A cryo facial is a skin renewal treatment that combines cold therapy (cryotherapy) with needle-free mesotherapy (electroporation) in the same session. At our clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, it is done with the Frozen device, which is why it is also known as a frozen facial or “frozen face.” The aim is to boost hydration and radiance, soften fine lines and help the skin look firmer.

The device’s special handpiece cools the skin surface in a controlled way to about −10 °C to −15 °C. This sudden cooling first narrows the small blood vessels under the skin and then widens them, which speeds up circulation and cell metabolism in the area.

At the same time, electroporation currents open temporary micro-channels in the cell membranes. This allows ingredients applied to the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals and salmon DNA, to reach deeper layers without needles.

The name comes from the cold effect. It has nothing to do with the “frozen” expression sometimes linked to over-treated wrinkle injections; a cryo facial does not affect your facial expressions. It is also not a cream or an at-home product: the effect depends on the device delivering cold and electroporation together.

A frozen facial may suit people who are afraid of needles, want a treatment with no downtime, or want to quickly refresh their skin. The ingredients are chosen at your consultation based on what your skin needs.

Depending on the serums used, a cryo facial can be planned for different concerns:

• Dehydration and dullness: It supports the moisture balance of dry, dull, tired-looking skin and adds radiance.
• Fine lines: Extra hydration and better circulation may help soften the look of fine lines.
• Loss of elasticity: The cold helps the skin look tighter and firmer.
• Spots and uneven tone: Vitamin C and antioxidant ingredients may help even out skin tone.
• Pores: The cold application can make pores look tighter.

A frozen facial can be done on its own or combined with other treatments. For deeper hydration and collagen support with injections, youth and collagen injections or mesolifting may be considered. For marked pigmentation, skin spot treatments may be more suitable.

The treatment begins with a skin analysis. Your skin’s hydration, lines and pigmentation are assessed and the serum is chosen.

1. The skin is cleansed of makeup, oil and dirt.
2. A serum of hyaluronic acid, vitamin complexes or spot-reducing ingredients is prepared for your skin.
3. The serum is applied and the Frozen handpiece is moved over the skin in circular motions, delivering cold and electroporation together.
4. The face, neck and décolleté are treated in turn.
5. The session ends with a high-SPF sunscreen.

A full face, neck and décolleté treatment usually takes 30–45 minutes. As no needles are involved, numbing cream isn’t needed. Straight after the session, the skin may look tighter, brighter and more hydrated.

Although a device is used, assessing the skin and choosing the serum are medical decisions, so the plan is made by a doctor. Avoid peels or irritating products the day before, and tell your doctor about any medications and skin care products you use.

Because it is needle-free, a cryo facial can be used over a wide area, including delicate zones:

• Whole face: Firmer-looking cheeks, tighter pores and overall radiance.
• Eye area: Crow’s feet, fine lines and a tired look.
• Forehead and between the brows: Hydration support for fine expression lines.
• Around the lips: Softening the look of fine vertical lines above the lip.
• Neck and under the chin: Helping neck skin that has lost elasticity look firmer.
• Décolleté: Dryness and fine wrinkles from sun damage and moisture loss.

For people who prefer to avoid injections around thin-skinned areas like the eyes, a frozen facial is a comfortable option. More marked under-eye concerns may need different treatments.

For a visible improvement in skin quality, a course of 4–6 sessions, one week apart, is usually recommended. The number is decided at your consultation based on your skin and goals.

A single session can also add glow, so it may be booked before a special occasion. The effect of one session usually lasts 1–2 weeks.

After a full course, the hydrated, firmer look is usually maintained for about 6–8 months. This varies with age, skin type, sun protection and smoking, and maintenance sessions can be planned.

Using sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and avoiding drying products support the result. A frozen facial improves skin quality but is not enough on its own for marked sagging. If sagging is the main concern, non-surgical lifting options such as HIFU / LIFU may be considered, with the cryo facial supporting skin quality in the same plan.