Cryotherapy

How does it Work?

Tissue cells are destroyed during the procedure when they are rapidly brought down to a low temperature forming ice crystals. The ice crystals break down the structure of the cell.

Is it painful?

There may be some tingling with the initial freezing, but most patients get an anaesthetic effect from the extreme freezing temperatures. More of a pinching sensation occurs when the area thaws out. Some patients may have some discomfort the day after the first procedure but at worse, paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually adequate to alleviate this.

Will there be scarring?

Typically Cryo Pen leaves no scarring, but could leave the least amount of scarring of any form of lesion removal because it causes the least damage to the connective tissue. The area of skin treated will appear lighter than the surrounding skin which usually darkens over time.

How many treatments are required?

For most conditions, Cryo Pen is a permanent removal. Some conditions are harder to remove than others, and in delicate areas a shorter freeze time with repeat procedures may be required to achieve a final result with the least damage to surrounding skin. In other cases, where the condition is deep (such as stubborn warts or verrucas) several aggressive treatments may be required to achieve total removal.

How long does a single freeze take?

Freeze time varies depending on the type of lesion. A typical freeze time is between 5 seconds for small flat warts to 30 seconds for a large full thickness lesion. For general purposes most lesions take about 15 seconds.

What are the main advantages of Cryo Pen?

No contact with dangerous cryogenic gases or liquids

Immediate treatment without referral

Low risk procedure

Simple, safe, effective treatment with little discomfort

What are the series of events after the Cryo Pen procedure?

During the procedure the area freezes and turns white. After the white area thaws, a flushing occurs that turns the area red. This thawing is associated with a pinching sensation or a dull ache as a wheal is formed. This wheal could develop into a water blister that may rupture naturally (do not force rupture) within 24-48 hours and within 3-5 days the area will begin to form a scab. During this time it is important that the area is kept clean and dry to prevent infection. The scab will fall off in approximately 1-2 weeks. Depending on the extent of the freeze a new scab may reform and the process will repeat itself. The lesion will be completely healed in 2-6 weeks. After primary healing occurs the area may be whiter than the surrounding tissue, usually this re-pigments over time.

What are the possible side effects and risks involved?

A blister or scabbing can form up to 48 hours after treatment. An antibiotic cream or ointment can be used. Other short term effects include bruising, superficial crusting, and discomfort.

Hyperpigmentation (browning) and hypopigmentation (lightening) can occur with some people. These conditions usually resolve within 2-12 months. Permanent colour change is a rare risk but is possible. Vigilant care must be taken to avoid sun exposure (tanning beds included) before and after the treatments to reduce the risk of colour change. A physical sun block (with zinc) must be applied when sun exposure is necessary to protect the pigmented area. There is no guarantee that the area will fully re-pigment. However for most individuals it does if the skin is not exposed to tanning elements. Follow up care is available to help stimulate re-pigmentation if necessary.

Infection is not usual after treatment but can occur whenever the skin is broken. Should any kind of infection occur, your practitioner must be notified and prescribe antibiotics if appropriate.