When it comes to treating common dermatological conditions like warts and lesions, especially in children, physicians are increasingly turning to non-invasive, efficient, and patient-friendly options. Among these, cryosurgery for lesions and warts stands out as a trusted and proven approach. A cryosurgery system like Gebauer’s Cryo Professional offers a convenient, cost-effective option for safe and effective lesion removal.

Here’s a closer look at the advantages of cryosurgical systems for medical professionals.

What’s Driving Cryosurgery for Dermatology Practices?

Many patients, especially children, feel anxious during procedures involving needles or excision. Conventional techniques for wart or lesion removal, such as surgical excision or curettage, can be painful, might leave scars, or require anesthesia. These approaches are also typically more time-consuming for physicians and more costly for patients.

Cryosurgery offers a less invasive, quicker, and more convenient treatment option for various skin conditions.

Why Do Pediatric Patients and Physicians Prefer Non-Invasive Wart Removal Methods?

This isn’t only true within the field of dermatology.

There’s a noticeable shift toward minimally invasive highly effective methods among physicians and pediatricians.

Warts affect about 10% of the population but are more common among school-aged children, affecting about one in five, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Cryosurgery provides clinicians with a fast, reliable alternative that meets expectations for safety, efficiency, and a positive patient experience, particularly for children. The procedure is quick and straightforward, typically involving the application of a cooling agent. With no incisions or stitches required, patients often experience minimal discomfort and can resume normal activities the same day.

How Cryosurgery Works For Warts

Cryosurgery works by applying liquid nitrogen or dimethyl ether propane (DMEP) spray (such as Gebauer’s Cryo Professional) to the affected skin cells and allowing the body to shed them naturally within one to two weeks.

This method is highly effective on common pediatric skin conditions such as:

• Common warts (verruca vulgaris)
• Flat warts (verruca plana)
• Plantar warts (verruca plantaris)
• Water warts (molluscum contagiosum)

However, because of its cold temperature, liquid nitrogen is stored in large tanks that must be refilled, which makes it impractical for many physician’s offices.

How Does Gebauer’s Cryo Professional Compare To Liquid Nitrogen Freezing Techniques For Wart Removal?

Gebauer’s Cryo Professional system uses a dimethyl ether-based formula to deliver controlled, targeted freezing. The device is portable, easy to use, and doesn't require additional equipment, making it ideal for busy pediatric offices.

A study comparing dimethyl ether propane spray and liquid nitrogen found no significant difference in the effectiveness of these non-invasive wart removal methods; DMEP eliminated 93.4% of benign lesions, while liquid nitrogen eliminated 95%.

While most patients reported some discomfort with both methods, it was not significant enough to interrupt the treatment with either method, and adverse reactions were minimal.

The average healing time for both was just over 10 days.

Advantages of Gebauer’s Cryo Professional Cryosurgery System

Gebauer’s Cryo Professional system, formerly known as Histofreezer®, was invented in 1987 by a Dutch physician as an alternative to using liquid nitrogen to treat warts and lesions. A study conducted on Histofreezer found it was effective at treating plantar warts with a less than 2% recurrence rate during a 12-month follow-up period.

Utermöhlen later acquired Histofreezer and Gebauer now distributes it under the Cryo Professional brand name. It offers several distinct advantages over liquid nitrogen, including:

• Fast treatments that typically last less than a minute
• Minimal training required, with ergonomic design for precise application
• No need to refer patients to specialists
• Low cost per treatment
• Profitable reimbursement
• Little to no patient preparation

With its straightforward application process, the Cryo Professional system helps providers see more patients without compromising on care.

Is Cryo Professional Safe?

As with all Gebauer products, the Cryo Professional cryosurgery system is designed to meet high safety and performance standards. It allows adjustable spray times and interchangeable applicator tips, enabling clinicians to tailor treatment to lesion size and location. This level of customization enhances both patient safety and clinical outcomes, reducing risks commonly associated with traditional methods.

While it is flammable and should be used in a well-ventilated area, it does not require special storage.

With over 120 years of experience and a legacy of clinician trust, Gebauer stands out as a trusted partner in patient comfort solutions, including Gebauer’s Ethyl Chloride®, Pain Ease®, and the Cryo Professional cryosurgery system.

To learn more about how to use our portable cryosurgery system, download our free guide to Cryo Professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of warts and lesions can cryosurgery treat?

Cryosurgery is effective in treating a range of common benign and superficial skin lesions, including common warts, flat warts, and plantar warts.

These are among the most common dermatologic conditions seen in pediatric and primary care settings. Cryotherapy works by rapidly freezing affected tissue, causing cellular damage and natural sloughing of the lesion with minimal disruption to surrounding skin.

Is cryosurgery a suitable option for every patient?

While cryosurgery is appropriate for most superficial benign lesions, it is not typically recommended for pigmented or suspicious lesions without prior dermatologic evaluation. Always ensure proper diagnosis before initiating treatment.

Cryosurgery is a safe, well-tolerated treatment for most patients, including children and older adults. However, it may not be suitable for:

• Patients with cold-induced issues, such as cryoglobulinemia, or circulatory disorders
• Patients taking immunosuppressants
• Children under 4 (consult a pediatrician)

Note that Gebauer’s Cryo Professional system has not been tested on pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.

How do I use Gebauer’s Cryo Professional cryosurgery system effectively?

To use the system follow these three simple steps:

1. Saturate - Spray the applicator until droplets form
2. Acclimate - Allow the applicator to reach its effective temperature (about 15 seconds)
3. Freeze - Apply the treatment to the lesion as directed

What kind of support does Gebauer offer for its cryosurgery systems?

Gebauer offers comprehensive practitioner support to ensure safe, effective, and confident use of the Cryo Professional system, including

• Clinical training resources, including in-person training, instructional videos and printed guides
• Dedicated customer service for product inquiries, troubleshooting, and ordering assistance
• Access to clinical data, usage protocols, and peer-reviewed references

Gebauer is committed to partnering with healthcare professionals, not just supplying devices. That means providing the tools and resources needed to integrate cryosurgery into clinical practice successfully.

IMPORTANT RISK AND SAFETY INFORMATION:

Cryo Professional is FLAMMABLE. Keep away from open flame and other potential ignition sources including diathermy or other medical equipment. Use in a well-ventilated area. Consult a pediatrician before use on patients 4 years old and younger. Do not use if uncertain of diagnosis or if there is a possibility of cancer, or on patients with cryoglobulinemia, circulatory issues, or using immunosuppressant medication. Do not spray cryogen directly on skin or when applicator tip is in contact with skin. Avoid eye contact. Use only as a system with the supplied applicators. Freezing may alter skin pigmentation. Avoid freezing of peripheral arteries. Carefully read instructions for use prior to using this product. CAUTION: Federal law restricts this device to sale by and on the order of a licensed healthcare practitioner.