Cryosurgery
Liquid nitrogen is used to remove certain skin lesions in various parts of the body.
We use cryosurgery as we have found it to achieve the best results with pinpoint accuracy and minimal discomfort.

We do not perform this procedure on any lesion we suspect could be malignant. Even if a mole looks benign, we do not perform any cryosurgery on any mole unless it has been assessed under a dermatoscope. Moles are best treated with a full excision and histology.

Cryotherapy requires no anaesthesia and has less scarring than other techniques of skin removal with minimal post-op care. Treatment goes fast and can be integrated into daily practice.

Pre procedure
Prior to treatment it is important to stop any topical actives such as retinoids and exfoliating agents for at least 3 days. We also advise not to use any laser or PIL based devices in the area being treated for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after.
Procedure
During treatment, highly pressurised liquid nitrous oxide is used to destroy skin tissue. It works by causing cryogenic cell death: killing the unwanted cells with extremely cold temperatures. The penetration rate of freezing with the CryoPen® is approximately 1mm per 5 seconds, with a maximum freezing depth of 3 to 6mm depending on the used applicator. The duration of the treatment time will depend on the surface area and the thickness of the tissue being treated. Upon the clinical evaluation of the thickness of the lesion, the operator will choose an application time from 1 to 30 seconds.

CryoPen treatment is relatively pain-free, there will be a pain sensation similar to a ballpoint pen being pushed onto the skin when the nitrous oxide reaches the bottom of the lesion. There might be a little residual stinging for a few minutes after treatment. Occasionally a blister might form and persist for a few hours.

Side Effects
Cryopen Therapy is relatively low-risk and side effects and complications are usually minimal. Some side effects may occur as a result of the treatment. These include:

Pigment changes. Both hypo pigmentation (lightening of the skin) and hyper pigmentation (darkening of the skin). Both generally last a few months, but can be longer lasting

Nerve damage. Though rare, damage to nerves is possible, particularly in areas where they lie closer to the surface of the skin, such as the fingers, the wrist, and the area behind the ear. Reports suggest this will disappear within several months.

Shards of frozen humidity. The innovation of CryopenTM is the direct application of nitrous oxide under high pressure (55 bar). This high pressure jet may cause minor shards of frozen humidity in the air blown away in a circle of approximately 30cm. They will thaw the moment they would eventually touch healthy skin.

Lesions on sites with coarse terminal hair. Hair follicles are easily damaged by cryosurgery and permanent alopecia is not uncommon.

Results
Results are permanent and usually only require 1 treatment. The lesion usually takes 2-3 weeks before falling off. Please allow a full 3 weeks. Sometimes 2-3 sessions are required however verruca take 4-6 sessions. Most small common warts, tags and lesions will respond to a single treatment. However, certain types and very deep ones can be very difficult to remove and may require more than one treatment.

Aftercare
Compared to other devices such as laser, electrocautery or cold knife, cryopen offers less aftercare requirements.

Ensure you take the following precautions before your next treatment:

Do not use retinols, exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, PHAs etc) or physical exfoliants (scrubs etc) 48 hours prior to treatment.

Do not apply fake tan/gradual tanner at least 2 weeks before your treatment.

Do not have any laser/IPL treatments (hair removal or skin rejuvenation) on the

treatment area for at least 1 week prior.
Ensure you take following precautions for the next 48-72 hours after treatment:

Do not sunbathe or use other heat treatments (sunbeds, sauna, steam)

Do not take hot showers or baths

Do not swim

Do not apply makeup to the treatment area

Do not apply soap, perfumed products or heavy moisturisers to the treatment area

Do not touch or cleanse the treatment area

Do not pick at any scabs which may form

It is common to experience redness and swelling after treatment. Apply aloe vera as required over the treatment area for the next 72 hours.

Always ensure that you are applying SPF of at least 30 every 2 hours during daylight hours to all sun exposed areas and in particular to the treatment area, regardless of weather conditions.

Gently cleanse around the area and pat dry with a clean tissue/towel.

The treatment area may appear darker after your session. Any scabs or crusting which forms may take anywhere from 10-30 days to drop off. If the treatment area is below the neck, this can take up to 6 weeks. Total skin healing (fading of residual redness) may take up to 3 months.

There are no limitations on activitv except to protect the area from damage or abrasion.

Swimming and showering is not a problem