Cryotherapy

Skin Lesion Removal

Which Lesions Can Be Removed?

Only benign lesions where the diagnosis is certain should be removed. If there is uncertainty about the lesion, or if a lesion needs to be removed for medical reasons, you should see your GP.

However, NHS funding for lesions which are purely cosmetic is limited. Many patients seek private removal for these - and that's where I come in.

Depending on the type of lesion, cryotherapy may be recommended. Skin lesions treated at Dr Vaughan Aesthetics are:

Skin tags
Warts
Verrucae

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What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy for skin lesion removal is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal or unwanted skin tissues. Liquified gas is applied directly to the lesion through a spray or a cotton-tipped applicator.

The extreme cold disrupts the cellular structure, effectively killing the abnormal or unwanted tissue. Over the following days or weeks, the treated tissue scabs over and falls off, revealing healthy skin underneath.

After the procedure, you may experience mild redness, swelling, or blistering at the treatment site, which is part of the normal healing process. Proper aftercare, such as keeping the area clean and avoiding picking at the scab, ensures optimal results.

Depending on the site and size of the lesion, the treatment may need to be repeated more than once.

Post-Treatment Advice

Cover the area with a non-adhesive dressing and keep dry for 48 hours. Then apply petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) twice a day to prevent the scab cracking and help healing.
There may be swelling and redness, and some weeping initially. This will settle within a few days. If you are concerned about infection, contact your doctor. Discomfort can be managed with paracetamol.
A large blister may form which can be clear, red or black. This is a normal part of the healing process. Keep the area clean and dry. A scab will form and eventually fall off in 2-4 weeks.
Full healing takes up to 6 weeks depending on the size of the lesion. Some pigment change may be noticeable afterwards, and you may lose some hair on the treated area. All surgical procedures will leave a scar on the skin, but this should fade with time.