Focused Cold Therapy™, generically known as cryoneuromodulation is a brand new non-invasive treatment designed to improve the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles using highly pressurised nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas).
Specifically targeted towards patients who are uncomfortable with the idea of using botulinum toxins to smooth out wrinkles, cryoneuromodulation is essentially a toxin-free way that is being marketed to achieve a wrinkle-free appearance, utilising the power of cold, rather than the power of a neurotoxin.
Currently, there is only one cryoneuromodulation product being actively marketed for this type of treatment, called Iovera® and made by
Myoscience Inc, who have patented the therapy and trademarked the concept of Focused Cold Therapy™.
Although the use of cold therapy in cosmetic treatments is relatively new, cold therapy has been used in general surgery and in general patient care for a number of years.
Cryoneuromodulation is not a permanent solution to treating wrinkles, as the effects last for about three months, but with repeated procedures in conjunction with other wrinkle treatments, you can expect fewer wrinkles and a smoother complexion in the long-term it is said.
The therapy has had some clinical success too, although trial data is currently limited. 100% of patients and investigators in two clinical studies reported an improvement in the severity of dynamic facial lines and wrinkles immediately following treatment.
The treatment is most often used to treat forehead lines as well as the frown lines between the brow, with the cold therapy being focused at the nerves on the forehead that control the muscles responsible for wrinkles and fine lines. The treatment effectively numbs the nerves, sending them into “hibernation” for up to three months. With the nerves numbed, muscles can relax and wrinkles soften and disappear.
If you are considering cryoneuromodulation, the following information should give you a basic understanding of the procedure. It can’t answer all of your questions, as the outcome of the procedure depends on the individual person and practitioner. Please ask a cosmetic practitioner about anything you don’t understand.