What Is It?
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze scars. There are two main ways to use liquid nitrogen to freeze and destruct hypertrophic (raised) scars: (1) contact and (2) intralesional. The first method is the external application of liquid nitrogen on the outside of the scar. The second method involves injecting liquid nitrogen into the scar using cryosurgery needles.
Good or Excellent Response
Strength of Evidence
62% of patients achieved a good (>50%) or excellent (>75%) improvement in scarring after 1 - 6 sessions
Moderate Response
Strength of Evidence
77% of patients achieved at least a moderate (>25%) improvement in scarring after 1 - 6 sessions
Scar Height Reduction
Strength of Evidence
Average 76% reduction in scarring
Mean improvement in VSS total score
Strength of Evidence
Average 59% reduction in scarring
Mean improvement in VSS pigmentation score
Strength of Evidence
Average 42% reduction in scarring
Mean improvement in VSS height score
Strength of Evidence
Average 59% reduction in scarring
Mean improvement in VSS pliability score
Strength of Evidence
Average 84% reduction in scarring
Mean improvement in VSS vascularity score
Strength of Evidence
Average 45% reduction in scarring
Side Effects
Medium-High
Medium-high side effects and adverse reactions