- Seborrhoeic keratoses
- Viral warts
- Skin tags
- Selected superficial basal cell carcinomas
This method is beneficial for treating pre-cancerous and early-stage lesions without cutting or stitches.
Why Choose a Non-Surgical Approach Like Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is popular because it:
- Avoids the need for surgery
- Is performed quickly in a clinical setting
- Requires little to no downtime
- Is generally less expensive than surgical removal
For many patients, especially those with early-stage or benign lesions, a non-surgical skin cancer treatment like cryotherapy can be an ideal choice.
What to Expect After Cryotherapy
After treatment, the area may:
- Become red or swollen
- Develop a blister
- Form a scab within days
- Heal over 1–2 week
Most patients find the healing process straightforward. While temporary pigment changes can occur, scarring is rare when the treatment is performed correctly.
Cryotherapy in Melbourne Clinics
Melbourne residents have access to many clinics offering cryotherapy as part of their skin lesion management services. If a suspicious lesion is identified during a skin cancer check, and it’s suitable for freezing, cryotherapy may be recommended as a first-line, non-surgical treatment option.
Many skin cancer clinics across Victoria now offer this service to help patients avoid surgery when it’s not required.
Is Cryotherapy Right for You?
Cryotherapy is not suitable for every type of lesion or skin cancer. It works best for superficial or well-defined spots. If you’re unsure, visiting a clinic for a proper skin cancer screening will help determine the best course of action.
Final Thoughts
Cryotherapy stands out as a reliable non-surgical skin cancer treatment in Melbourne, especially for individuals with sun-damaged skin or pre-cancerous lesions. It’s fast, affordable, and effective—and for many, it helps avoid more invasive procedures altogether.
If you’re due for a skin check or have noticed a changed spot, ask your doctor if cryotherapy might be a suitable non-surgical option.
References
- DermNet NZ. Cryotherapy. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/cryotherapy
- Sinclair R. Skin checks. Australian Family Physician, Vol. 41, No. 7, July 2012.
- Cancer Council Australia. Skin cancer prevention. https://www.cancer.org.au