CRYOTHERAPY FOR SKIN LESIONS, WARTS, SKIN TAGS, SUN DAMAGE, SCARS, AND SPOTS
Cryotherapy uses nitrous oxide or extreme cold to treat a wide range of skin conditions. It can remove unsightly spots, blemishes and minor scars. With no need for anaesthesia, pain meds, or surgery, it is an effective and popular treatment for skin conditions, pain relief, and muscle injuries.
WHAT IS CRYOTHERAPY?
Cryotherapy involves using nitrous oxide in controlled quantities to freeze off diseased cells and damaged skin. The cold therapy temperature on the affected area freezes the skin tissue and effectively removes the abnormal growth or discolouration. There is no danger to healthy skin cells or tissues surrounding it.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE CRYOTHERAPY PROCEDURE?
Your treatment starts with a consultation with your clinician or dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment for your skin condition. You could have several sessions or more, depending on how your skin responds. For example, wart removal is a quick process and doesn’t take more than 1 or 2 sessions.
The procedure involves using a canister of nitrous oxide equipped with precise nozzles for targeted and controlled application. The clinician applies the nitrous oxide for about 20 to 30 seconds to freeze the affected area. The freeze cycle is repeated several times to get effective results. After the treatment, the area scabs over, and the damaged skin tissue falls out. New and healthy skin tissue forms and blemishes lighten and disappear.
The entire process doesn’t take more than 5 minutes and takes place in-clinic. The dosage of the nitrous oxide depends on the depth, size and type of your skin condition. The number of treatments varies for each patient on their recovery time and skin’s response to the cryotherapy treatment.
The CryoIQ PRO devices
We use the CryoIQ PRO devices for our cryotherapy treatments. It’s the most effective and safest device to use for cryo surgery and skin treatments. It is handheld and portable and comes with a collection of tips and nozzles for high-precision applications. It offers safe usage with filled cartridges of nitrous oxide. There is no risk of leakages, and the device assures secure and safe handling of the gases.
The different size tips offer high accuracy and consistent freeze temperatures. CryoIQ PRO device also has double application features that include both spray and contact freeze options. They allow a constant freezing temperature of 89⁰C/129⁰C and a high freezing power that takes only 25 seconds. The CryoIQ devices are suitable for all types of skin treatments and lesions, offering a safe and painless treatment for numerous skin conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect after a cryotherapy treatment session?
After the treatment, your skin will become red and may swell and blister. The healing will start after three days, and the area will scab over. The scab will fall off as soon as the skin heals without leaving a scar.
What aftercare do I need after cryotherapy?
The area must be washed with mild soap after treatment and kept clean and dry. You might also need to apply a fragrance-free moisturiser like Vaseline to keep it from crusting. Even if you develop a crust, petroleum jelly will help with the healing until it falls off. Leave the area uncovered, just keeping it as clean as possible. Avoid the use of fragranced products and makeup till the area fully heals. Clean any drainage as it happens and contact your practitioner in case of bleeding. Also, avoid the sun and use sunscreen on the treated area after it heals.
How many cryotherapy sessions will I need?
Simple skin conditions like warts, skin tags, and cherry spots, do not need more than one treatment. But thicker lesions and deeper scarring might need at least 3 to 4 sessions or more. Your practitioner is the best person to advise you on your range of freeze cycles and the number of treatments.
Aesthetic treatments like facial and skin tightening need scheduled sessions to maintain the skin. Severe skin conditions with redness, swelling and itching also require repetitive treatments.
What are the risks and side-effects of cryotherapy treatment?
There are no known risks of cryotherapy treatments. The cryo devices offer safe and controlled application of freeze therapy under the supervision of trained practitioners. Only the affected area is treated, and there is no risk to the healthy skin cells or tissue.
At the most, as mentioned above, you will experience redness and scabbing. The healing begins within 2 to 3 days after treatment.
Is it painful?
Most patients experience slight stinging and discomfort. Just compare it to putting ice on your skin, but with a higher intensity. The numbness that comes with cold therapy dulls any slight pain you may feel. The more you have cryotherapy treatment, you more you tend to get used to any slight discomfort that you may associate with it.
Who is cryotherapy suitable for?
Cryotherapy is suitable for most healthy adults and minors. But pregnant women or people with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, Raynaud’s syndrome, and asthmatic and lung conditions should generally avoid treatment. Your doctor or consultant, who has a complete record of your medical history will be able to guide you on this. Always seek medical advice before contacting the cryotherapy clinician.
Do I require any special preparation before treatment?
No, there are no required preps before treatment. You don’t need to do anything in terms of medication or skin prepping. There are also no diet or physical restrictions before and after the treatment.
How much of a gap should there be between each cryo treatment?
Again, it depends on your skin condition and healing. The standard time between each treatment is one to three weeks.
What is the cost?
Prices from £50 per treatment.
Give us a call if you have any questions.
Or book an appointment online today.
