Cryotherapy

What is cryotherapy?


Cryotherapy (sometimes called “freezing treatment”) is a simple clinic procedure that uses controlled cold to remove unwanted benign skin lesions without surgery. It is commonly used for skin tags, warts, seborrhoeic keratoses, cherry angiomas and other lesions that may be persistent, bothersome or cosmetically unwanted. Most treatments are quick and require no downtime, with natural healing over the following days.

All lesions are assessed first to confirm that cryotherapy is appropriate, to explain expected outcomes and to agree a treatment plan. Treatment is performed by an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, and no GP referral is required. Where suitable, treatment can often be carried out at the same visit, or scheduled for a later date if preferred or clinically indicated.

Below is an overview of how the process works:

Step 1 — Book Online

Schedule a cryotherapy consultation through our online booking system at a time that suits you. This initial appointment allows us to assess your skin concern promptly without the need for a GP referral, and gives you direct access to treatment options in a medical clinic setting.

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Step 2 — Assessment

Your lesion(s) will be examined by an Advanced Clinical Practitioner to confirm diagnosis and suitability for cryotherapy, and to discuss treatment options.

Step 3 — Treatment & Follow-Up

Where suitable, treatment can often be carried out at the same visit for convenience, or booked for a later date if preferred or clinically indicated. Lesions typically heal over 7–14 days, with repeat treatment offered when clinically beneficial.

  • We offer cryotherapy for a range of benign skin lesions, including:

    • Skin tags

    • Seborrhoeic keratoses

    • Warts and verrucae

    • Solar lentigines (“sun spots”)

    • Cherry angiomas (“red dots”)

    Other benign lesions may also be suitable following assessment.

    Cryotherapy is not suitable for suspicious, changing, bleeding or pigmented lesions.
    If a lesion requires dermatology review, we will advise and support referral. lesions that might be melanoma.

    • Fast treatment in clinic

    • No surgical excision required

    • Minimal downtime

    • Suitable for multiple lesions

    • Performed by a medically qualified ACP

    • No GP referral needed

    • Affordable private pricing

  • • People with conditions made worse by cold (e.g. cold urticaria, Raynaud’s disease)

    • Areas with poor circulation or healing

    • Darker skin types where pigment change would be a major cosmetic concern

    • If you have metal allergy to instruments is not relevant; however please tell us if you have pacemakers/implants near the treatment area, are pregnant, or have reduced sensation (e.g. neuropathy) so we can plan safely.

    Your clinician will discuss the benefits and risks for your specific lesion and skin type.

  • 1. Assessment
    Your Advanced Clinical Practitioner will assess the lesion to confirm it is suitable for cryotherapy.

    2. Treatment
    A targeted cryotherapy device is used to rapidly freeze the lesion.

    3. Healing
    Lesions typically blister or scab before resolving over 7–14 days.

    4. Review / Retreatments
    Some lesions may benefit from further treatment after 4–6 weeks, especially warts or thicker seborrhoeic keratoses.

  • • The area can sting for a few minutes to a few hours.

    • Redness and swelling are common.

    • A blister (sometimes blood-filled) may form within 24 hours; this is part of normal healing.

    • The blister dries to a scab/crust and usually falls off in 1–3 weeks on the face and 2–4 weeks on the body or limbs.

    • The new skin underneath is pink at first and may gradually blend in over months. A pale or darker patch can remain.

    You can wash and shower as normal. Pat dry—don’t rub the area. Make-up can be used when the skin is dry and unbroken.

  • Most side-effects are mild and short-lived.

    Common (up to 1 in 10):

    • Pain/stinging during treatment and for a few hours after

    • Redness, swelling

    • Blistering, crusting

    • Temporary colour change in the skin

    Uncommon:

    • Permanent light or dark patches (more likely in darker skin types)

    • Small surface scar or change in skin texture

    • Temporary numbness/tingling if a small nerve is irritated

    • Nail changes if treated near the nail

    Rare:

    • Infection (increasing pain, pus, spreading redness)

    • Significant scarring or persistent sensitivityIf you’re concerned about any reaction, please contact us or seek urgent help if you feel unwell.

    When should I seek help?

    • Increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, or pus

    • Fever or feeling systemically unwell

    • The area hasn’t healed after 4–6 weeks

    • The lesion persists or returns

  • Some lesions clear after one session. Thicker or stubborn lesions (e.g. warts, actinic keratoses) may need repeat treatments every 2–4 weeks until resolved. Your clinician will advise what to expect.

  • Depending on the diagnosis and location, alternatives may include watchful waiting, topical treatments (e.g. prescribed creams), curettage/shave, or other therapies. We will discuss the best option for you.

  • • If a blister is painful, you may leave it intact and cover it with a simple dressing.

    • Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a bland moisturiser once or twice daily until healed.

    • Avoid picking the scab.

    • Protect the area from the sun: SPF 30+ and clothing/hat while healing.

    • Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if sore (check it’s suitable for you).

  • Cosmetic Benign Lesions

    • Single lesion — £65

    • Up to 3 lesions — £85

    • Up to 10 lesions — £140

    • Retreatment (≤6 weeks) — £55

    Prices above include the initial consultation.

    Do I have to pay for the treatment upfront?
    No. A £35 consultation fee is paid when booking. Treatment fees are charged in clinic after assessment, and only if you choose to proceed.