CryoPen London for Benign Skin Lesion Removal

Skin tags

Skin tags are small, soft growths that commonly develop around the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin or areas where skin and clothing rub together.

Although usually harmless, they can catch, become irritated or make you feel self-conscious. CryoPen may be used on suitable skin tags following assessment.

Cherry angiomas

Cherry angiomas are small red or purple spots formed by clusters of blood vessels. They are common and usually benign.

Cryotherapy may be considered for suitable cherry angiomas, although their size, location and appearance must be assessed first.

Age spots and sun spots

Flat areas of increased pigmentation may become more noticeable with age and cumulative sun exposure.

Some suitable, clearly identified age or sun spots may respond to CryoPen. Pigmented lesions must be assessed carefully because cryotherapy can also cause lighter or darker pigmentation after treatment.

Seborrhoeic keratoses

Seborrhoeic keratoses are common benign growths that can appear waxy, rough or stuck onto the skin.

CryoPen may be suitable for certain lesions, although thicker or larger growths can require more than one treatment.

Milia

Milia are small, firm, white bumps formed when keratin becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin.

Depending on their location and presentation, your practitioner will advise whether CryoPen or another removal method would be more appropriate.

Warts and verrucas

Some warts and verrucas may respond to cryotherapy. These lesions can be persistent and may require several appointments rather than disappearing after one treatment.

Your practitioner will also assess whether the lesion is appropriate for treatment within the clinic.

Your practitioner will assess the lesion and explain the expected response before proceeding. The area will be cleansed, and protective measures may be used where necessary.

The CryoPen applicator is positioned close to the lesion before a short, controlled burst of nitrous oxide freezes the targeted tissue. Depending on the type and depth of the lesion, your practitioner may allow it to thaw before repeating the freeze.

You may feel intense cold, tingling, stinging or a brief burning sensation. Some tenderness can remain for a short period afterwards.

The freezing itself may take only seconds, although your complete appointment will include assessment, preparation and aftercare guidance.

Immediately after treatment, the area may appear red, pale, swollen or slightly raised. A blister can form, sometimes containing clear fluid or blood. The lesion may then darken and develop a crust or scab.

Do not pull, pick or scratch the treated tissue. It needs to separate naturally.

Healing time varies according to the lesion, its location, the depth of treatment and your individual skin response. Superficial areas may settle relatively quickly, while deeper lesions can take several weeks to heal completely.

Some lesions respond to one appointment. Others, particularly thicker growths, warts and verrucas, may require further treatment after the skin has healed. Removal and permanence cannot be guaranteed, and a lesion may occasionally recur.

Expected reactions can include:

• Redness and swelling
• Tenderness or stinging
• Blistering
• Crusting or scabbing
• Temporary skin sensitivity
• A lighter or darker mark after healing

Less common risks include infection, prolonged pigment change, textural change or scarring.

Pigment-producing cells are sensitive to cold. This means hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation can occur after cryotherapy, with a potentially greater visible contrast in darker skin tones.

Your practitioner will discuss this risk honestly before treatment. In some cases, the possibility of a permanent colour change may outweigh the cosmetic benefit of removing the lesion.

Before treatment

Before your appointment:

• Do not pick, cut or attempt to remove the lesion yourself
• Avoid arriving with irritated, sunburnt or broken skin
• Tell your practitioner about medication and medical conditions
• Report any history of cold sensitivity, poor circulation or abnormal scarring
• Seek medical assessment if the lesion is new, changing, bleeding or uncertain

After treatment

Follow the personalised instructions provided by your practitioner.

You should generally:

• Keep the area clean and avoid unnecessary touching
• Protect it from friction, rubbing and injury
• Leave any blister, crust or scab intact
• Avoid applying unapproved acids or active skincare
• Protect the healing area from sunlight
• Use the recommended sun protection once appropriate
• Avoid swimming, saunas and activities that expose broken skin to contamination until the area is sufficiently healed

If a blister opens, keep the area clean and contact the clinic for guidance. Seek medical advice if you experience increasing pain, spreading redness, heat, pus, fever or another sign of infection.

Treatment may be unsuitable or require additional caution if you:

• Have an unidentified or suspicious lesion
• Have an active infection, open wound or inflammatory skin flare in the area
• Have impaired circulation or sensation
• Have cold urticaria, Raynaud’s disease or another significant sensitivity to cold
• Have uncontrolled diabetes or a condition that affects healing
• Are prone to keloid or abnormal scarring
• Take medication that affects healing, immunity or bleeding
• Have recently treated or traumatised the area
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

This is not a complete list. Your suitability will be assessed during consultation, and medical clearance may sometimes be required.

CryoPen treatment starts from £85 for up to three suitable lesions.

The final price may depend on the number, type, size, depth and location of the lesions. If further sessions are required, your practitioner will explain the expected cost before continuing.

A separate mole-screening fee may apply when a lesion requires dermatologist assessment before cosmetic treatment.