What is CryoPen®/Cryotherapy
Are you concerned by any kind of skin imperfection/lesion? CryoPen Therapy can help you eliminate them for good with minimal fuss and worry. This revolutionary method uses extreme cold to destroy tissue. The process is called Cryo-necrosis, tissue destruction by freezing. CryoPen freezes skin imperfections, eventually leaving you with fresh and clear skin. Procedures are quick, safe and very effective, and require no surgery.
CryoPen® Therapy can be used to treat any benign skin imperfections such as:
- Skin tags
- Pigmentation
- Solar lentigo
- Age spots
- Milia
- Warts
- Cherry angioma
- Viral verrucae
- Moles *
*If you are unsure whether a mole is benign (non-cancerous) and have not had it checked by a GP, we also offer a mole screening service. Contact us for more details.
How does it work?
CryoPen® is a medical device which delivers nitrous oxide to the skin imperfection, causing its underlying tissue to crystalise, shatter, and then eventually die. The skin lesion’s DNA is also destroyed during the process, ensuring that results are permanent. The CryoPen® is held as close as possible to the skin lesion and moved quickly towards and away from it. A key benefit of CryoPen® treatments is its accuracy; the tip sizes are interchangeable which means nitrous oxide is applied at millimeter precision, therefore surrounding healthy skin is not affected.
How long do procedures last?
A 20-minute appointment is booked, although the procedure times vary depending on the size and depth of the skin lesion, the freezing treatment lasts between one to thirty seconds. The skin lesion is usually treated with the freeze, thaw, freeze technique.
How long before you see results?
Over time, the cells targeted in cryotherapy sessions will shrivel and die. It typically takes a few weeks for you to see the final result, however, this can vary depending on the size and type of the lesion. For example, skin tags turn black at the base and normally drop off after 2-4 weeks, whereas age spots will go dark and flake off in around 10 days. Some skin lesions will require more than one treatment.
What is the downtime?
As the treated area heals some minor side-effects may be experienced. These include sensitivity in the treated area and possible minor blistering, which may last a few days. The CryoPen® device provides the best protection against blistering. Avoid touching or picking at the treated area following a procedure. While the skin is healing, the area may also appear darker in color. This is normal and the skin will soon return to your natural tones.
Does it hurt?
Any discomfort with CryoPen® treatment is relatively minimal. You may experience a slight stinging/itching sensation during treatment. This is caused by the nitrous oxide striking its target and only lasts a few seconds. Mild stinging or itching may last for a minute or two afterwards.
How many treatments are needed?
Generally, one CryoPen® treatment is enough. However, depending on the type of skin lesion being treated, a follow-up procedure may be required; this will be monitored and advised by your practitioner.
Who is suitable for this treatment?
CryoPen® treatment is quick, efficient, and relatively risk-free. The treatment is suitable for the majority of people. Some autoimmune and collagen disorders are contraindicated, and darker skin types should be treated with caution. CryoPen® is not suitable for women during pregnancy. A consultation with your medical practitioner will be carried out prior to any treatment.
What is the aftercare?
The area should be kept clean and dry whilst the healing process takes place. Aloe Vera may be applied to the surrounding tissue. There are no limits to activities post-treatment; aftercare advice will be given and discussed at your appointment.