Cryotherapy

Dr. Olivera Nikolis may recommend cryotherapy for selected benign and pre-malignant skin concerns, including but not limited to:

Viral Skin Lesions:

• Common warts (Verruca vulgaris) — rough, raised growths commonly appearing on hands and fingers 
• Plantar warts — warts on the soles of the feet that may cause discomfort when walking
• Flat warts (Verruca plana) — smaller, smoother warts often appearing on the face or legs

Benign Skin Growths:

• Seborrhoeic keratoses — benign, often brown or black growths that appear waxy or scaly
• Skin tags (acrochordons) — small, soft, flesh-coloured growths attached to the skin by a thin stalk
• Cherry angiomas — small, bright red bumps caused by dilated blood vessels

Pre‑malignant and Sun‑Damaged Lesions:

• Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses) — rough, scaly patches caused by cumulative sun exposure; these lesions have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated 
  

Other Dermatological Indications:

• Milia — small, white cysts commonly appearing on the face
• Certain forms of hyperkeratosis — thickening of the outer layer of the skin

Important note: Cryotherapy is not suitable for all skin lesions or all patients. Before recommending treatment, Dr. Nikoliс will conduct a thorough clinical assessment to confirm the diagnosis and ensure cryotherapy is appropriate for your specific concern. Lesions with atypical features may require biopsy before any treatment. 

Cryotherapy is a quick, in-clinic procedure typically completed within a single short visit. Here is what you can expect:

Step 1 — Assessment and Consent 
Dr. Olivera Nikoliс will examine the lesion, confirm the diagnosis, and explain the procedure, including expected outcomes and possible risks. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before providing informed consent, in compliance with DHA patient consent standards.

Step 2 — Preparation
The treatment area will be cleansed. No anaesthesia is required for most cryotherapy procedures, as the freezing itself numbs the area. For particularly sensitive areas or larger lesions, a local anaesthetic may be discussed.

Step 3 — Treatment
Using a cryogun or cotton-tipped applicator, Dr. Nikolis applies liquid nitrogen directly to the lesion for a controlled period (typically 5–30 seconds). The duration and number of freeze-thaw cycles are tailored to the type, size, and depth of the lesion.

Step 4 — Immediate Aftercare
You will receive clear aftercare instructions. The treated area may sting or burn briefly during and immediately after application. Swelling, redness, and the formation of a blister or crust are normal and expected responses to treatment.

• Immediately after treatment — The treated area may appear red, swollen, or blistered. A stinging or burning sensation typically resolves within 10–20 minutes
• Healing period — A blister or crust (scab) will form over the treated lesion. This usually falls off naturally within 1 to 3 weeks, revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath
• Final result — Once healed, the treated lesion is typically gone or significantly reduced. Some patients may require a second session for optimal results, depending on the type, size, and depth of the lesion
• Scarring risk — When performed correctly on suitable lesions by an experienced practitioner, the risk of scarring is low. Dr. Nikolis uses precise technique to minimise impact on surrounding healthy skin
• Pigmentation changes — Temporary lightening (hypopigmentation) or darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the treated area may occur, particularly in patients with darker skin types. These changes usually resolve over several months

• Hospital-Grade Safety Standards
: ELEMENTAL is a DHA-licensed day surgical hospital. All procedures, including cryotherapy, are performed under strict infection control and sterilisation protocols
• Experienced Dermatology Specialist
: Dr. Olivera Nikolis is a DHA-licensed dermatology specialist with extensive clinical experience. She does not simply perform procedures — she diagnoses first, then treats only when clinically appropriate
• Quick, In-Clinic Procedure
: Most cryotherapy treatments are completed within a single short visit — often in under 15 minutes. You can return to your daily activities immediately after the procedure, with only simple aftercare required
• Non-Surgical, Minimally Invasive
: Cryotherapy requires no incisions, no sutures, and typically no anaesthesia. This makes it a convenient option for patients seeking effective treatment with minimal disruption to their daily lives
• Private, Comfortable Setting
: Your consultation and treatment take place in a calm, private environment. Dr. Nikolis takes time to answer your questions and ensure you understand every step of the process

To help you make an informed decision, it is important to understand what cryotherapy is not:

• Not a laser — Cryotherapy uses extreme cold, not light energy
• Not for all lesions — Some lesions require different approaches, including surgical excision, electrocautery, or laser therapy
• Not a treatment for vascular conditions — For conditions such as spider veins or telangiectasias, other modalities may be more appropriate
• Not a substitute for histopathology — If a lesion has atypical features, Dr. Nikoliс may recommend biopsy before any treatment
• Not for deep or cancerous lesions — Suspected skin cancers or deeply invasive lesions require surgical excision with histopathological examination

As with any medical procedure, cryotherapy carries some potential side effects and risks. These will be discussed with you in full during your consultation:

Common (expected) side effects:

• Redness, swelling, and blistering at the treatment site
• Stinging or burning sensation during and immediately after treatment
• Formation of a crust or scab that falls off naturally during healing

Less common but possible:

• Temporary hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) at the treatment site
• Temporary hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) at the treatment site
• Infection (rare, when proper aftercare is followed)
• Scarring (rare, when performed correctly on suitable lesions)
• Incomplete clearance requiring repeat treatment 

Regulatory disclosure: In compliance with DHA Standards for Medical Advertisement Content, there is no guarantee that the result will be the same for every patient, as results may vary from one individual to another. 

Your Specialist: Dr. Olivera Nikolis Dr. Olivera Nikolis is a DHA-licensed dermatology specialist practicing at ELEMENTAL Day Surgical Center. She brings extensive clinical experience in both medical and aesthetic dermatology, with a careful, diagnostic-first approach to every patient.

Dr. Nikolis does not perform procedures unless clinically indicated. Her priority is always patient safety, accurate diagnosis, and honest communication about what treatment can and cannot achieve. As a DHA-licensed specialist, she is authorised to perform cryotherapy procedures in compliance with Dubai's regulatory standards .