Cryotherapy

Minimally invasive treatment which works to quickly and effectively remove damaged tissue from the body

Cryotherapy is the use of extremely cold temperatures via a chemical called liquid nitrogen to freeze and consequently remove lesions which sit on the skin surface.

Cryotherapy may be indicated to treat many different types of lesions, such as sun-damaged skin, certain types of dark spots, seborrhoeic keratosis, age spots, viral warts and other benign skin growths.

Cryotherapy is an effective treatment used to remove abnormal tissue growth both on and underneath the skin. Typically, cryotherapy is a popular treatment used to remove lesions such as viral warts on the skin surface. Usually, lesions like this can be uncomfortable and can also cause some aesthetic concern leading to many patients wanting to have these removed. Additionally, in the case of viral warts, these can be highly contagious and therefore many patients choose to have these removed to avoid the spread. Cryotherapy can be used to remove cancerous lesions such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas to avoid any further implications or spreading as a result of the cancer.

Occasionally and in selected cases, cryotherapy may be used to treat small skin cancers such as basal cell carcinomas and Bowen’s disease.

The dermatologist will apply the freezing agent called liquid nitrogen to the area of the skin. As this extreme cold is applied, the lesion will begin to freeze and as a result, the cells which make up the lesion subsequently die leading to the eventual removal of the skin lesion. The procedure is extremely quick due to the intensity of the freezing and following the freezing you may be left with a burn or blister on the surface, but this will eventually scab and fall off the skins surface typically in the following one to two weeks. Depending on the nature of the lesion, more than one treatment may be necessary, and this is usually repeated at regular intervals.

During the cryotherapy procedure, there may be some minor pain as the area is frozen due to the intensity of the cold. Following the procedure, the area may feel sore as a result of any blistering or wounding left over from the intense freezing. In some cases, local anaesthetic may be used and therefore no pain or discomfort will be felt during the procedure. After, the area may feel tender and sore, but this should alleviate after 1 week.

Procedure Overview

Functional and aesthetic procedure used to freeze and subsequently remove damaged tissue on the body
Liquid nitrogen is used as a result of its ability to reach extremely cold temperatures
Most commonly used to remove lesions such as viral warts and basal cell carcinomas
Extremely quick procedure as freezing takes a matter of seconds
Treated area may feel sore and tender for the week following surgery as the skin has experienced trauma through the intense freezing
Typical procedure costs start from £150
You will have an initial consultation with an expert specialist in this area

The actual cryotherapy procedure takes a few seconds to complete. Due to the intensity of the freezing agent, the area is treated and frozen extremely quickly.

A cryotherapy procedure cost varies for each patient and during your initial consultation with one of our expert specialists they will be able to discuss the price for the treatment.

"Dr Bhargava is very clear in his explanations and always has a way of putting you at your ease."

"Dr De Mozzi was so professional and I was impressed with her knowledge and skills. Not only she took the time to listen, but she also explained clearly what was going on with my skin and what my treatment options were. I felt at ease and reassured throughout the process, and I am really happy with my treatment. Thank you Dr De Mozzi!"

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