Cryotherapy Skin Treatment in Korea: Complete Guide 2025
Cryotherapy, or "freezing treatment," is one of the quickest and most affordable dermatological procedures available in Korean clinics. Whether you need to remove a stubborn wart, unsightly skin tag, or benign growth, cryotherapy offers fast results with minimal downtime.
What is Dermatological Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy (from Greek "cryo" meaning cold) uses extreme cold—typically liquid nitrogen at -196°C (-321°F)—to destroy unwanted skin lesions. The controlled freezing:
- Destroys targeted cells
- Triggers immune response
- Causes lesion to fall off naturally
- Leaves minimal scarring
This technique has been used safely for decades and remains a first-line treatment for many common skin concerns.
What Cryotherapy Treats
Common Indications
Viral Lesions
- Common warts (손사마귀)
- Plantar warts (발바닥 사마귀)
- Flat warts
- Molluscum contagiosum
Benign Growths
- Skin tags (연성섬유종)
- Seborrheic keratoses (노인성 사마귀)
- Cherry angiomas
- Milia
Pre-cancerous Lesions
- Actinic keratoses
- Some superficial skin cancers (specialist only)
Other Uses
- Keloid treatment (adjunct)
- Hypertrophic scars
- Some pigmented lesions
Cryotherapy Prices in Korea (2025)
One of the most affordable dermatological procedures:
| Treatment | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single lesion (small) | ₩10,000-20,000 | $8-15 |
| Single lesion (medium) | ₩20,000-40,000 | $15-30 |
| Single lesion (large) | ₩40,000-60,000 | $30-45 |
| Multiple skin tags (5-10) | ₩50,000-100,000 | $40-75 |
| Wart (per lesion) | ₩15,000-30,000 | $12-23 |
| Seborrheic keratosis | ₩20,000-50,000 | $15-40 |
Prices as of January 2025.
Korea vs. International Pricing
| Treatment | Seoul | Los Angeles | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single wart | $12-23 | $150-300 | 90% |
| 5 skin tags | $40-75 | $300-500 | 85% |
| Seborrheic keratosis | $15-40 | $200-400 | 90% |
How Cryotherapy Works
The Science
- Application: Liquid nitrogen applied to lesion
- Freezing: Intracellular ice crystals form
- Cell death: Cells rupture from ice damage
- Thawing: Triggers additional cell destruction
- Immune response: Body clears dead tissue
- Healing: New, healthy skin forms
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
- One cycle for superficial lesions
- Two cycles for deeper lesions (warts)
- Multiple sessions for resistant lesions
The Treatment Experience
Before Treatment
- No special preparation needed
- Inform doctor of cold sensitivity
- Arrive with clean skin
During Treatment (1-10 minutes)
Step 1: Assessment
- Lesion examined
- Treatment plan discussed
Step 2: Application
- Liquid nitrogen applied via:
- Spray gun (most common)
- Cotton swab
- Probe
Step 3: Freezing
- 5-30 seconds per lesion
- White frost appears
- Halo of freezing around lesion
Step 4: Thawing
- Natural thaw period
- Second freeze if needed
What It Feels Like
- Initial cold sensation
- Stinging/burning during freeze
- Throbbing as it thaws
- Discomfort varies by location
- Tolerable without anesthesia
- Sensitive areas (fingers, feet) more painful
Recovery and Healing
Immediate Effects
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Minutes | Redness, swelling |
| Hours | Possible blister formation |
| 24-48 hours | Blister may enlarge |
Healing Timeline
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Swelling, possible blister |
| Day 3-7 | Blister dries, scab forms |
| Week 1-2 | Scab falls off |
| Week 2-4 | Pink new skin visible |
| Month 1-3 | Skin normalizes |
Aftercare
Blister Care:
- Don't pop blisters
- Keep area clean
- Apply antibiotic ointment if directed
- Cover with bandage if needed
General Care:
- Avoid picking scabs
- Keep area dry initially
- Sun protection on healed area
- Watch for infection signs
Side Effects and Risks
Common (Expected)
- Pain during and after (temporary)
- Redness and swelling
- Blister formation
- Scabbing
- Temporary numbness
Possible Complications
- Hypopigmentation (lighter skin)
- Hyperpigmentation (darker skin)
- Scarring (rare)
- Infection (rare)
- Nerve damage (very rare, certain areas)
Who Should Be Cautious
- Cold intolerance conditions
- Raynaud's disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Diabetes (foot lesions need special care)
- Darker skin tones (pigmentation changes more likely)
How Many Sessions Needed?
Typical Session Requirements
| Condition | Sessions | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Skin tags | 1 | N/A |
| Common warts | 1-3 | 2-4 weeks |
| Plantar warts | 2-5 | 2-4 weeks |
| Seborrheic keratosis | 1-2 | 4 weeks |
| Actinic keratosis | 1-2 | 4 weeks |
Factors Affecting Success
- Lesion type and depth
- Location on body
- Size of lesion
- Individual healing response
- Immune system status
Cryotherapy vs. Other Removal Methods
| Method | Best For | Downtime | Scarring Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cryotherapy | Warts, skin tags | Minimal | Low |
| Electrocautery | Skin tags, small growths | Minimal | Low-Medium |
| CO2 Laser | Precise removal | 1-2 weeks | Low |
| Surgical excision | Large or deep lesions | 1-2 weeks | Medium |
Special Considerations
Warts
Why They're Stubborn:
- Caused by HPV virus
- Virus can remain in surrounding skin
- Multiple treatments often needed
Tips for Success:
- Treat early (smaller = easier)
- Complete all recommended sessions
- Boost immune system
- Avoid spreading to other areas
Skin Tags
Why So Common in Korea Clinics:
- Very quick treatment
- Excellent results
- Affordable
- Multiple can be done at once
Pigmentation Concerns
For Darker Skin Tones:
- Discuss pigmentation risks
- May prefer alternative methods
- Shorter freeze times may be used
Finding Quality Treatment
What to Look For
✅ Dermatology clinic (not just aesthetics) ✅ Proper diagnosis before treatment ✅ Appropriate equipment ✅ Aftercare instructions
Questions to Ask
- What is this lesion? (Get diagnosis first)
- How many sessions will I need?
- What are the risks for my skin type?
- How should I care for it afterward?
FAQ
Q: Is cryotherapy painful? A: There's a brief stinging/burning sensation. Most describe it as uncomfortable but tolerable.
Q: How long until the lesion falls off? A: Typically 1-3 weeks, depending on size and location.
Q: Will it leave a scar? A: Usually minimal or no scarring. Some temporary pigment changes possible.
Q: Can warts come back after cryotherapy? A: Yes, if the virus wasn't completely eliminated. Follow-up sessions may be needed.
Q: Can I exercise after cryotherapy? A: Yes, unless the treated area will be irritated (e.g., plantar warts and running).
Q: Is one session enough? A: For skin tags, usually yes. Warts often require multiple sessions.
Conclusion
Cryotherapy is one of the simplest, quickest, and most affordable dermatological treatments available in Korea. For common concerns like skin tags and warts, it offers excellent results with minimal downtime and very low cost.
Need to remove an unwanted growth? A quick visit to a Seoul dermatology clinic can solve the problem in minutes.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about cryotherapy. It is not intended as medical advice. Always have skin lesions properly diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional before treatment.
Last Updated: January 2025