From £175
Removed Lesions
10 to 15 Minutes
None
Straight Away
Cryotherapy is a non-invasive treatment commonly used to treat skin problems which affect the surface layers of the skin.
Cryotherapy is commonly used to treat certain skin lesions, such as warts, moles, actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesions) and skin tags. Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the area, causing it to blister and eventually fall off.
The treatment may need to be repeated more than once in order to be effective.
Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with one of our consultant dermatologists or plastic surgeons to evaluate the skin lesion and discuss the treatment plan.
If cryotherapy is the preferred treatment option, it may be possible to combine the consultation with the procedure as a ‘see and treat’ appointment which can be more convenient and cost-effective. This can be discussed at the time of booking the consultation.
In dermatology, cryotherapy refers to the use of extreme cold temperatures to treat various skin conditions. It involves using a handheld device to spray liquid nitrogen to the skin to freeze and destroy abnormal or unwanted skin tissue. The freezing process causes the targeted cells to die, and over time, the body naturally eliminates the damaged tissue, allowing healthy skin to regenerate.
The treatment typically lasts a few minutes. After your treatment you may continue to feel a cold sensation, this should subside after a short time. You may notice some redness and swelling in the treated area, this is normal and should resolve quickly. Some people experience tingling and numbness in the area, again this is temporary.
Cryotherapy in dermatology is a quick and relatively painless procedure that can be performed in the consulting room
After your procedure, you will be given personalised aftercare guidance from your consultant. This may vary depending upon the procedure you’ve had. It is very important that you follow the aftercare advice to achieve the optimum results.
If a dressing has been applied after the procedure you will be given instructions on how to look after the area and change the dressing.
You may wish to manage any pain or discomfort you feel with painkillers such as paracetamol. If your pain is not manageable or you have any concerns, we can advise you how best to proceed.
Your consultant may want you to attend a follow-up appointment to monitor the healing process and see how your recovery is going or to assess the results from your treatment. Occasionally, cryotherapy treatment needs to be repeated in order to obtain a complete effect.
Although cryotherapy is not surgery it can still result in skin discolouration or sometimes an area of scar. However, there are steps you can take to minimise its visibility. Massaging the area regularly for a few minutes at a time can help the scar tissue to soften, producing a nicely faded scar. Your consultant will advise you when to start this and how to go about it. We also advise using a high SPF sunscreen on the area for around 12 months after your procedure.
While Cryotherapy is generally considered a very safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications you should be aware of. These may include:
Infection
Cryotherapy works by creating a cold burn which can render the skin surface vulnerable to infection while it is healing. Warning signs may include increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth or discharge from the wound. Most infections will present themselves around 9 days after a procedure and the treatment is usually a one week course of oral antibiotics. Should you have any concerns about the presence of infection we will be available to see and advise you accordingly.
Scarring
Cryotherapy will usually not result in any form of significant scar but there may be an area of discolouration after the treatment.
Nerve Damage
In rare cases, and usually only after repeated treatments, surrounding sensory nerves may become damaged. This is very uncommon and usually only temporary.
Recurrence
With certain types of skin lesion there is a small risk of it coming back, also known as recurrence. The outcome from treatment of skin lesions with cryotherapy can be less predictable than surgical options (see shave excision) but it remains a very good option in specific circumstances.
The number of cryotherapy session you will need depends on your specific condition and your individual response to treatment. Some conditions can be treated successfully with a single treatment, while others may require repeated sessions spaced several months apart. Your consult will be able to advise you further during your consultation.
Cryotherapy may cause some discomfort or stinging during the procedure, but this is generally well-tolerated. Some people feel temporary pain or tingling for a short time after the procedure. There may be some swelling or blistering at the treated site which should resolve quite quickly.
The recovery time can vary depending on the type of lesion being treated, the area of the body it is on and your individual healing abilities. In general we would expect the treated area to be healed within a few weeks and any scabs or blisters will eventually slough off.
Yes, there is the possibility that a lesion can recur following cryotherapy. While cryotherapy is often an effective treatment, eradicating the condition permanently, we cannot guarantee the condition won’t come back in the future.
Cryotherapy is generally considered a safe treatment without long-term effects. It’s important to follow post-treatment care instructions and attend any follow-up appointments recommended by your consultant.
Cryotherapy is commonly used to treat certain skin conditions including warts, skin tags and moles. However, these conditions are not always suitable for cryotherapy, your consultant will .
