The freezing is somewhat numbing. When your doctor places the instrument on your skin to freeze the wart, it will feel like an ice cube is stuck to your skin. Afterward, you may feel a burning sensation as your skin thaws out. Healing after cryosurgery is usually quick. You will probably be able to enjoy all your usual activities while you heal, including swimming and bathing.
Cryosurgery leaves little or no scar.
After the area has healed, the treated skin may be a bit lighter in color than the skin around it. This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor. Visit familydoctor.org for more useful information on this and many other health-related topics. Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses.