Cryotherapy is a quick and safe skin tag removal technique for removing skin growths such as skin tags and warts. The process is easy, comfortable and over in a matter of minutes. After the treatment, your warts, skin tags or other lesions will scab over and fall off within one to two weeks. Sometimes they require a second or third session, dependant on the size of them.
Although most skin lesions are harmless, having them may leave you feeling self-conscious and keen to improve this aspect of your appearance. You may also find lesions such as skin tags or warts irritating or even painful because of their position.
Many people believe that they can remove skin lesions at home, but this can be painful, dangerous and leave unsightly scarring. Skin tag and wart removal with cryotherapy at the hands of a skilled medical professional is simple, easy and associated with fewer risks than any other method of removal, including surgical incisions. Research also shows that cryotherapy can stimulate your immune system and boost the health of your surrounding skin cells.
During your cryotherapy treatment, we will apply liquid nitrogen to your skin tag using a special spray gun. You may feel a few seconds of discomfort but not enough to require a local anaesthetic. The frozen skin of the lesion will turn white before taking one to two minutes to thaw to normal skin temperature. Depending on the size and thickness of the lesion, we may need to repeat the process once your skin has thawed out.
Over the next few days following your cryotherapy treatment, a scab will form over your skin lesion. This will typically take between one to two weeks to fall off, but it can take longer if the lesion is on your leg. All being well, the lesion will have gone and your skin will look normal. However, sometimes people do need a second treatment or even follow-up treatments at regular intervals. During your initial consultation and following your treatment, we’ll be able to give you a better idea of what to expect in your individual case.
Cryotherapy is usually well-tolerated, but you may experience some pain and discomfort if a deep freeze is necessary, although it generally isn’t with skin tag or wart removal. If you do feel any discomfort, you may want to take painkillers, such as paracetamol, for the first 24 hours post-treatment.
You may also experience some swelling and redness at the treatment site, but this should settle down without intervention after two to three days. For a short while, the treated area may also ooze a little watery fluid.
Blistering sometimes occurs, but this should settle down once a scab forms. Some people blister more easily than others in response to the freezing.
In rare cases, infection can occur and may need antibiotics. If you think you might have an infection at the treatment site, do contact us for advice.
Some people experience scarring, pigmentation changes, and numbness at the treatment site but these side effects are rare and usually improve over time. Again, if you have any questions about your skin lesion removal, please do give us a call.
Most people are able to get on with their usual activities straight away but if you feel any discomfort you may want to take some downtime.
After any treatment, we’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions that relate to your procedure, so you know what to do and what to expect.
Generally speaking, we may suggest that you apply Vaseline to protect the treated area. If wetted, the scabs should be patted dry with a soft towel or tissue. It is important not to pick at any scabs to reduce the risk of scarring. If your skin lesion scab is in a position where it keeps getting knocked or rubbed by clothing, you may want to wear a plaster to protect it.
Your happiness and satisfaction is of paramount importance to us. After your treatment, you will be given a 24-hour contact telephone number so you can get in touch at any time should you have any worries or concerns.