Cryotherapy vs. Laser Treatment for Warts

What’s the Difference and Which One Works Better?

Warts are annoying, persistent, and sometimes painful. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), they’re harmless but can stick around for months—or even years—if untreated. When over-the-counter treatments don’t cut it, two of the most common in-office options are cryotherapy and laser treatment.

Both are effective, but they work in completely different ways. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed choice.

Seventy Hyal Hydration

1. What They Are

BTL Ultra Femme: This is a radiofrequency-based treatment primarily known for vaginal rejuvenation. It’s part of BTL’s broader aesthetic and women’s health portfolio.

CM Slim HIPEX Chair: This is a high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic (HI-EMT or HIPEX) device. It uses electromagnetic stimulation to contract pelvic floor muscles—basically giving you a supercharged Kegel workout without you having to move.

2. How They Work

Cryotherapy

  • Uses Nitrous Oxide to freeze the wart.
  • The extreme cold destroys the infected tissue and causes it to blister and fall off.
  • Quick and relatively simple.

Laser Treatment

  • Uses focused light energy to target and destroy blood vessels feeding the wart.
  • Without blood supply, the wart dies and eventually falls off.
  • Quick and relatively simple.

2. Effectiveness

Cryotherapy

  • Works well for common warts, especially on hands and feet.
  • Often requires multiple treatments (typically 2–4 weeks apart).
  • More effective on smaller, newer warts.

Laser Treatment

  • Generally reserved for stubborn or recurrent warts.
  • May be more effective for deep plantar warts or clusters.
  • Can require fewer sessions, but varies.

4. Scarring and Side Effects

  • Cryotherapy: Low risk of scarring, may cause temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
  • Laser: Low risk of scarring, may cause temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

5. Cost

  • Cryotherapy: From £50 per session.
  • Laser Treatment: From £50 per session.

6. Which One Should You Choose?

  • Situation Recommended Treatment
  • First-time wart or small wart
  • Wart on hand or foot
  • Painful plantar wart
  • Recurring or stubborn wart
  • Concerned about scarring
  • Need faster results
  • Situation Recommended Treatment
  • Cryotherapy
  • Cryotherapy or laser depending on depth
  • Cryotherapy or laser
  • Cryotherapy or laser
  • Cryotherapy or laser
  • Dermatologist referral for excision.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dealing with typical warts, cryotherapy is a solid first option. If the wart is deep, painful, or hasn’t responded to freezing or over-the-counter treatments, laser therapy might be worth a try.