Dermapen Cryo™
Our Dermapen Cryo™ allows the removal of unsightly skin lesions with a treatment that is delivered in a matter of seconds. The device uses a very precise jet of highly compressed liquefied nitrous oxide (N2O) to destroy benign lesions, such as warts, skin tags, and age spots. The Cryo™ freezes the lesion’s intercellular fluid, forming ice crystals, which subsequently rupture the cell membrane, destroying the cell. The Dermapen Cryo™ can treat anything from extremely superficial sun spots, to lesions up to 5 mm in depth.
The high precision applicator tips allow for a very targeted treatment, ensuring that only the lesion is being treated, and not the healthy tissue around it. This helps to greatly reduce the risk of post-treatment hypo-pigmentation, and makes the Dermapen Cryo™ safe for all areas of the face and body, even near the eyes.
For detailed information regarding cryotherapy please refer to the following links:
- Cryotherapy: British Association of Dermatologists Patient Information Leaflet
- Cutaneous Cryosurgery - Zimmerman EE, Crawford P, Am Fam Physician. 2012 Dec 15;86(12):1118-1124
Dermapen Cryo™ FAQ’s
Q: How safe is cryotherapy?
A:Cryotherapy is a relatively low-risk procedure. The Dermapen Cyro™ delivers N2O directly to the lesion, and not the healthy surrounding tissue.
Q: How long are Dermapen Cryo™ treatments?
A:The penetration rate of freezing with the Dermapen Cryo™ is approximately 1mm per 5 seconds, with a maximum freezing depth of 3 to 6 mm depending on the used applicator. The duration of the treatment time will depend on the surface area and the thickness of the tissue being treated. Depending on the thickness of the lesion your application time will range from 1 to 30 seconds.
Q: Is the treatment painful?
A:There will be a pain sensation similar to a ballpoint pen being pushed onto the skin when the nitrous oxide reaches the bottom of the lesion. There might be a little residual stinging for a few minutes after treatment. Occasionally a blister might form and persist for a few hours.
Q: Will there be a follow up session?
A: A follow up visit is scheduled after 2 to 8 weeks to confirm that all problem tissue has disappeared or if a follow up treatment is necessary.
Q: What if I have darker skin?
A: Repeated short freezing cycles of 3 to 6 seconds at two-week intervals are recommended if you have a darker skin type, to reduce the risk of surrounding hypo-pigmentation or hyper-pigmentation.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Dermapen Cryo™ treatments are relatively low risk. There are a few side effects that may occur as a result of treatment, including:
- Pigmentary changes (hypo-pigmentation and hyper-pigmentation)
- Nerve damage (particularly in areas where nerves lie close to the surface of the skin, on fingers, wrist, area behind the ear)
- Shards of frozen ice (minor shards of frozen ice may blow out, that will thaw on contact with healthy skin)
- Hair follicle damage and permanent alopecia (especially when treating lesions on sites with coarse terminal hair)
Any concerns should be discussed with your doctor.
Q: How much will the treatment cost?
A: The cost of treatment will depend on the number and the size of the lesion(s). To schedule an appointment with Dr Jill Tomlinson for a combined assessment and treatment please call us on (03) 9427 9596.
