Cryotherapy Frequently asked questions

Application time is 1 to 30 seconds, usually with one or two passes per treatment – depending on your individual assessment. Application for small lesions like skin tags & milia is just a few seconds. We usually book a 30 minute appointment session, which give us time to do a full consultation before your treatment.

The cost of treatment will depend on the type of imperfection and the size of the area. Individual costs can be discussed over the phone or at a face to face consultation. You may require more than one session depending on your response to the treatment – should this be required, we offer this at a discounted rate.

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Cryotherapy is a low-risk procedure. Cryotherapy delivers N2O directly to the area, and not the healthy surrounding tissue.

It is virtually painless. The accuracy of Cryotherapy means that healthy skin around the site of the lesion is less likely to be effected, and therefore it is not painful. Treatment is generally very well tolerated, even with those with a low pain threshold. The sensation is similar to a stinging nettle on the skin when the nitrous oxide reaches the bottom of the area, but this vanishes quickly. There might be a little residual stinging for a few minutes after treatment.

The area will be slightly itchy for about ten minutes. Occasionally a blister might form and persist for a few hours.

After care is minimal as there is no wound or raw area. However, a small blister is not uncommon in the first 24 hours, this is reabsorbed by the skin quickly. The lesion will dry up, assume a darker colour and slough off in 1 to 2 weeks. It is very important not to pick at the area as this will increase healing time.

Healing occurs from 1-6 weeks depending on depth of and size of lesion. Lesions usually assume a darker colour (this is the dead cells), as the skin regenerates underneath it will slough or flake away.

Generally no. Cryotherapy preserves the tissue matrix which is relatively cold resistant, and therefore allows for proper cosmetic healing with minimal scarring. This will of course depend on your skin type, and how well you follow the aftercare advice.Hypo-pigmentation in the area (a small pink patch of skin, where new skin has formed, that is lighter in colour) may be visible for 2-6 months. This color loss may take longer to return in darker pigmented skin.

Hypo-pigmentation in the area (a small pink patch of skin, where new skin has formed, that is lighter in colour) may be visible for 2-6 months. This color loss may take longer to return in darker pigmented skin.

Repeated short freezing cycles recommended if you have a darker skin type. This just means that you may need two sessions spaced a few weeks apart to remove your lesion rather than just one.

Yes, because of the reduced discomfort, we are often able to treat younger patients without distress. You will be asked to fill in a parental consent form before your child’s treatment.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with auto-immune disorders or cold sensitivity are not suitable for treatment. It is not suitable for those that suffer from keloid scarring.