Cryotherapy Aftercare

Cryotherapy uses extreme cold (liquid nitrogen or sub-zero gas) to freeze and destroy targeted skin cells. Proper aftercare is essential to support smooth healing, protect the skin, and minimise the risk of scarring or pigmentation changes.

Keep the Area Clean & Dry: Gently wash the treated area with mild soap and water twice daily. Gently pat dry with a clean towel; do not rub or scrub.
Avoid Touching or Picking: Do not scratch, pick, or peel the treated skin or any scab that forms. Allow the lesion to shed naturally to prevent scarring and infection.
Go Makeup-Free: Avoid applying cosmetics, perfumed lotions, or active skincare products directly over the treated area for at least 24 to 48 hours until the skin surface has sealed.
Avoid Swimming & Hot Tubs: Refrain from soaking in swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas for 48 hours to minimise the risk of infection.
Protect from Friction: If the treated area is in a position where clothing rubs against it, cover it loosely with a clean, breathable plaster or non-stick dressing.

No Strenuous Exercise: Refrain from heavy workouts or intense physical activity for at least 24 hours (or as advised by your practitioner). Exercise increases blood circulation and muscle contraction, which can spread the toxin and reduce its effectiveness.
Go Makeup-Free: Avoid applying makeup to the treated area for 24 hours. The pressure from applying or rubbing makeup can displace the toxin.
Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours after treatment, as alcohol thins the blood and increases the risk of bruising.
Avoid Facial & Skin Treatments: Refrain from facials, facial massages, exfoliating scrubs, or dermal filler procedures for at least 24 hours (and professional massages on treated areas for several days)

The healing process following cryotherapy follows a predictable pattern:

Immediate Reaction (Hours 1–24): Redness, mild swelling, and a localized stinging, burning, or throbbing sensation are normal immediately following treatment.
Blister Formation (Days 1–3): A small blister (clear or blood-filled) commonly develops at the treatment site within 24 to 48 hours. Do not pop or puncture the blister. The intact blister roof acts as a natural sterile bandage. If it bursts on its own, clean the area gently and cover it with a sterile plaster.
Crusting & Scabbing (Days 3–7): The blister will flatten and form a dark scab or crust.
Shedding (Days 7–14+): The scab typically sloughs off on its own within 1 to 2 weeks for facial lesions, or 2 to 3 weeks for body lesions. The newly revealed skin beneath will appear fresh, pink, or slightly lighter.
Pigmentation Integration: Pinkness gradually fades over several weeks or months. Temporary light (hypopigmentation) or dark (hyperpigmentation) patches can occur, particularly in deeper lesions or darker skin tones.

Longer Term Skin Protection

Sun Protection (Essential): Once the scab has shed, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30–50+) daily to the treated area for at least 8 to 12 weeks. Healing skin is extremely susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation when exposed to UV light.
Pause Active Ingredients: Avoid applying strong exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs), retinoids, or harsh scrubs directly over the healing site until the skin is fully intact and healed.
Follow-Up Assessment: Some benign lesions may require a second cryotherapy treatment session if residual tissue remains after full healing (evaluated at 4–6 weeks).

While cryotherapy heals safely in the vast majority of cases, please contact the clinic or seek medical advice if you notice:

Signs of infection (increasing red streaks, severe throbbing pain, warmth, or yellow/foul-smelling pus oozing from the site)
A high temperature or fever
Continuous bleeding from the treatment site that does not stop with light pressure
Severe swelling that continues to expand after 48 hours