Unwanted skin lumps and bumps, such as skin tags, warts, and verrucae, can be effectively removed through cryosurgery, helping you achieve smooth, clear skin.
If you are concerned that a lesion may be cancerous, it is essential to have it assessed first at The Mole Clinic, which is conveniently co-located at our clinic.
Cryosurgery is a safe and effective treatment for the removal of benign skin lesions, warts and verrucae, which are not eligible for treatment by your GP or on the NHS.
What Cryopen Treatments Can Treat
Cryosurgery is a quick and painless treatment which we use to treat:
Benign Skin Lesions
- Skin Tags: Small, soft growths that commonly appear on the neck, armpits, and eyelids.
- Seborrheic Keratosis: Waxy, wart-like lesions often found on the face, chest, or back.
- Actinic Keratosis: Rough, scaly skin patch caused by long-term sun exposure.
- Cherry Angiomas: Small, bright red benign skin growth from blood vessels.
- Cysts: A sac-like structure filled with fluid.
Warts and Verrucae
- Common Warts: Typically found on hands and knees.
- Plantar Warts (Verrucae): Painful warts on the soles of the feet.
How Cryosurgery Works?
The CryoPen is designed for precise and targeted treatment of various skin lesions using nitrous oxide (N₂O) to apply a super-cold spray directly to the skin lesion, effectively freezing and destroying the unwanted tissue while preserving the surrounding healthy skin.
Thanks to its precision, the CryoPen can be used on lesion in intimate areas and around the eyes. As it is non-surgical there are not risks of scar or infection making it a low risk alternative to surgical removal.
Before and After
What to Expect During Cryosurgery
The CryoPen treatment process is quick and comfortable treatment, but mutilple treatments may be required. Here's a step-by-step outline of what you can expect:
Consultation and Treatment
Before treatment, your nurse will assess the lesion(s) to ensure CryoPen is the most appropriate solution. They will explain the procedure, discuss any risks, and answer your questions. If there's any doubt about the nature of the lesion you will be referred to The Mole Clinic.
If suitable your nurse can treat up to 3 lesions during the initial appointment time. If there are more lesions a follow-up appointment will be scheduled.
The nurse will either use a device called the CryoPen or CryoSuccess.
CryoPen®
The CryoPen applies a controlled spray of nitrous oxide for a few seconds. The treatment duration depends on the size and type of the lesion. Most small lesions only require a few seconds of application, while larger or thicker lesions may need multiple cycles with short pauses in between.
CryoSucces®
The CryoSuccess applies a glass tip which is cooled using nitrous oxide for a few seconds. The treatment duration depends on the size and type of the lesion. Most small lesions only require a few seconds of application, while larger or thicker lesions may need multiple cycles with short pauses in between.
You may feel a cold or stinging sensation during the application, but this typically subsides quickly. The nurse will choose which is the most suitable device to use for the treatment area.
Aftercare
After the procedure, the treated area will undergo a natural healing process.
Immediate Post-Treatment Effects
- The treated area may appear red and swollen immediately after the procedure.
- A blister or scab may form over the treated lesion within hours to days. This is a normal part of the healing process and should not be disturbed.
Dos and Don'ts
- Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Gently cleanse the area with water and pat it dry. Avoid applying heavy creams or ointments unless advised by the nurse.
- Wear Sun Protection: Use a high-SPF sunscreen if directed to protect the treated area from sun exposure to prevent hyperpigmentation.
- Avoid Picking or Scratching: Let the scab or crusts heal naturally to prevent scarring. These normally resolve within 2 weeks.
- Avoid Harsh Products: Refrain from using exfoliating or acidic skincare products on the treated area until fully healed.
What preparation is need for cryosurgery?
For benign lesions, no special preparation is necessary.
However, for warts or verrucae, we recommend in the days leading up to your appointment:
- Soak the lesion: Place the wart or verruca in a bowl of warm, soapy water for about 20 minutes.
- Gently exfoliate: Use a pumice stone or emery board to scrub the lesion lightly until the skin becomes rough. This helps the nitrous oxide penetrate deeper during the treatment, increasing the chances of successful removal.
- Be cautious: Avoid over-scrubbing. Stop immediately if you notice any bleeding, as you don’t want to cause discomfort or create an open wound.
This preparation helps improve the effectiveness of the treatment to achieve faster results.
Does cryosurgery have and side effects?
Common temporary side effects include redness, swelling, blistering, or scabbing at the treatment site.
Rarely, hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) or hyperpigmentation (darkening) may occur, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones.
Do you recommend cryosurgery to treat pigmentation?
No, we recommend laser and IPL treatments to treat pigmentation as it is more effective.
CryoSuccess vs CryoPen
The CryoSuccess uses a sterile glass tip, cooled by Nitrous Oxide, allowing great precision for treating skin lesions around the eye and intimate areas.
The CryoPen shoots a controlled jet of Nitrous Oxide gas directly onto the skin lesions making it less accurate for treating areas around the eye and intimate areas but faster for larger skin lesions on other body areas.
Cryosurgery vs Electrolysis
Both cryosurgery and electrolysis treatments can be used to remove benign lesions. Electrolysis uses a thermolysis current and a very fine needle to either cauterise or lift away the superficial epidermis which can be very uncomfortable. Cryosurgery is typically more comfortable and requires less appointments.
When to Expect Results
The timeline for results varies depending on the type and size of the lesion treated:
- Small Lesions: These may heal within 7-14 days, with the scab falling off naturally.
- Larger Lesions: Healing may take up to 3-4 weeks or longer.
The final results are typically evident within 4-6 weeks, though complete skin regeneration may take longer.
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Cryosurgery Prices
Treatment Options | £ |
---|---|
Consultation & treatment of 1-3 lesions - Book Online | 125* |
Follow up for 1 lesions | 75 |
Follow up for 2 lesions | 90 |
Follow up for 3 lesions | 105 |
Follow up for 4 lesions | 130 |
Follow up for 5 lesions | 145 |
Follow up for 6 lesions | 160 |
* If treatment not suitable you will only be charged the consultation fee of £50.