FAQ

Both Verruca-Freeze^® and Verruca-Freeze^® H are FDA-approved, portable cryosurgical devices used by physicians and veterinarians to remove superficial skin lesions in an outpatient setting. Their key differences are highlighted below.

Verruca-Freeze^® is approved for the treatment of 21 types of common skin lesions and offers a colder freezing temperature at -70°C, making it ideal for treating deep or calloused lesions, such as plantar warts. Verruca-Freeze^® also includes the option to utilize either bud or cone applicators.

Verruca-Freeze^® H is approved for the treatment of 9 types of skin lesions via applicator buds that, once “charged,” reach a freezing temperature of -55ºC. Verruca-Freeze^® H is ideal for treating lesions on thinner skin, such as the face and genitalia, as well as use in pediatric patients.

Verruca-Freeze^® products do not contain any liquid nitrogen. Instead, they use a proprietary blend of refrigerated gases that freeze at -70°C (Verruca-Freeze^®) and -55°C (Verruca-Freeze^® H). Unlike liquid nitrogen—which reaches -196°C and requires careful handling due to its extreme cold—Verruca-Freeze^® products offer a safer alternative, especially for use on thin or sensitive skin, where liquid nitrogen can pose a risk of long-term nerve damage.

Treatment with Verruca-Freeze^® products achieve the same results as liquid nitrogen: freezing of tissue, iceball formation, tissue destruction, scabbing, sloughing of dead tissue, and eventual regrowth of healthy skin.

In addition to being effective, Verruca-Freeze^® products are highly convenient. There’s no need for bulkyand expensive tanks or dewars, no need to schedule gas refills, and no loss of product due to evaporation. Each product is packaged in a compact, portable aerosol canister that can be disposed of with regular waste once empty—saving time, space, and money.

Verruca-Freeze^® offers the most comprehensive range of product configurations at the lowest cost per freeze of any portable cryosurgical system on the market. With multiple canister sizes and accessory options, there’s a solution to fit every practice—regardless of size or patient volume.

While many canister-based cryosurgical systems use similar freezing techniques and applicator styles, our applicators are what truly set us apart.

Our CryoBud^® applicators feature a hollow handle that inserts directly into the nozzle for easy, one-handed operation. Competing products with double-sided buds often require two-handed use and can result in wasted product from the unused side.

Our CryoCone^® applicators (compatible with Verruca-Freeze^® only) are uniquely designed with a two-part construction and a flexible sealing tip to minimize leakage and maximize freezing precision. Each cone is color-coded for quick size identification and—unlike most single-use accessories—CryoCones^® applicators are reusable, saving both time and money.

In short, Verruca-Freeze^® provides a simpler, more effective, and more economical cryosurgical experience from start to finish.

Verruca-Freeze^® products reach significantly colder temperatures than over-the-counter treatments, making them far more effective at fully destroying benign skin lesions. Most warts are deeply rooted and require freezing to at least -50°C for complete removal. OTC products typically do not reach these temperatures, meaning the wart may appear gone but often regrows—leading to a frustrating cycle of retreatment.

While at-home products may seem convenient, they often require multiple applications over an extended period. In contrast, Verruca-Freeze^® products are designed for professional use and can remove lesions in as few as 1 treatment.

In addition to their clinical effectiveness, Verruca-Freeze^® and Verruca-Freeze^® H offer more treatment options and flexible purchasing configurations, making them the preferred choice of healthcare professionals.

Note: Verruca-Freeze^® products are intended for use by licensed medical and veterinary professionals only.

When applied correctly, Verruca-Freeze^® reaches a freezing temperature of -70°C—making it the coldest canister-based cryosurgical product available. Verruca-Freeze^® H reaches -55°C, providing an effective yet gentler option for treating lesions on thinner or more sensitive skin.

Most lesions require a freezing temperature of at least -50°C for complete destruction. Both Verruca-Freeze^® and Verruca-Freeze^® H exceed this threshold, ensuring effective results without the extreme intensity of liquid nitrogen, which freezes at -196°C and carries a higher risk of tissue damage.

The number of treatments, or freezes, per canister depends on factors such as lesion size, applicator type, and spray control. Based on an average lesion size of 5mm, you can expect the following number of treatments:

If you’re treating smaller lesions, your canister may last longer. Conversely, larger lesions may reduce the number of treatments.

To maximize the number of uses:

• Apply gentle, controlled pressure to the trigger to avoid wasting cryogen.
• Minimize overspray by keeping the extender tube close to the bud tip during saturation. *Verruca-Freeze^® non-inserted method only.

Proper technique is key to getting the most value from each canister.

Reimbursement for cryosurgical treatment of benign lesions typically ranges from $150 to $300, and can be as high as $2,000, depending on lesion type and location. In many cases, a single treatment can cover the cost of your canister.

Common CPT codes for cryosurgery can be found in the table below.

Each Verruca-Freeze^® product includes an informational CPT code sheet with national average reimbursement rates, updated annually. If you need the latest version, please contact us to request a copy.

Note: Reimbursement rates vary by state and insurance provider. For the most accurate information, contact your insurance carrier or utilize the resources below:

• Private Insurance: Contact Optum Coding for a customized fee analyzer.
• Medicare: Use the CMS Physician Fee Schedule Tool.

Underbilling can cost your practice thousands annually. To maximize reimbursement, bill at the 90th percentile for private insurance and use the limiting charge for Medicare patients.

Veterinarians typically set rates for treatment with cryosurgery based on several factors that affect the overall complexity of the procedure. The following examples can be used to form a baseline pricing structure for your clinic.

Lesion Size

• 1–5mm: $50–75+
• 6–25mm: $75–100+
• 25mm+ (e.g., Equine Lesions): $150–200+

Lesion Type & Location

• Simple Removal (e.g., Skin Tag, Papilloma, Sebaceous Adenoma): $50–75+
• Complex Removal (e.g., Body/Eyelid Tumor, Distichia, Oral Lesion): $100–200+

Number of Treatments

• Multiple lesions treated in one visit (e.g., Skin Tags): $50–75 flat rate for first lesion and $10–40 for each additional lesion
• Follow-Up: $10–20 less than initial

Anesthesia or Sedation

• If administered: $150–200+

Ultimately, you know your clients best and should consider what pet owners in your area can afford and/or would be willing to pay. For example, clinics in rural areas will typically charge less than clinics in highly populated or affluent areas.

Verruca-Freeze^® has an indefinite shelf life due to its positive shut-off valve. This valve prevents leakage and evaporation while protecting the cryogen from contamination and decomposition—ensuring long-term reliability and no product waste over time. Verruca-Freeze^® H has a 4-year shelf life, which is one year longer than other “H”-type cryosurgical products on the market.

Verruca-Freeze^® is non-flammable. Verruca-Freeze^® H, however, contains propane and therefore is flammable.

Verruca-Freeze^® and Verruca-Freeze^® H canisters should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Canisters should never be exposed to temperatures above 120°F.

We recommend storing all components in their original packaging (or CryoBag), placed inside a medical supply cabinet or closet for added protection.

Important Safety Note:
Verruca-Freeze^® canisters are equipped with a pressure release valve on the bottom. If exposed to temperatures above 120°F, the canister may become overpressurized and trigger this safety mechanism. If that occurs, immediately move the canister to a safe area, away from people, and allow it to fully discharge the contents.

Transportation in Warm Conditions:
If transporting canisters in hot weather or a warm vehicle, place them in a cooler or another insulated space where temperatures can be kept below 120°F.

Yes, Verruca-Freeze^® canisters may be taken on an airplane, but must be packed in checked luggage—they cannot be carried on.

Before traveling, consider both your current climate and your destination. Although airplane cargo holds are typically temperature controlled, checked bags may be exposed to direct sunlight on the tarmac, especially in hot weather. If the canister is exposed to temperatures above 120°F, the internal pressure may rise and trigger the safety release valve—causing the canister to burst.

For international travel, research aerosol transport regulations for both your airline and destination country. Some international carriers and small aircrafts may impose strict size limits or prohibit aerosol containers entirely, even in checked luggage.

To reduce risk in hot climates, we recommend packing the canister in a cooler bag or insulated case.

To request a current copy of our Safety Data Sheet, please contact us.

Yes, Verruca-Freeze^® products are authorized for use by licensed medical and veterinary professionals only.

 Both Verruca-Freeze^® and Verruca-Freeze^® H are FDA-approved for the treatment of benign skin lesions, including:

• Common Warts (Verruca vulgaris)
• Flat Warts (Verruca plana)
• Plantar Warts (Verruca plantaris)
• Genital Warts (Condyloma acuminatum)
• Skin Tags (Acrochordons)
• Age Spots (Lentigos)
• Actinic Keratoses
• Seborrheic Keratoses
• Molluscum Contagiosum

Verruca-Freeze^® can be used to treat a total of 21 types of lesions, while Verruca-Freeze^® H is approved to treat 9 types of lesions. Click here to view the full list of treatable lesions and learn more about each of the different types.

Veterinary Treatment:
Verruca-Freeze^® and Verruca-Freeze^® H are also widely used to treat skin lesions on small, large, and exotic animals. Commonly treated lesions include:

• Papillomas (Warts)
• Skin Tags
• Sebaceous Adenomas
• Sarcoids
• Distichiasis
• Trichiasis
• Anal Growths
• Follicular Cysts
• Lick Granulomas
• Eye Tumors
• Fibroids.

Click here to learn more about treatable lesions in animals.

No, the use of anesthesia or numbing is not required when using Verruca-Freeze^® products. However, a topical anesthetic cream may be recommended for patients who are particularly sensitive or anxious about the procedure.

Verruca-Freeze^® products are self-anesthetizing, so although patients may initially feel a brief sting or burning sensation, this typically subsides within seconds as the area becomes numb.

Cryogen should always be applied using a designated applicator to ensure safe and targeted treatment.

Verruca-Freeze^® is applied using either a CryoBud^® or CryoCone^® applicator. Verruca-Freeze^® H is only applied using a CryoBud^® applicator.

Important: Never apply Verruca-Freeze^® products using an open spray.
Doing so can damage healthy surrounding tissue. Applicators are specifically designed to focus the freeze on the lesion and protect adjacent skin from unintended exposure.

While applicator selection often comes down to physician or veterinarian preference, we recommend choosing an applicator based on lesion location and tissue type for best results.

CryoBud^® applicators are recommended for:

• Bony or hard-to-reach areas
• Sensitive or thin skin, including the face, neck, head, and genitals
• Hands and feet
• Pediatric patients

CryoBuds^® applicators provide precise application without the risk of overspray or leakage, making them a safer option for delicate or irregular surfaces.

CryoCone^® applicators are recommended for:

• Fleshy or fatty tissue, such as the abdomen, back, or thighs
• Areas where a tight, consistent seal can be achieved.

Do not use CryoCone^® applicators on bony areas, as achieving a proper seal is difficult and can lead to cryogen leakage or damage to surrounding tissue.

Note: Verruca-Freeze^® H is always applied using a CryoBud^® applicator. Verruca-Freeze^® H is not intended for use with our CryoCone^® applicators.

After saturating the CryoBud^® to the first drip point, wait approximately 15 seconds before applying it to the lesion. During this time, the bud temperature drops to its optimal freezing temperature, and you will see crystallization forming on the foam tip, indicating it is sufficiently cold for effective treatment.

Freeze times depend on the size, location, and type of lesion. Use the guidelines below to determine the appropriate treatment duration.

General Guidelines:

• Thin skin or sensitive areas (face, eyes, ears, genitals, or extremities): Freeze for 20–25 seconds, followed by a minimum thaw time of 40 seconds.

Tip: It’s safer to under-freeze in these areas—treatment can always be repeated if needed.

• Larger lesions (≥6mm): Freeze for up to 40 seconds, with a minimum thaw time of 40 seconds.
• Thick or resistant lesions (e.g., plantar warts): Perform up to 3 consecutive freeze–thaw cycles in a single visit, allowing at least 40 seconds of thaw time between each cycle.

For detailed, lesion-specific guidance, refer to the Instruction Manual provided with your device or the chart printed inside every product box. Additionally, you can visit our Resources page to download training materials and manuals.

Important Note:

• “Freeze time” refers to how long the cryogen is in direct contact with the lesion—not how long you spray the cryogen.
• Regardless of the applicator used, cryogen should only be dispensed, or sprayed, for a maximum of 3–6 seconds.
• Prolonged exposure to cryogen may cause permanent and irreversible damage to the skin, including but not limited to severe frostbite and/or burns, hypopigmentation, and nerve damage.

CryoBud^® applicators are single-use only and should be discarded after use to prevent any risk of cross-contamination between patients.

Tip: Once saturated, a CryoBud^® applicator will retain its freeze charge for 90–120 seconds, allowing for treatment of 2–3 lesions on the same patient.

Do not refreeze CryoBud^® applicators. Dispensing additional cryogen onto a used bud causes excess water vapor to condense on the foam, resulting in oversaturation and compromised performance.

CryoCone^® applicators are reusable and must be disinfected between patients. Refer to the next FAQ for detailed cleaning and disinfection instructions.

We also recommended disinfecting new CryoCone^® applicators prior to first use.

Disinfection Methods:

According to CDC Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization, CryoCone^® applicators are classified as noncritical medical devices and can be disinfected using either of the following methods:

• Chemical Disinfection
  Use an EPA-registered low- or intermediate-level disinfectant (e.g., CaviCide^® or CaviWipes™ by Metrex are highly recommended).
  • Follow all applicable instructions on the disinfectant product label.
  • Minimum Contact Time: 1 minute
• Autoclaving (optional)
  CryoCone^® applicators may be autoclaved using a plastic-safe setting (e.g., 121°C, 15 psig for 20 minutes).
  • Always refer to your autoclave machine’s instructions for proper use.
  • Minimum Cycle Time: 15 minute

Caution: Repeated autoclaving may reduce the shelf life of the applicators.

Click here for a printable CryoCone^® Cleaning Guide.

The “freeze-thaw” method is the standard for cryosurgery. It involves two key steps:

1. Freeze the lesion using cryogen.
2. Allow the frozen lesion to thaw naturally back to body temperature—approximately 40 seconds.

Important: Do not touch the lesion during the thawing phase. Premature contact can warm the tissue too quickly, reducing treatment effectiveness and potentially reversing the therapeutic effect.

The “double freeze-thaw” method involves applying two consecutive freeze-thaw cycles to a lesion during the same treatment session. This technique is commonly used for:

• Large, thick, or calloused lesions (e.g., plantar warts)
• Lesions larger than 7mm

Important: After the first freeze, allow the lesion to completely thaw for approximately 40 seconds before administering a second freeze.

This method is optional, not required. Lesions may also have better resolution with a repeat treatment at a follow-up visit 10–14 days after initial treatment.

Always review post-treatment expectations and care instructions with the patient. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal healing and treatment success.

General Guidelines:

• Most patients experience minimal or no pain following treatment. If discomfort occurs, standard over-the-counter pain relief may be used, or prescription pain medication can be provided if necessary.
• Bathing is permitted, but try to keep the treated area as dry as possible.
• Bandaging is optional. If needed, apply a loose bandage to protect the healing area from irritation or injury. Otherwise, leave the site open to air to promote natural scabbing and healing.

Days 1–7: Scab Formation

• A blister, darkening of the skin, or scab will often develop within a few hours to several days—this is a normal and expected response.
• If a large blister forms and causes discomfort, it may be drained by a medical professional.
• Patients should not pick or pull at the scab, as this may delay healing or cause scarring.

Days 7–14: Scab Sloughing

• The scab typically falls off naturally within 1–2 weeks, depending on lesion type, location, and the patient’s healing ability.

Healing Phase

• After the scab sloughs, the area may appear red, sensitive, or mildly itchy—this is part of the natural healing process.
• Do not bandage, apply medication, or irritate the area after the scab has fallen off.
• Normal skin color will gradually return over several weeks to months.

Need a printable version?
Download our care instruction sheets below to give to your patients.

• Physician Post-Treatment Care Instructions
• Veterinarian Post-Treatment Care Instructions

The number of treatments needed varies based on lesion type, size, and patient response. In many cases, a single treatment is sufficient. However, some lesions—particularly thicker or more stubborn types like plantar warts—may require additional treatments.

A follow-up visit is always recommended to assess healing and determine if retreatment is necessary.

If cryogen accidentally comes into contact with unintended skin, immediately place your hand over the frozen area. The warmth from your hand will help rapidly thaw the area and prevent a full freeze from taking effect.

Note: If the area is not promptly warmed, it may blister and scab just like a properly treated lesion.

No. Verruca-Freeze^® products should not be used on pregnant patients, as their safety during pregnancy has not been established.

Each Verruca-Freeze^® product includes detailed instructions for use, along with access to online training videos. We strongly recommend thoroughly reviewing all included materials before your first treatment, and visiting the following pages for additional guidance:

• FAQ (this page)
• Treatable Lesions
• Resources
• Instructional Videos

Every Verruca-Freeze^® kit also comes with a practice pad, allowing you to safely refine your technique before treating patients.

In addition to the double freeze-thaw method, an advanced technique known as “ballooning” may be used to improve efficacy—particularly in areas with high blood flow.

With the Ballooning Technique, the area is injected with lidocaine (and epinephrine, if high circulation) prior to treatment. This temporarily “balloons” or elevates the lesion, constricts surrounding blood vessels, and reduces heat transfer from the blood supply. The result is a prolonged thaw time, allowing the freeze to penetrate deeper and increasing the likelihood of full lesion destruction.

Important: This technique should only be performed by physicians or veterinarians experienced in cryosurgery. It is most commonly used by podiatrists for plantar warts and by veterinarians for sarcoids in large animals.

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Note: An active medical or veterinary license is required for purchase and will be verified by CryoSurgery for authenticity and validity.

International Purchasing Options:
Please contact us for a list of international distributors that supply Verruca-Freeze^® products.

Our Verruca-Freeze^® kits come with one canister of cryogen, a complete set of CryoBud^® and CryoCone^® applicators, and a practice pad for self-training. All kits include the same quantity of applicators, so choose your kit based on the number of treatments (freezes) desired. If you anticipate a lower treatment volume, we suggest starting with our Trial Kit, which includes our smallest available canister. Replacement canisters and applicators are available for purchase separately at a lower cost.

Keep in mind that the actual number of treatments per canister will vary depending on the size of the lesions treated and the number of practice sessions performed. For practice, we recommend using the smallest-size applicator to conserve cryogen.

Our Verruca-Freeze^® H product is available only in kit configurations. We recommend starting with the Single Kit with Mixed Applicators, which includes a cansiter of cryogen and both the arrow (2mm) and round (5mm) CryoBud^® applicators. Replacement kits are also available with alternate CryoBud^® configurations as well as one- or two-canister options.

We do not offer free samples of Verruca-Freeze^® products. However, our products have a low upfront cost and high reimbursement rates—allowing most practices to recoup their investment in as few as 1 to 2 treatments.

We’re confident you’ll be fully satisfied with the performance of Verruca-Freeze^® and the additional revenue it generates for your practice.

Our Verruca-Freeze^® canisters are classified as limited quantity Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) due to being pressurized aerosols. However, there are no additional HAZMAT fees associated with shipping.

Per U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations, these products must be shipped via ground only, which means expedited or overnight delivery is not available. In some cases, shipping to certain states or regions may be restricted.

Please refer to our Shipping Policy for full details.

Orders are typically processed and shipped within 1–2 business days. Once shipped, ground delivery takes an average of 1–5 business days, depending on your location.

We’re proud to offer free shipping on all orders within the contiguous United States. Limited shipping is available to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. For more details, please see our Shipping Policy.

Promo codes can be applied either in your shopping cart or during checkout.

If you received a promo code via email and clicked the link provided, the discount should be automatically applied to your account.

If there are mistakes with your order, or products arrive defective/damaged at the time of receipt, we will make it right by:

• Sending you replacement parts or accessories, or
• Replacing the entire product
• And we will cover the cost of any return shipping.

For more information, see our full Return Policy.