Question 1

How safe is cryotherapy with Cryopen™?

Accepted Answer

Cryotherapy is a low-risk procedure. Cryopen™ delivers N2O directly to the area, and not the healthy surrounding tissue. Cryopen™ is both CE and FDA registered.

Question 2

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

It is virtually painless. The accuracy of Cryopen™ means that healthy skin around the site of the lesion is less likely to be effected, and therefore it is not painful.
 
Treatment is generally very well tolerated, even with those with a low pain threshold. The sensation is similar to a stinging nettle on the skin when the nitrous oxide reaches the bottom of the area, but this vanishes quickly.
 
There might be a little residual stinging for a few minutes after treatment. The area will be slightly itchy for about ten minutes. Occasionally a blister might form and persist for a few hours. This is NOT to be confused with traditional Cryotherapy, which can be very painful as it usually hits healthy tissue.

Question 3

Will it leave a scar?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. Cryosurgery with Cryopen™ preserves the tissue matrix which is relatively cold resistant, and therefore allows for proper cosmetic healing with minimal scarring. This will of course depend on your skin type, and how well you follow the aftercare advice. Hypo-pigmentation in the area (a small pink patch of skin, where new skin has formed, that is lighter in colour) may be visible for 2-6 months. This color loss may take longer to return in darker pigmented skin.

Question 4

Lesion assessment service Q&A (Map My Mole)

Accepted Answer

How does it work?
1) We will ask you some questions about your skin and the lesion
2) We'll take a series of images of your skin, using a special lens, some detailed images of your mole or lesion.
3) A consultant dermatologist at Map my Mole will review your answers and images, You'll receive a digital copy of your report with their findings and advice on what steps to take next.

What happens if the report finds a suspicious mole or lesion?
If a consultant thinks the mole or lesion is of concern, they will ask you to see your GP or a dermatologist. Map My Mole will also phone you to check that you have read and understood your report.

Where will my results be sent?
You will be emailed your report. Optionally, you'll also be able to share a copy of your report with the clinic, although this is not required.

Who can use this service?
Anyone can use this service.

How long does it take to get my results?
Once we have completed your submission, you will receive a copy of your report within 48 hours.

What's included on my report?
Your report will include the consultant dermatologist's opinion on what your mole or skin lesion is and advice on what steps you should take next.

What happens if you think it's skin cancer?
Skin cancer diagnosis requires a biopsy, and cannot be diagnosed from images. If the dermatologist thinks a mole or lesion is concerning, they will ask you to see your GP or a dermatologist. This does not necessarily mean that you have skin cancer, but does mean that it needs further investigation.

Most GPs will take the action recommended by our consultant without needing to see you first. All our consultants also work in the NHS and are on the General Medical Council register of Dermatology Specialists so GPs know they are very experienced.

Your GP may give you a prescription or refer you to the Dermatology department at your local hospital.

Who is Map My Mole?
Map My Mole, by Community Dermatology Limited, is a private service that offers remote assessments of moles and lesions by consultant dermatologists. Map My Mole is proud to be partnering with clinics across the UK to bring skin safety checks to every high street.

The Map My Mole service is aligned with the British Association of Dermatologists teledermatology guidelines.

Question 5

Solar Lentigo, Sun Spots and Pigmentation"

Accepted Answer

To protect itself from the damaging effects of the sun, your skin increases its production of the dark brown pigment called melanin. The extra melanin makes your skin look darker or sun-tanned. In some cases, the sun causes an uneven increase in melanin production, which produces irregular coloring or pigmentation of the skin.
 
Lentigo or lentigines may evolve slowly over years, or they may appear suddenly. They may occur anywhere on the body and vary in colour from tan-brown to black.
 
They may require a few treatments with CryoPen. The area will go darker after treatment, and flake/slough away to reveal new skin.

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Question 6

Skin Tags (Fibroepithelial polyp/papilloma)

Accepted Answer

Skin Tags are a common fibrous skin condition found in areas of friction such as the armpits, under the breasts, groin or around the neck where necklaces or collars may irritate. They often present with a neck like a mushroom and vary in size from a tiny speck, smaller than a grain of uncooked rice, to the size of a large pea or larger. They are viral in nature (Human Papilloma Virus HPV) and whilst not infectious they can proliferate on individuals with some people suffering from hundreds of them. 
 
Cryopen works like advanced electrolysis but using a freezing technique instaed of heat. it is a quick, easy way of removing skin tages of all sizes, in a safe and effective manner.  
There are two different methods of skin tag removal for different types of tags:
1) Small skin tags with no neck: The fine jet of nitrous oxide is applied to the skin tag, this freezes and falls off over the next couple of days.
2) Larger skin tags with a neck: The skin tag is lifted with tweezers and
the neck of the tag is frozen, the tag then falls off in a couple of days.

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Question 7

Small Blood Spots (Campbell de Morgan Spots or Cherry Angioma)

Accepted Answer

They present themselves as slightly raised or dome shaped red spots and are of unknown origin. They are mostly seen on the trunk in middle aged and elderly clients and are even more common in men than women. Larger ones (50p size+) will need more than one treatment. Smaller ones often disappear at time of treatment.
 
Cryopen is used to freeze the blood spot, smaller ones going instantly, larger ones taking a couple of sessions.

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Question 8

Millia

Accepted Answer

Millia are small white lumps lying superficially under the surface of the skin. They are a retention of keratin and sebaceous material within the pilosebaceous duct, eccrine sweat duct, or the sebaceous collar surrounding vellus hair. Their exact cause is unknown although they are often related to diet with a high cholesterol count, excessive Vitamin C, too rich moisturising cream and are also associated with dry skin which can be acidic.

They can all be treated easily with Cryopen freezing the lump, drying it up so that the hard keratinised centre is broken down and this will then be absorbed by the skin following treatment. This is a much gentler way to treat them, as opposed to removing them with a microlance, which can damage the skin. 
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Question 9

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

Accepted Answer

Small to medium, raised benign skin lesion which varies in colour from brown to black. They are usually found on the face, in particular around the eye area, and tend to be more common on dark-skinned individuals.
The cause is unknown, but generally appear after puberty, and grow in size and number with age. They can be hereditary.
 
The skin lesion is frozen and falls off after a couple of days. The skin can be a bit lighter in colour straight after and then this evens out, sometimes going slightly darker than the surrounding skin.

Question 10

Seborrhoeic Keratosis

Accepted Answer

Seborrhoeic keratosis is a benign, asymptomatic mass, primarily caused by the ageing process. It is also known as seborrhoeic warts, senile warts, barnacles or basal cell papilloma. They have a thick wart-like surface and are usually colourless when they appear and become brown to black over time. Seborrhoeic keratosis can be confused with other skin conditions, so it is advisable to seek a GP’s advice before visiting.
 
Freezing the mass kills the surface skin cells, this scabs and falls off and a new smoother skin is releaved underneath. This may take a few session to get the smoothest results and they can grow back and need follow on top up treatments.
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Question 11

Warts and Verrucas

Accepted Answer

Warts usually have a "cauliflower" like appearance, and commonly appear on the hands. Verrucas sometimes called plantar warts or spelled verrucae - are warts that develop on the soles of the feet. CryoPen is great at treating stubborn warts and verrucas, even if other methods have failed. They can turn dark and flake away after treatment.
 
Viral leison are more difficult to treat being the leison and the virus needs to be dealt with. Multiple treatments will be needed depending on the size and the depth. We may ask you to exfoliate any dry or hard skin from the wart/verruca before your appointment.  
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Question 12

Moles

Accepted Answer

Mole Treatment with Cryopen
Moles may be treated using Cryopen technology; however, prior written confirmation from your GP or dermatologist is required. This documentation must verify that the mole is benign and appropriate for treatment.

Our Map My Mole Assessment Service
We offer Map My Mole, a professional lesion assessment service that provides expert evaluation from UK consultant dermatologists, typically within 24-48 hours.

Using a specialist medical-grade dermatoscope, we capture detailed, magnified images of your mole or skin lesion that reveal details not visible to the naked eye.
This service is particularly beneficial for:
 • Obtaining a professional opinion when a mole has changed in size, shape, or colour, has an irregular border, is itchy or bleeding, or appears significantly different from other moles 
 • Receiving rapid expert assessment without the typical waiting times associated with NHS dermatology appointments
 • Securing the written confirmation required for Cryopen treatment
 • Digitally tracking changes in moles over time, ensuring early detection and providing peace of mind 
 • Determining whether a lesion requires further medical investigation or is suitable for aesthetic treatment

The dermatologist's report will provide an expert opinion on what the lesion represents, along with treatment recommendations where appropriate, enabling us to advise you on the most suitable next steps.

Question 13

Contraindications and After Care

Accepted Answer

CONTRAINDICATIONS 
Unfortunately not all treatments are for everyone. Please check our contraindications list to make sure you avoid disappointment.
Impaired sensation or circulation
Open wound (treatment area)
Skin Cancer (treatment area)
Hypersensitivity to cold
Recent scar tissue (treatment area)
Raynaud disease (for digit cryotherapy)
Prone to Keloid Scarring
 
AFTERCARE ADVICE​ 
Side Effects
CryoPen Therapy is relatively low risk and side effects and complications are usually minimal. Some side effects may occur as a result of the treatment. These may include:
Headaches: Not uncommon when freezing on the forehead, scalp and temples. Can last for 2 hours.
Pigment Changes: Both hypo (lightening of the skin and hyper (darkening of the skin) pigmentation. Can last a few months or longer.
Nerve Damage: Although rare, damage to nerves is possible especially where the nerves are close to the skin surface (fingers, wrist, behind the ear). Reports suggest that symptoms disappear after several months.
Blisters: These may appear on the treated area but usually disappear after a few hours.
Shards of Ice: The CryoPen delivers a high pressure jet of nitrous oxide. This jet can cause shards of ice to be thrown into the air to a distance of up to 30cm. They will thaw quickly and will not damage healthy skin.
Damage to hair follicles: Hair follicles are easily damaged by cryosurgery and permanent alopecia to the treated area is not uncommon.
​
Specific pre-treatment information for verrucae and warts:
In the days leading up to your appointment, it is a good idea to give a wart or verrucae a bit of TLC!
The treatment works best when the skin covering these lesions is soft and slightly opened. Follow the steps below to allow the treatment to work effectively:
Soak the lesion in a bowl of warm, soapy water for 20 minutes
With a pumice stone or emery board (nail file), gently scrub the lesion until the skin becomes rough.
Please do not scrub so hard that you make the area sore. Discontinue these steps if bleeding occurs. You are not trying to open a wound or cause discomfort. However, the more deeply the jet of nitrous oxide can penetrate, the better the chances of removal after one treatment are.
If you’re ready to go ahead and book your treatment, please contact Lisa to discuss a suitable appointment date.
​​
Post Treatment Information:
If you have had a treatment to remove a skin lesion, you might like to know what to expect in the coming days. While there is very little aftercare required, there are a few things you should be aware of.
​
Blisters: Blistering can happen with any cryotherapy treatment and is indiscriminate. The Cryopen is the most effective way of avoiding blisters as we are only treating the affected area and not healthy tissue. If a blister does appear, please don’t pop it. It will go down on its own. If it pops, weeping may occur. If so use a smear of Savlon or Germolene cream twice a day. An adhesive dressing such as a plaster can be used to cover the area to protect it.
Skin Tags: These turn black at the base and drop off over a period of one to six weeks. Larger skin tags of 3mm+ may need a second freeze. Please contact us after six weeks if they need to be retreated.  If the area does become tender you can use use Savlon or Germolene twice a day. A plaster can be used to cover the area to stop the treated area being irritated by clothing rubbing on it.
Warts and Verrucae: It is recommended if they are still there, warts and verrucae should be re-treated 4 weeks after your first treatment. There is no aftercare apart from if the treated area develops a blister.
Milia: These are superficial keratin filled epidermal cysts and normally flatten and disappear with Cryotherapy quite quickly. There is no need to do anything other than follow the blister advice if one appears
Pigmentation and cherry Angiomas: The treated area may raise and look like a bee-sting. Do not worry this is perfectly normal. The redness will subside in a few hours.
​
General advice for all skin lesions
In the case of all lesions, over the next 24 hours the area will go darker and develop a crust on the surface. Do not pick this off. When it naturally falls away you will see new skin which is a shiny pink colour.  This is not scarring. It will re pigment over the following weeks and could take several months.
The histamine in the area which was treated will create an itchy sensation for between ten and sixty minutes, do not worry this is perfectly normal.
Do not pick the treated area at any time after treatment otherwise the area will take longer to heal.  If a wheel/scab is knocked off accidentally it will also take longer to heal, but you should still have the same outcome of a successful treatment.
Please use a sunblock factor 50 on any pigmentation removal until it has re-pigmented, this may take up to eight weeks.
You can continue to use make up, deodorant or perfumes on treated areas but try and leave for as long as you can on the day of treatment.
If the small crust has not fallen off after four weeks please wait until it has done so before contacting the clinic. Skin sometimes takes several weeks and even months to regenerate.
If the skin being treated is tanned please remember the healing skin will no longer be tanned. It will eventually re-pigment as it matures.
Permanent alopecia can occur in a treated area which is usually covered with hair.
Treatments that do not heal after six weeks should be reviewed by your doctor or dermatologist. Please contact us to tell us if this happens

Question 14

Eco and Vegan Information

Accepted Answer

Cryopen uses nitrous oxide which is vegan but the containers they come in are not recyclable and has to be thrown in the general waste.
 
The only product other product used is Clinisept+ which is suitable for vegans and is manufactured in accordance with cruelty-free standards.

Question 15

Which therapists provide this treatment and what pen do they use?

Accepted Answer

Vicki Hexter - Cryopen
Viktoria Zem- Cryoalfa Pen
Estelle Brown - Cryoalfa Pen
Find out more about each therapist at Meet the Team(https://www.ecoskinclinic.co.uk/meet-the-team)

CRYOPEN

Flawless skin in a matter of seconds

Please see our Lesion and Red Vein page for more information on all our modalities which we can use for lesion removal.

Advanced Cryotherapy for

Skin Lesion Removal

Skin Concerns Treated