Cryotherapy
Superficial skin lesions, such as warts and skin tags, are extremely common. Some patients may wish to have these treated, particularly if they are causing symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
Expert dermatologists here at Self London will first thoroughly assess your lesion to ensure that it is non-cancerous (benign) before determining the best course of action in terms of treatment. In many cases, this is cryotherapy, a freezing treatment using liquid nitrogen.
How does cryotherapy work?
Liquid nitrogen, at a temperature of -196°C, is applied to the affected skin with the utmost care and safety in order to freeze the lesion away.
How long is the procedure?
Cryotherapy is very simple and straightforward and treatment takes seconds to minutes. Sometimes multiple applications of the liquid nitrogen might be undertaken within the same treatment session, but most patients are in and out within 10-15 minutes.
How many treatments do I need?
Usually only one treatment session is required, though this depends on the number, types and locations of the lesions. In general terms, skin lesions which are thicker and larger are more likely to require repeat sessions to fully remove.
What results can I expect?
The treated area is likely to be red and you may experience slight discomfort. Over the next few days, a scab will form at the treated site which should heal in about a week.
What is the recovery time?
No downtime is usually required and all activities can be resumed as normal. Depending on the location of the area to be treated, however, it may not be advisable to undertake this treatment shortly before a major social event due to the risk of scabbing.
What are the side-effects?
Scab formation is a natural part of the healing process, together with slight redness, swelling and potential blistering. These symptoms should soon subside as the skin heals. However, there is sometimes the chance of skin discolouration at the treated site.
Who is suitable for cryotherapy?
If you suffer with a stubborn skin lesion that you’d rather live without, there is a very high chance that cryotherapy would offer safe, effective results for you. The best way to determine the most appropriate course of action for your treatment is to book a bespoke consultation with one of Self London’s expert dermatologists.
How much does cryotherapy cost?
The cost of cryotherapy varies according to the size of the treatment area and the number of sessions required. A single treatment session starts at £150.
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