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How Effective Is Cryosurgery For Skin Lightening?

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Posted on Fri, 31 Oct 2014
Question: hi. my question is : can i use cryosurgery for skin lightening and is it effective? is it recommended for a person on antiretroviral meds? what are the side effects and how much can it cost? i am a native black XXXXXXX i wouldnt consider myself too dark.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Cryotherapy can be an effective option.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Madam,

I have carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Cryosurgery better referred to as Cryotherapy can be a very effective modality for skin lightening.

It can be safely used for majority of pigmented skin lesions.

The side effects are usually minor and short lived. They include pain, blister formation and headache due to effects of supercooled liquid nitrogen of cryotherapy.

There is no specific contraindication for the use of cryotherapy in individuals on antiretroviral therapy. Finally its all depends on your Cosmetic surgeon's choice.

In my opinion, cryotherapy can be safely used in those with antiretroviral therapy.

The treatment in your case is offered over a period of 3-4 weeks in 5 sessions.
The average cost for the total duration of therapy would be around 130 US $.

But please not the prices may vary significantly subjected to the local availability of resources and treatment package offers.

I hope this info is helpful to you,
Post your further queries if any
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (1 hour later)
thanks very much for your answer. i have a follow up question. would you briefly explain to me how the whole therapy works, like how does it result in lighter skin colour? and also are the results long term? can i still continue with the therapy if i decide to get pregnant before i finish the whole process.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Results are long lasting.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Madam,
welcome back,
This process usually involves the usage of cryogen like liquid nitrogen.It has 3 stages.
It initially involves the transfer of heat from the cells of the skin that have to undergo depigmentation.These cells are called as Melanocytes.

The second stage involves permanent destruction of melanocytes by rapid freezing to -5 degree centigrade then slow thawing.

The last stage is inflammation which is further involved in host cell death.

The results are long lasting or permanent.

I would like to add caution that you complete the process either before or after you finish your pregnancy instead,even though the process is not harmful to pregnancy or vice versa.This is a safer option.

Thank you,
Post your queries if any,
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (13 minutes later)
i dont think i have explained that i want to lighten my whole body...is it possible? i am asking because your answer says the "skin that has to undergo depigmentation"
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Whole body lightening is possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Madam,
Welcome back,

Yes surely you can lighten up your whole body.

This is called Whole Body Cryotherapy(WBC)-In this a person stands in a chamber with cold dry air with temperatures lower than -110 deg C for 2-3 min.

The cost of single session is 70 us $.Overall cost with yearly package is 790 us $.

I hope this is useful to you,
please post your further queries if any.
Thank you

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Suresh Heijebu

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 3646 Questions

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How Effective Is Cryosurgery For Skin Lightening?

Brief Answer: Cryotherapy can be an effective option. Detailed Answer: Hi Madam, I have carefully read your query and understand your concern. Cryosurgery better referred to as Cryotherapy can be a very effective modality for skin lightening. It can be safely used for majority of pigmented skin lesions. The side effects are usually minor and short lived. They include pain, blister formation and headache due to effects of supercooled liquid nitrogen of cryotherapy. There is no specific contraindication for the use of cryotherapy in individuals on antiretroviral therapy. Finally its all depends on your Cosmetic surgeon's choice. In my opinion, cryotherapy can be safely used in those with antiretroviral therapy. The treatment in your case is offered over a period of 3-4 weeks in 5 sessions. The average cost for the total duration of therapy would be around 130 US $. But please not the prices may vary significantly subjected to the local availability of resources and treatment package offers. I hope this info is helpful to you, Post your further queries if any Thank you.