Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy

What is Cryotherapy?
The term Cryotherapy literally means “treatment using low temperature” and refers to the removal of lesions by freezing them with liquid nitrogen.

What lesions can be treated?

Pigmentation (Age Spots or Solar Lentignes) which are flat areas similar to a large freckle.

Skin Tags showing as loose extensions of skin tissue found mostly in areas of the body where friction occurs, for example in folds of the skin or caused by clothing or jewellery.

Cherry Angiomas, also known as Campbell De Morgan spots have the appearance similar to a blood blister.

Milia can be small hard white lumps under the skin and which are symptomatic of lipid dry skin.

How is it performed?
The liquid nitrogen is sprayed directly onto the lesion until the lesion, and a small rim around it, turns white. The procedure usually takes between 10 – 30 seconds, although this does depend on the thickness and size of the lesion.

Will it hurt?
90% of people will feel some stinging or burning during the procedure. This may continue until the area thaws (1-2 minutes) but should settle down within a few minutes. However, some patients experience discomfort for up to an hour. If you experience mild pain after your treatment, painkillers (such as paracetamol) are recommended.

Are there any side effects?
The area treated is frozen by Cryotherapy. This kills the localised cells in the area which cause them to shrivel and die. The treated area may go darker over a few weeks, but will return to normal pigmented skin in about 6 weeks.

How safe is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a relatively low-risk procedure. It delivers a freeze directly to the area, and not the healthy surrounding tissue. The Cryotherapy device is both CE and FDA registered.