Cryotherapy Dermatologist2019-11-08T17:46:19+00:00

Feel in charge of your skin

PERSONALISED DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT PLANS

Cryotherapy is a reliable skin treatment that we can use for a range of skin conditions

IT IS A MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURE THAT I CAN PERFORM THE SAME DAY AS YOUR CONSULTATION

What can cryotherapy treat?

I use cryotherapy to treat a range of conditions including sun damage, Bowen’s disease, low-grade skin cancers like superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), seborrhoeic and viral warts, skin tags and other benign skin lesions.

How will you know cryotherapy is right for you?

You will require an initial consultation to assess your lesion and determine whether cryotherapy is the most suitable treatment. Cryotherapy is best suited to small, well-defined, superficial skin lesions that are either benign, consist of sun damage, or are superficial low-grade tumours.

What happens during cryotherapy?

I first deliver a freezing spray by using precise nozzles with a spray gun containing liquid nitrogen. Sometimes I use a cotton bud dipped into liquid nitrogen to perform more gentle cryotherapy in delicate areas. Each spray only lasts a few seconds and causes the frozen skin to turn white for some seconds-minutes, before thawing back to a normal temperature.

What can I expect after cryotherapy?

You will be able to go back to your normal activities on the same day. The skin may initially appear inflamed for 1-2 days, but any inflammation will then settle, allowing the original lesion to resolve.

Cryotherapy is quick, minimally invasive and effective

Cryotherapy is the treatment of choice for a large variety of skin lesions as, not only is it effective, it is minimally invasive and provides an excellent cosmetic result.

Treatment helps people of all ages take control of their skin condition and get their life back.

What my patients love about my service

MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou for her assessment on my continued taking of roaccutane.

She was completely right, I didn’t need a new course, I needed to move away from the drug. The creams she gave me and Cetaphil recommendation have meant my skin has been the best it’s ever been (ongoing and since I saw her) ALL SUMMER :))))) I’ve had zero problems…and I’m loving it.

Thank you once again.


Phillip, Acne

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

Following the consultation today I feel it appropriate to say thank you for your help in dealing with my rosacea.

On each occasion, I have visited your department I have noticed the kindness and cheeriness of all the staff I have encountered and particularly wanted to say that you made me feel at ease with your calmness and excellent manner.

All is much appreciated.”


Anne, Rosacea

“Thank you very much!!

You three were (and are) a great team!

I will remember you.

You made me feel comfortable.”


Ellie

“Tania,

Please pass to Dr Pratsou my thanks for her skilled work.

The wound is healing beautifully and now the stitches are out it looks as though it will be almost invisible once fully healed.”


Graham, Skin cancer removal

“Dear Dr Penelope, Rena & the team, (I can’t remember the nurse’s name who helped me during my 2 procedures at the Spire!)

I wanted to thank you for your support and help during a very difficult time. You guys do a wonderful job – and we are eternally grateful for your help.”


Clarissa, Skin cancer

“I would like to put on record how impressed I was with the operation you performed for the removal of the SCC on my neck. I cannot even see where the cut or the stitches were! I am indeed very grateful for the excellent work you do.”


Harry, Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

I am very grateful to you for your diagnosis, recommended treatment and advice. Your letter to my GP sets out both the course of events, and your own analysis of probable condition and possible cause, clearly summarising our discussion.

I hope there will be no recurrence but I will certainly come back to you if there is.”


Ryan, Skin rash

“Dear Tania,

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou. I saw her this morning for a mole check. She was so lovely and reassuring. Please also thank the two nurses who assisted her during the mole removal procedure. I was very nervous, but they were very efficient, which meant I did not have too long to think about it, but most of all they were very kind. They kept me distracted and calm, which made a huge difference. Thank you also for your efficiency in both booking me in so quickly.”


James, Mole removal
Dear Ms. Pratsou,

I am writing to thank you for the care you have given me in the past few months. From the moment I walked into your consulting room with a lesion on my cheek, a lesion that I fully expected to be some sort of skin cancer (and it was), you have been thorough, reassuring, respectful and in every way professional.

You recognised that I had some insight into the condition of my skin and the procedures required to treat me. You listened to me. You projected expertise and compassion.

During the procedure to remove the growth you ensured that the atmosphere in the treatment room remained not only calm, but actually pleasant. Had it not been that you were excising a growth and sewing me up, I almost felt as if you, me and the nurse were at some sort of women’s discussion group. The time flew by. I had zero anxieties about the procedure and as we both know now, the wound healed flawlessly.

Thank you for your expertise and your communication skills and all round good nature. I feel very lucky.


Karen Tatom, Skin cancer removal

We have replaced the images and names of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

The first step to feeling in charge of your skin is to book an initial consultation

FIND OUT HOW TO GET THE SKIN YOU WANT

How it works

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN IN 3 EASY STEPS

STEP 1 – CALL US
STEP 2 – LET’S MEET
STEP 3 – RESOLUTION
CONTACT MY STAFF

Give us a call on 01183735198 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.

MEET WITH ME

I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN

I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.

More information about the cryotherapy

FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS

  • Actinic keratoses (sun damage)
  • Bowen’s disease
  • Superficial basal cell carcinomas (a superficial type of low-grade skin cancer)
  • Seborrhoeic keratoses (warts)
  • Viral warts
  • Skin tags
  • Other benign lesions on the skin

You will require an initial consultation to assess your lesion and determine whether cryotherapy is the most suitable treatment.

Cryotherapy is best suited to small, distinct/well defined, superficial skin lesions that are either benign, consist of sun damage, or are superficial low-grade tumours.

I can safely perform cryotherapy on most body sites, but I sometimes avoid it in areas such as the lower legs, and sensitive areas such as the lips and eyelids, where other treatment options are sometimes preferable.

Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that I can perform on the same day as your appointment, without the need for a local anaesthetic, and with excellent cosmetic results.

I first deliver a freezing spray by using precise nozzles with a spray gun containing liquid nitrogen. Sometimes I use a cotton bud dipped into liquid nitrogen to perform more gentle cryotherapy in delicate areas.

Each spray only lasts a few seconds and causes the frozen skin to turn white for some seconds-minutes, before thawing back to a normal temperature. Often, I repeat the process so that I give 2 cycles of cryotherapy in one sitting.

Cryotherapy can result in mild discomfort with a stinging or burning sensation for a few seconds while I perform it. You may experience some discomfort for 24-48 hours afterwards, especially if I apply a more prolonged freeze (for example, when treating a basal cell carcinoma).

Immediately after the procedure, the skin might look red and sometimes swollen, but this tends to settle down in the following 24-48 hours. Sometimes a blister might form, and this depends on how sensitive your skin is or on how much cryotherapy was needed.

A scab may form in the coming days. It is important to avoid picking the scab to prevent scarring. You will not usually need a dressing. Infection is uncommon but can present with pain and pus formation.

The skin usually heals well, though treatment may result in a red or white mark. It is essential to avoid sun exposure of treated areas to reduce the chances of increased pigmentation.

Occasionally, the lesion might require repeat treatment with cryotherapy if it has not fully settled following initial treatment.

How long does it take to heal from cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that I perform on the same day as your consultation.

You will be able to go back to your normal activities on the same day. The skin may appear red and swollen for 24-48 hours afterwards depending on the level of your skin’s sensitivity and the level of freeze I perform. However, this typically settles down, and a scab may appear in its place. It would help if you allowed the scab to drop off on its own, leaving you with clear skin.

Healed skin is sometimes initially red, and you should take sun precautions to prevent permanent pigmentation.

Can cryotherapy be repeated if needed?

Cryotherapy is quick, minimally invasive and effective. Therefore, it lends itself well to treating multiple lesions in one go, provided that I identify no contraindications during your consultation.

Affiliations and memberships

I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS

Questions and answers

RELEVANT AND INFORMATIVE VIDEOS AND ARTICLES

About the author

Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist

MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)

I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.

I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.

After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.

Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.

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