Also known as: cryosurgery or cold therapy
Cryotherapy is a quick, minimally invasive dermatology treatment that uses controlled freezing to safely remove unwanted or abnormal skin tissue with little to no downtime.
What is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a standard dermatology treatment that uses extremely cold temperatures to destroy unwanted or abnormal skin tissue. Your dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen to the affected area, freezing the cells and allowing your body to naturally heal with new, healthy skin.
This procedure is often used as an alternative to surgery for minor or superficial skin issues. It is quick, performed in the consultant’s office, and usually requires little to no downtime.
Why do dermatologists perform cryotherapy?
Dermatologists trust cryotherapy treatments for their precision, safety, and effectiveness. Here’s why this procedure stands out:
- Minimally invasive approach – no surgical incisions required, reducing infection risks and healing time compared to traditional surgery
- Quick office procedure – most cryotherapy treatments are completed in under 10 minutes at your dermatologist’s office
- Proven effectiveness – clinical trials show cure rates of 67-99% for actinic keratoses and 50-70% clearance rates for viral warts after single treatments, though repeated sessions are often required
- Broad application range – successfully used to treat skin tags, benign lesions, some superficial basal cell carcinomas, and numerous other skin conditions
- Generally good cosmetic outcomes – scarring is uncommon, though lighter or darker patches of skin may appear after healing, especially in darker skin tones
When is cryotherapy recommended?
You may be an excellent candidate for cryotherapy if you have superficial skin lesions, benign growths, or precancerous areas that your dermatologist has identified. Patients with lighter skin tones generally experience the best cosmetic results, though the procedure can be safely performed on all skin types with proper technique.
Conditions treated with cryotherapy
- Actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions)
These rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by prolonged sun exposure have the potential to develop into skin cancer. Cryotherapy effectively destroys these abnormal cells, reducing the risk of progression. - Seborrheic keratoses
Common benign skin growths that appear as waxy, brown, or black raised spots. Cryotherapy helps remove these lesions quickly with minimal discomfort. - Viral warts (including plantar warts)
Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), viral warts can be persistent and contagious. Cryotherapy freezes the wart tissue, stimulating the immune system to clear the infection and promote healing. - Skin tags
Small, soft, benign skin growths are often found in areas of friction, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. Cryotherapy offers a fast and effective removal method with minimal scarring. - Molluscum contagiosum
A viral skin infection that causes small, pearl-like bumps. Cryotherapy helps eliminate these lesions by freezing the infected cells, thereby speeding up the resolution process. - Selected basal cell carcinoma cases
Early-stage or superficial basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, can sometimes be treated with cryotherapy as a less invasive alternative to surgery, especially in patients who are not good surgical candidates. - Benign lesions and abnormal tissue growths
Various other non-cancerous skin abnormalities, including certain cysts and fibromas, may be safely treated with cryotherapy to improve skin appearance and comfort.
Alternative treatment options if cryotherapy is not suitable
When cryotherapy isn’t appropriate, alternatives include surgical excision, electrosurgery, laser therapy, or topical medications, depending on the specific skin condition and lesion characteristics.
Please call to enquire about the price
Ways to payBefore treatment
During your consultation, your dermatologist will examine your skin and determine whether cryotherapy is suitable for your condition. They will explain the benefits, risks, and alternatives, which may include surgical removal, laser therapy, electrosurgery, or topical creams. Usually, little preparation is needed. The area to be treated is cleaned, and in most cases, no anaesthesia is required. Occasionally, a local anaesthetic may be used for comfort, especially if the lesion is large or in a sensitive area.
During treatment
Liquid nitrogen, cooled to –196 °C, is applied directly to the skin using a spray, probe, or cotton swab. The extreme cold quickly freezes the targeted tissue, while the surrounding healthy skin is protected as much as possible. The treated spot usually turns white and feels cold or stinging when it freezes. The freezing time ranges from about 5 to 30 seconds, depending on the size and depth of the lesion. As the frozen skin thaws, the damaged cells break down, and the body begins the natural healing process. Most people find the sensation uncomfortable but brief, and the entire procedure is usually completed in just a few minutes.
After treatment
Within the first day or two, the treated area may become red, swollen, blistered, or scabbed. This is a regular part of the healing process. You may gently wash the area with soap and water, and dressings are rarely needed unless the area becomes irritated. Pain is usually mild and settles within two to three days, and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief if necessary. Healing times vary depending on the location: about 5–10 days for the face, up to three weeks for the hands, and up to three months for the lower legs, where circulation is slower.
It is crucial not to pick at scabs, as this can increase the chance of scarring. New skin will gradually form underneath as the scab falls away. Cryotherapy is generally safe, but possible side effects include temporary redness, pigment changes, minor textural changes, or rarely, infection. Call your dermatologist if you notice spreading redness, pus, worsening pain after three days, or unusual changes in the surrounding skin.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
01
Initial Consultation
Your dermatologist will assess the lesion, confirm whether cryotherapy is appropriate, and explain benefits, risks, and alternatives. Little preparation is needed – the area is cleaned, and in most cases no anaesthetic is required unless the lesion is large or in a sensitive area.
During Treatment
Liquid nitrogen at –196 °C is applied using a spray, probe, or cotton swab to freeze the targeted tissue. The area may sting or feel very cold as it turns white, with freezing lasting 5–30 seconds depending on lesion depth. As the skin thaws, damaged cells break down and healing begins, with the whole procedure taking only a few minutes.
02
03
After Treatment
Redness, swelling, blisters, or scabbing may appear within the first couple of days and are part of normal healing. The area can be gently washed, and pain is usually mild and short-lived. Healing varies by location – 5–10 days on the face, up to three weeks on the hands, and longer on the lower legs. Avoid picking scabs to prevent scarring and contact your dermatologist if you notice signs of infection or unusual changes.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Spread the cost monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare can be spread monthly from 12 to 60 months, rather than paying in one go.
With an upfront 10% deposit paid, via our Financial partner Chrysalis Finance, we offer various flexible terms to enable you to spread the cost, including 12-months at 0% APR. Click here to find out more.
Monthly payments need to be linked to an OSD treatment over £385 and is subject to a 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period before any treatment can start.
Your on-going payments will be made directly between Chrysalis and yourself. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
FAQs
Most procedures are completed in minutes. Simple lesions require 5-30 seconds of freezing time, with the entire appointment typically lasting under 15 minutes.
Patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, often described as a stinging or burning sensation. Pain typically resolves within 3 days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
This depends on the type and size of the lesion. Many benign lesions respond to a single treatment, while others may require several treatments spaced weeks apart for optimal results.
Deep tumours, lesions requiring tissue analysis, areas with poor blood circulation, and specific locations near nerves may not be suitable for cryotherapy treatment.
Immediate tissue changes are visible during treatment. The affected area will change colour and texture within 24-48 hours, with complete healing typically occurring within 1-3 weeks.
While generally safe, potential complications include temporary pigmentation changes, minimal scarring, and rare instances of infection. Your dermatologist will discuss specific risks based on your individual case.