Cryopen Treatment

How does Cryopen work?

Cryopen is an FDA approved and CE marked cryotherapy device used to remove benign skin lesions from the face and body. Cryotherapy is the controlled destruction of unwanted tissue by the application of extreme cold. It delivers an ultra-cold jet of high-pressure nitrous oxide directly to skin lesions removing benign cosmetic lesions quickly and effectively. The extremely fine, pin-point jet produced by Cryopen allows the therapist to work safely with millimetre precision. This means the nitrous oxide is delivered directly to the treated area and no damage is caused to the healthy surrounding tissue.

What results can I expect after CryoPen?

The lesion will change in colour becoming much darker, then a crust will appear before falling off, usually between 10-14 days. As your skin heals the damaged skin sloughs off allowing new skin to appear. After primary healing occurs, the area will be lighter than the surrounding area due to loss of melanin, then the skin will return to its normal colour after a few weeks. Complete healing can take between 1-6 weeks depending on the size of the lesion.

Is CryoPen painful?

After a few seconds you will feel a slight stinging sensation. 

What to expect immediately after treatment?

The tissue turns reddish and inflammation may occur After the treatment you may feel some minor itching and occasionally a blister might form. Aloe vera gel can be applied if necessary. The treatment itself is painless. After the treatment you may feel some minor itching or irritation for a short period after.

How long do the results of CryoPen last? What to expect immediately after treatment?

Clinical data shows that the results are permanent after just one session. Some types of skin lesions may return in other places if you are prone to them. On occasions you may need to return for more than one session.

How long does the CryoPen treatment take?

The appointment is for 30 minutes including consultation – The treatment itself takes seconds.

What about other skin lesion removal treatments?

CryoPen treatments require no anaesthesia and have less scarring than other techniques of skin lesion removal, with minimal post-op care. Treatment times are fast and can perfectly be integrated into daily practice.

Are there any side effects of the Cryopen treatment?

Changes in skin pigment – Hyperpigmention or Hypopigmentation can occur following CryoPen treatment. Both generally last a few months but can be longer lasting. Nerve damage – though rare, it is possible for nerve damage to occur, particularly in areas where the nerves lie closer to the surface of the skin, such as the fingers, the wrist and the area behind the ear. Reports suggest that this will disappear within several months.

How does it differ from Liquid Nitrogen?

While liquid nitrogen works at a colder temperature (-196°C), compared to CryoPen’s nitrous oxide, which works at -89°C – the extreme temperature that liquid nitrogen works at is not required. Cell destruction in all benign tissues is achieved at -62°C, therefore nitrous oxide is sufficient to destroy any lesion without risking damage to the surrounding tissue. The excessive power of liquid nitrogen is not required and may well be an obstacle when treating verrucae and molluscum contagiosum in children, and when the treatment of aesthetic imperfections are needed.

 What are the contraindications to Cryopen?

Unstable diabetes

Skin conditions e.g skin tumours, open wounds, solar hyperkeratosis

Cancer

Malignant tumours

Infections accompanied by fever

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Cold intolerance

Vascular insufficiency

Suspicious liverspots

Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy 4 weeks either side of treatment required