CRYOPEN ® 

The controlled destruction of unwanted tissue by the precise application of extreme cold in a process called cryo-necrosis. CryoPen used liquefied Nitrous oxide, at -89°C. This application causes ice crystals to form inside cells, and the crystals pierce cell membranes and other cellular structures. As the area quickly thaws back to body temperature, the water inside the cell rushes out into the surrounding area, causing blistering and disrupting the local blood supply. The body will then begin to clear up the damaged cells and heal. The treated lesion may drop off- don't be alarmed if this happens! This naturally occurs typically within 1-2 weeks, revealing clearer skin beneath. Some lesions may take longer and require more than one treatment.

Most unwanted benign skin lesions can be removed, such as: • Plantar warts & verrucae* • Skin tags • Solar lentigo • Pigmented spots • Actinic keratosis • Seborrheic keratosis • Haemangioma • Molluscum contagiosum • Condyloma and more. * Warts and verrucae are likely to require some prep prior to treatment and tend to require a course of treatments; we will discuss this with you at the consultation. As Registered Nurses, we can treat the following lesions, but they may require GP/ Dermatology review before treatment: • Angiofibroma (fibrous papules) • Granuloma (inflamed nodules) • Dermatofibroma (benign fibrous skin growths) • Molluscum contagiosum (water warts) • Porokeratosis (dermatosis) • Seborrheic keratosis (brown warts) • Condyloma acuminata (genital warts) • Actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesions)

Treating most lesions takes between 1-30 seconds, with some full-thickness verrucae requiring up to 45 seconds. Sometimes a single treatment is effective, but some lesions require 2 freeze-thaw cycles within one treatment. A course of treatments may be required depending on the size of the lesion(s), this will be discussed following assessment by one of our medical practitioners.

The Cryopen system is an easier and safer treatment than Liquid Nitrogen. It is also significantly less painful (if not painless) compared to treatments like radiofrequency and laser. Treatments are quick, lasting from 1-30 seconds. No pain relief is required and there is minimal scarring. The treatment does not involve cutting the skin, providing you do not pick and damage the treated area, there is no risk of bleeding or infection. Treatment will not affect your daily activities, you can work, bathe and swim immediately after treatment. We will discuss sun protection with you. Please inform us if you are going on a sunny holiday after treatment. As there are a few extra after-care considerations.

Yes, the Cryopen is ideal to treat benign skin lesions anywhere on the body. Consideration is required when treating skin lesions in hairy areas (such as scalp or eyebrows), as the extreme cold can destroy hair follicles, which may lead to permanent hair loss in the treated area. Extra care should also be taken when treating areas with very thin skin and areas where the colour is cosmetically important, such as the face, ears, scrotum and lateral surface of the finger, as it may result in hypopigmentation (patches of lighter skin). The treated area is more susceptible to hyperpigmentation (patches of skin can become darker) if exposed to the sun without applying SPF 50 post-treatment.

You may be referred to your GP before CryoPen treatment if you have a history of: • Impaired sensation • Impaired circulation • Superficial nerves • Open wounds • Skin cancer • Hypersensitivity to cold temperatures • Cardiac disease • Unstable diabetes We may also refer you to your GP if we think your skin lesions might appear suspicious.