Seborrheic keratoses are common, non-cancerous skin growths that can become more noticeable with age. They can vary in appearance, with some being flat or raised and having a rough, smooth or waxy surface. Their colour can range from light brown or pink to darker shades of brown or black. They are not infectious and do not develop into skin cancer. [1]
Although treatment is not medically necessary for most seborrheic keratoses, some people choose removal because a lesion is visible, catches on clothing or jewellery, becomes irritated, or bothers them cosmetically.
CryoPen is a cryotherapy device that may be considered for certain benign skin lesions where treatment is appropriate. However, the important starting point is not the device itself. It is making sure the lesion is appropriate for treatment in the first place.
What is a seborrhoeic keratosis?
A seborrhoeic keratosis is a benign growth caused by an accumulation of skin cells. They are particularly common in adults and may occur on the trunk, head, neck and other areas of the body. [1]
Their appearance can vary considerably. Some have the characteristic rough or “stuck-on” appearance, while others can be flatter and darker. Also See: CryoPen Verruca Treatment: What to Expect Before, During and After Treatment
This variation matters because not every brown, black, or changing skin mark is a seborrhoeic keratosis. A very dark or changing lesion can sometimes resemble melanoma or another skin condition. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends that changing pigmented lesions are assessed by a GP or appropriate specialist. [1]
If you are unsure what a skin lesion is, have it assessed before considering cosmetic removal.
How does CryoPen work?
Cryotherapy uses controlled freezing to affect targeted tissue. CryoPen systems deliver a controlled flow of cryogenic gas to the targeted area. The CryoPen manufacturer states that its devices use nitrous oxide for this purpose. [2]
This is different from conventional liquid-nitrogen cryotherapy, which is also widely used in dermatology for suitable skin lesions. [3]
The treatment uses controlled freezing to affect the targeted tissue. The treated area then goes through a healing process, during which its appearance may change.
The exact technique, treatment time and number of applications depend on the lesion being treated. A thicker or larger seborrhoeic keratosis may respond differently from a small, superficial one.
What happens during treatment?
Before treatment, the area should be assessed to establish whether CryoPen is appropriate.
If treatment is considered suitable, the skin is prepared, and the CryoPen applicator is directed at the lesion. Freezing can produce a cold, stinging or sharp sensation. The experience varies depending on the lesion’s location, size, and thickness, as well as individual sensitivity.
Cryotherapy is often a relatively short procedure, although treatment time can vary depending on the lesion and the technique used. Multiple lesions or thicker lesions may require a different approach.
What should you expect afterwards?
The treated area may initially appear red or swollen. Depending on the treatment, blistering or crusting can occur as the skin heals. Cryotherapy can also cause temporary pigmentation changes. [3]
This is why the term “no downtime” should not be taken to mean that the skin will look completely unchanged immediately after treatment.
The appearance of the treated area can vary depending on the lesion, treatment used, treatment intensity and individual skin response. Your practitioner should explain what you may experience after treatment and provide appropriate aftercare guidance.
Do not pick at a blister or crust. Follow the aftercare instructions provided and contact an appropriate healthcare professional if you develop symptoms that concern you.
Who may not be suitable for CryoPen?
Cryotherapy is not appropriate for every skin lesion or every person.
An unidentified lesion should not simply be frozen because it appears similar to a seborrhoeic keratosis. Cryotherapy should not be used where there is diagnostic uncertainty or where tissue is required for pathological examination. [3] Check Out: CryoPen: 5 Skin Concerns It May Be Used to Treat
Other factors may also affect suitability, including circulation problems, previous adverse reactions to cryotherapy, and conditions aggravated by cold exposure. Skin type and pigmentation should also be discussed before treatment because pigmentation changes can occur after cryotherapy and may be more noticeable in some skin tones. [3]
Can a seborrhoeic keratosis come back?
Removing an individual seborrhoeic keratosis does not prevent new lesions from developing elsewhere.
The British Association of Dermatologists notes that treated lesions can regrow and that additional seborrhoeic keratoses may appear elsewhere on the body. [1]
For that reason, treatment should be viewed as removal of a particular lesion rather than a permanent treatment for the tendency to develop seborrhoeic keratoses.
When should you see a GP or dermatologist first?
Medical assessment should come before cosmetic removal if a lesion is:
- changing in size, shape or colour
- unusually dark or irregular
- bleeding without an obvious cause
- persistently sore or inflamed
- different from your other seborrhoeic keratoses
- something you have not previously had assessed
This is not meant to cause unnecessary concern. Seborrheic keratoses are common and benign, but some other skin lesions can look similar. Cosmetic treatment should never replace an appropriate diagnosis. [1]
Is CryoPen the right option for you?
CryoPen may be considered for some confirmed benign skin lesions, including seborrhoeic keratoses where the lesion is considered suitable for cryotherapy. However, the right treatment depends on the lesion’s appearance, size, thickness, location, your skin and your individual circumstances.
Other removal methods can include conventional cryotherapy, curettage and, in selected cases, laser treatment. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so no single removal method is automatically best for everyone. [1][3] See: Cryopen: The Revolutionary Treatment for Age Spots Unveiled
A good consultation should therefore focus on whether the lesion is suitable for treatment, what result is realistically achievable, the potential side effects and whether another option would be more appropriate.
Questions worth asking before treatment
Before deciding whether to proceed, it can be helpful to ask:
- Has the lesion been assessed and identified as suitable for treatment?
- Why is CryoPen being considered for this particular lesion?
- What changes to the skin might I notice during the healing process?
- Could there be temporary or longer-lasting changes in skin pigmentation?
- Is there a possibility that the lesion may recur or that other lesions may develop?
- What should I do if the area changes or does not heal as expected?
- Who should I contact if I have concerns during the healing period?
The purpose of a consultation is not simply to discuss removal of a visible lesion. It is to understand whether treatment is appropriate, what the procedure involves, and what to expect during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is CryoPen suitable for every seborrhoeic keratosis?
No. Suitability depends on the lesion and the individual. A lesion should be appropriately assessed before cosmetic removal, particularly if it is changing, unusual or difficult to distinguish from another skin condition.
Q: Does CryoPen hurt?
Freezing can cause a cold, stinging or sharp sensation. The experience varies depending on the lesion, location and individual sensitivity.
Q: Will my skin blister after CryoPen?
Blistering or crusting can occur after cryotherapy. The skin’s response varies between individuals and treatments. Your practitioner should explain the expected healing process and aftercare.
Q: Can CryoPen cause pigmentation changes?
Yes. Changes in pigmentation can occur following cryotherapy. This is an important consideration, particularly for people with darker skin, where pigmentary changes may be more noticeable.
Q: Can seborrhoeic keratosis grow back after CryoPen?
An individual lesion may recur, and removing one lesion does not stop new seborrhoeic keratoses developing elsewhere.
Q: Should I have a changing brown or black lesion treated cosmetically?
No—not until it has been appropriately assessed. A changing pigmented lesion may need medical assessment to exclude other conditions.
Q: Is CryoPen the same as liquid-nitrogen cryotherapy?
No. CryoPen and liquid-nitrogen cryotherapy are different cryotherapy techniques. CryoPen systems deliver nitrous oxide in a controlled flow, while conventional dermatological cryotherapy generally uses liquid nitrogen. They should not be assumed to be interchangeable, and suitability depends on the individual case.
References & Further Reading
[1] British Association of Dermatologists — Seborrhoeic Keratosis View source
[2] DermNet — Cryotherapy: Uses, Cautions & Aftercare View source
[3] CryoPen — Product & Technical Information View source
[4] ASA/CAP — Cosmetic Interventions: Non-surgical Procedures View source
[5] ASA/CAP — Marketing of Surgical & Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures View source
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