CRYOTHERAPY

Cryotherapy (also called cryosurgery) is a quick and effective treatment used by dermatologists to remove a variety of benign and precancerous skin lesions. It works by applying liquid nitrogen to the skin, freezing and destroying abnormal tissue so that healthy skin can regrow in its place.

As a Consultant Dermatologist in London, Dr Kentley has extensive experience using cryotherapy safely and effectively, both within the NHS and private practice.

What Can Cryotherapy Treat?

Cryotherapy can be used to manage a wide range of skin conditions, including:

  • Viral warts (including plantar warts/verrucae)

  • Seborrhoeic keratoses (age warts)

  • Actinic keratoses (sun-damaged precancerous lesions)

  • Skin tags

  • Some superficial skin cancers, when appropriate

How Cryotherapy Works

During treatment, liquid nitrogen at –196°C is applied to the lesion using a spray or cotton-tipped applicator. The freezing process destroys the targeted abnormal cells. Depending on the size and depth of the lesion, several freeze–thaw cycles may be performed in one session.

What to Expect from the Procedure

  • Quick treatment: most procedures take only a few minutes

  • Minimal anaesthesia: usually no injections required, though some stinging or burning may be felt

  • Aftercare: treated skin may blister, crust, or scab before healing over 1–2 weeks

  • Follow-up: some lesions may require more than one session for complete clearance

Advantages of Cryotherapy

  • Non-invasive and does not usually require stitches

  • Fast recovery time with minimal scarring in most cases

  • Effective treatment for many benign and precancerous lesions

  • Can often be performed in the same appointment as diagnosis

Why Choose a Dermatologist for Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy should be performed by a trained dermatologist, who can accurately diagnose the lesion before treatment. This is particularly important to ensure that skin cancers are not mistakenly frozen when another treatment or excision is more appropriate.

As a skin cancer specialist, Dr Kentley combines diagnostic expertise with technical skill to deliver safe, effective results for his patients.

Book a Consultation

If you have a skin lesion that needs closer review, book a consultation with Dr Kentley to discuss whether this is the right treatment for you.