lesion removal & aftercare

Cryotherapy

Treatment is usually painless, or with slight discomfort. Initially, immediately after the treatment has been applied, you may get any of the following:

• Redness due to the initial inflammation, this is normal and is part of the healing process. The area may also be slightly raised 

• You may get a small dry scab - do not pick or pull the scab, allow it to come away by itself 

• Itching may occur, usually within a few minutes of treatment. It usually lasts only a few minutes but may last up to ½ an hour. It is due to release of histamine, and is totally normal in treatment of this kind 

• Once cells are destroyed, the area will darken before being replaced with new fresh, pink cells.

• Blistering is a common side effect form the treatment. Do not pop the blister - it will go down on its own. 

BLISTERING:

Blisters may form with any treatment to the skin and can happen to anyone. Any blisters which do form, may last just a few hours or a few days dependent on the location that has been treated but will not affect the outcome of the treatment.

• If blistering does occur, it is regarded as a normal occurrence. Do not pop the blister - it will go down on its own. 

• Should it burst, use an alcohol-free wipe to clean the area, and apply a smear of antiseptic cream. It may also be covered with a dressing/plaster 

FOLLOWING TREATMENT WITH CRYOTHERAPY DO NOT: 

• Scratch or pick the treated area - this will cause the area to take longer to heal and may cause damage to the skin 

• Use scrubs on the area, as this will damage the surface of the skin. 

GENERAL HEALING EXPECTATIONS 

• Most healing is straightforward and occurs without problem

• Most healing will take place in 4 to 6 weeks, however it may sometimes take longer than this, as all skin varies, and can take longer to regenerate 

• Any treatments that take longer than 6 weeks to heal may need to be reviewed by your GP or clinic nurse 

• If your immune system is compromised, you may still have treatment, BUT healing may take longer, and you may  require further treatment 

• If the area treated is tanned, the treatment will remove the tanning and the skin will need to repigment to the  tanned colour. The small dry crusting that forms should come away after 4 weeks, if not please wait until it has  done so before contacting the clinic/salon 

• During the healing time you may shower/wash as normal and use your usual cosmetics, including makeup,  deodorants and moisturising creams.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

It is important that you use sunscreen 50+ following treatment of any pigmented lesions to prevent them re-pigmenting. 

RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS

Some side effects may occur as a result of the treatment. These include: 

• Headaches are not uncommon when freezing on the forehead, scalp and temples and can last for 2 hours. • Pigment changes. Both hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and hyperpigmentation (darkening of  the skin). Both generally last a few months, but can be longer lasting. 

• Nerve damage. Though rare, damage to nerves is possible, particularly in areas where they lie closer  to the surface of the skin, such as the fingers, the wrist, and the area behind the ears. Reports suggest this will disappear within several months. 

• A blister may appear in the treated area and can last anything from a few hours to a few days, dependent on the area to be treated. 

• Shards of frozen ice. The innovation of Cryotherapy is the direct application of Nitrous Oxide under  high pressure (55 bar). This high pressure jet may cause minor shards of frozen ice in the air blown away in a circle of approximately 30cm. They will thaw the moment they would eventually touch  healthy skin. 

• Treatments on sites with coarse terminal hair. Hair follicles are easily damaged by Cryosurgery and  permanent alopecia is not uncommon

Advanced Electrolysis

Post advanced electrolysis treatment, the skin will be prone to infection due to the heat and tissue destruction, to avoid infection the area should be kept clean, dry and you must refrain from touching the area. You must also follow the following aftercare; 

• Do not pick, rub or scrub the area and avoid picking the scabs in order to avoid scarring and infection. 
• Avoid flying in the 48 hours post treatments and avoid sun exposure Inc. UV light for 48 hours, post 48 hours cover the treated area. 
• not swim until the area is healed and do not partake in excessive exercise which will result in sweat making contact with the treated area for up to 14 days. 
• Avoid heat treatments Inc. saunas, hot showers/baths, steam rooms etc. for up to 14 days to avoid infection. 
• The treated area may be washed 48 hour post treatment with very gentle cleanser and must be left to dry naturally or pat dry. 
• You may apply Aloe Vera or Witch Hazel if required but avoid applying makeup or perfumed products until the treated area is healed. 
• Always wear a minimum SPF30+.

RISKS & REACTIONS:

• You may experience slight redness in the hours after getting the treatment.
• The treated area is likely to scab over when healing.
• If you have highly reactive, sensitive skin you're likely to experience irritation.