Cryotherapy

The duration of the treatment time will depend on the surface area and the thickness of the tissue being treated. Upon the clinical evaluation of the depth of the area, the clinician will choose an application time from one to 30 seconds. Successful results can be seen after one treatment, however, on some occasions multiple treatments may be required to achieve the desired results.  

The area treated is frozen by Cryotherapy. This kills the localised cells in the area which cause them to shrivel and die. The treated area may go darker over a few weeks, but will return to normal pigmented skin in about six weeks. It is possible for a blister to occur – this is ok. Simply follow the aftercare instructions.

There will be a pain sensation similar to a stinging nettle on the skin when the nitrous oxide reaches the bottom of the area. There might be a little residual stinging for a few minutes after treatment – this is normal. The area will appear red and a little raised immediately after treatment.

Cryotherapy is a relatively low-risk procedure. It delivers a freeze directly to the area and not the healthy surrounding tissue. The Cryotherapy device is both CE- and FDA-registered. 

Treatment is usually painless or with slight discomfort. Immediately after the treatment, you may experience any of the following:

• Inflammation: This is normal and is part of the healing process.

• 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 and likely scab before being replaced with new fresh, pink cells. 

Most healing is straight forward and occurs without problem. Healing will take place in four to six 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 six 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 four weeks. If not, please wait until it has done so before contacting the clinic.

Blisters may form with any treatment to the skin and can happen to anyone and 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.

• 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.

• Do not use scrubs on the area as this will damage the surface of the skin.

• You may continue to wash, bathe and shower as normal. Pat the area dry afterwards – do not rub dry. You may continue to use cosmetics, deodorants and perfume as normal.

• It is important that you use sun block (factor 50) following treatment of any pigmented lesions to prevent them repigmenting.

• Headaches are not uncommon when freezing on the forehead, scalp and temples and can last for two 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. This is due to melanocytes (pigment cells) getting over-excited.

• 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. 

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

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 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, including UV light for 48 hours. Post 48 hours, cover the treated area. 
• Do 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, including 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 a 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+.

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