Cosmetic Skin Lesions

Cryotherapy is effective for removing skin lesions such as warts, skin tags, non-cancerous moles, seborrheic keratosis, nevi, verrucae, solar lentigo and more. It works by applying liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue. This quick, non-surgical procedure causes minimal discomfort and is safe for various skin types. A consult is always done first with a doctor or nurse practitioner to make sure the lesions are appropriate candidates.

Electrocautery uses a fine, heated tip powered by a controlled electric current to precisely remove targeted tissue while sealing tiny blood vessels. It’s commonly used for benign lesions such as skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, cherry angiomas, milia, small warts, and sebaceous hyperplasia. Lesions that look suspicious for cancer are not treated cosmetically; they’ll be assessed first and may need biopsy or referral.

No a referral is not required as our doctors and NPs will review your lesions as part of the initial consult. However, if your GP wishes to share a referral note we would welcome that.

For the most part cryotherapy is a private pay service as it’s considered cosmetic. However, in some circumstances, if removing a lesion is deemed medically necessary, then it can be covered under MSP.

Cryotherapy is very well tolerated and relatively painless. A slight stinging or burning sensation will be felt during the procedure peaking around 2mins post treatment. The area may become red and swollen immediately after. In a subset of cases a blister may form in 3-6 hours, flattens in 2-3 days, then sloughs off within 2-4 weeks.

Most people feel brief warmth or a light sting when undergoing Electrocautery; we typically use local anesthetic (topical or a small injection) to keep you comfortable. You may notice a faint smell as tissue is cauterized—that’s normal. After treatment, the area can be red with a small crust or scab for 5–10 days (face) or up to 2–3 weeks (body). Temporary darkening or lightening of skin can occur, especially on darker skin tones; strict sun protection helps minimize this.

Many lesions such as warts and small skin tags may be effectively removed with just one treatment, though results can vary. Lesions like large warts, extensive solar lentigines, and some types of seborrheic keratosis might require multiple treatments for complete removal. This can depend on the size, depth, and location of the lesion.

Both procedures are quite fast, typically lasting 15-20mins depending on the number and size of lesions being treated.