lesion removal

Plasma lesion removal: The Zeus is a multi-frequency electrosurgical device. It generates a small electrical arc that targets specific tissue and depth. These visible sparks cause superficial carbonisation of the unwanted skin lesion. 

For lesions that are on a stalk they can be removed at the base. For broader, flatter lesions they are burnished down until they are just about level with the surrounding skin. For milia removal the device creates a small opening so the keratin filled cyst can be extracted. 

The electrode (tip) is very fine to allow precision and control especially when treating delicate areas. Very small lesions can be removed with minimal trauma to the surrounding skin. Lesions on the eyelids can be safely removed. 

CryoPen® lesion removal: This is the application of a nitrous oxide spray with a pen like device. It delivers an ultra cold jet with extreme precision to remove cosmetic lesions effectively and quickly. The nitrous oxides ruptures the cell membrane to cause tissues necrosis of the unwanted lesion. Due to the precise accuracy only the targeted lesion is treated and not the surrounding healthy tissue. It can safely treat lesions on the face and around the eyes. 

Lesion removal is safe treatment. After the initial swelling and crust formation, there will be new, pink “baby” skin which will slowly achieve normal colouring.

Immediate reactions from the treatment include: skin redness and swelling, scabbing and crusting of the skin, tightness, dryness, itching, temporary skin discolouration, flaking and increased sensitivity to sunlight. 

If you are having treatment around the mouth and suffer from cold sores it may trigger a reactivation. Prophylactic Acyclovir tablets can be taken at least 3 days prior to the treatment. These reactions are temporary and typically resolve within 5-20 days as the skin returns to normal.

It’s imperative to adhere to the aftercare instructions. In extremely rare cases infection may occur and scarring could  result but this is usually if the aftercare instructions are not followed.

CryoPen® lesion removal:CryoPen® therapy is a relatively low risk procedure. There are a few side effects that may occur as a result of treatment. These are:

• Pigmentary changes (hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation)
• Nerve damage (mainly in areas where nerves lie close to the surface of the skin: fingers, wrists and behind the ear.  
• Fine shards of frozen ice may blow out. 
• Hair follicle damage and permanent alopecia (when treating lesions on sites with coarse terminal hair)

A topical anaesthetic cream is applied for at least 30 minutes prior to the procedure to ensure no discomfort. Some areas can be slightly sensitive. If a more profound numbness is required for larger or multiple lesions local anaesthetic can be administered. 

CryoPen® lesion removal: No anaesthesia is required for lesion removal with the CryoPen®. A mild stinging sensation may be felt after the treatment. 

The price of treatment can vary depending on the number and type of lesions being treated. This starts from £80 for single lesion removal and up for £250 for multiple lesions. 

Usually most lesions respond to a single treatment. If lesions are larger or deeper they may require subsequent treatment sessions. 

Warts and verrucas are stubborn lesions to treat. They may well require several treatment sessions. This is something that is difficult to predetermine. 

For most lesions the results are permanent but this depends on the type of lesion, its size and location.  

Please note: the time taken depends on how many areas are being treated. 

Plasma lesion removal: We give at least 30 minutes for the topical anaesthetic cream to take effect. If a more profound numbness is required for larger or multiple lesions, local anaesthetic can be administered. This works almost instantly. 

If it’s a single lesion the actual treatment time is 30 seconds to a few minutes. For multiple lesion removal it can take up to an hour. 

CryoPen® lesion removal: The applicator is held close to the skin lesion. Treatment time can be from 1-30 seconds. After the first cycle, the tissue is left to thaw for 30 seconds to then allow the second freeze cycle to begin.

The contraindications for plasma lesion removal are:

• Allergies to local anaesthetic.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Fitzpatrick skin types 4 or above.
• Active autoimmune diseases.
• Bacterial and viral skin infections.
• Fever or current infections.
• Diseases that may affect the healing process (eg. uncontrolled diabetes).
• Any form of cancer.
• Patients with known history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
• Skin peels – wait 2 weeks.
• Filler, PDO threads or botox in the area being treated – wait 12 weeks.
• Use of acne medication such as oral retinoids.
• Heart disease, heart murmur or irregular heart rate.
• Having a pacemaker.
• Epilepsy.
• Unrealistic expectations.

The contraindications for CryoPen® lesion removal are:

• Impaired sensation
• Impaired circulation
• Superficial nerves
• Open wounds
• Skin cancer
• Hypersensitivity to cold
• Cardiac disease

Prior to the treatment is it very important to protect your skin from the sun. Use an SPF daily. The treatment cannot be carried out on tanned skin or skin that is dry or inflamed. 

Depending on what skin care you use at home some products should be avoided for at least a week prior to your treatment. This includes: topical retinoids (Vitamin A, Retinol, Retin A etc). Exfoliants or products containing alpha hydroxy (AHAs), beta hydroxy (BHAs) acids (such glycolic acid, lactic acid, fruit acids) or hydroquinone.  

All make up must be removed prior to the treatment. 

If having treatment around the eyes contact lenses must be removed for up to 1-2 days. The eyes are a sensitive area to treat and swelling is expected for 1-2 days. Please bear this in mind and bring suitable glasses to your appointment if required. 

Yes when having treatment around the eyes. False lashes can harbour bacteria. Also the lash glue is flammable. We need to maintain a clean environment prior to your treatment and during the healing process. 

The small crusts (scabs) usually last for 2-7 days following treatment. Once they come away (on their own accord) the new skin will remain pink and should gradually return to normal skin colour over the following weeks. As everyone is different some areas fade sooner than others. There is a risk of post inflammatory hyper or hypo pigmentation. The results cannot be guaranteed but there should be little or next to no scarring. 

Also following the treatment your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. You must use an SPF to protect your skin. Another important factor to remember to prevent pigmentation issues is to NOT pick, rub, knock or scratch the scabs off.  The darker the skin type the greater the risk of loss of pigment, especially to cold injury. 

The eyes are a sensitive area to treat so some swelling is expected for 1-2 days for multiple lesion removal.  

Plasma lesion removal:The small scabs last for 2-7 days following treatment. The face is normally the quickest time to heal. Scabs can last up to 14 days on the body. 

If you were having treatment on your face you would be able to work from home the next day. You may not look your absolute best during the initial healing process. For treatment on your body you do have to be careful with clothes rubbing. Loose clothing is advised to protect the areas from trauma. 

CryoPen® lesion removal: This varies for the size and location of the lesion. It can be from 2-4 weeks. Occasionally a blister can form following the treatment and can last up to 5 days. This will then scab over. 

If the blister pops you can use an aftercare cream (Cebelia LCE Balm) to apply with clean hands 2-3 times a day. This will encourage good healing and reduce the risk of infection. You may wish to cover the area with a dressing to aid healing. 

A Colloidal Silver gel can also be used to soothe the skin and encourage healing. 

You should be fine to drive home following lesion removal however if there are multiple lesions on the eyelids you may have some mild swelling straight after the appointment. As a safety precaution you could have someone available to drive you home. 

Plasma lesion removal: There is usually no bleeding after lesion removal as the device cauterises the skin. For vascular or larger lesions a small amount of bleeding may occur. There may also be some weeping and crusting after the procedure. This is normal. 

CryoPen® lesion removal: There is usually no bleeding after lesion removal as the device uses extreme cold to freeze the unwanted lesion. A blister or may occur after the treatment. 

It is likely to be slightly uncomfortable, usually on the day of the treatment. If it’s uncomfortable you can take something as you would for a headache. For example, paracetamol.

It is not advised to apply adhesive plasters to cover the treated skin. Removal of such items may also inadvertently remove healing skin cells and slow down the recovery.

However, if there is any area that is frequently caught by clothing which is delaying healing you can apply a covering to protect the site. 

If a blister forms and then pops you may wish to cover the area with a dressing to aid healing.

It’s normal for the sites to feel itchy a few days following the treatment. DO NOT pick, rub, or scratch your skin at any time. We need to protect the scabs and allow them to naturally shed away when they are ready. Picking the scabs WILL cause damage and compromise your results as well as possibly cause scarring.

This part of the aftercare is very important!

Direct sunlight exposure is to be completely AVOIDED immediately following the treatment. This includes any strong UV light exposure and tanning beds. Do also take care even when indoors with natural light coming through windows and when working close to computer screens. If some sun exposure cannot be avoided apply sunscreen with an SPF30 or greater. 

Your skin will become more sensitive to the sun as a result of this treatment. Avoid tanning of the treated area until the skin returns to normal. Failure to do this may induce pigment changes. 

Following the treatment you will be provided with an aftercare cream (Cebelia LCE Balm) to apply with clean hands 2-3 times a day. This will encourage good healing and reduce the risk of infection. 

A Colloidal Silver gel can also be used to soothe the skin and encourage healing. 

Direct sunlight exposure is to be completely AVOIDED immediately following the treatment. This includes any strong UV light exposure and tanning beds. Do also take care even when indoors with natural light coming through windows and when working close to computer screens. 

If some sun exposure cannot be avoided apply sunscreen with an SPF30 or greater. 

Once the carbon crusts have fallen off you may apply foundation makeup, such as Cliniccare Dermo Corrective Cream SPF50, to protect the treated area. 

Aerobic exercise or vigorous physical activity should be avoided for the first 48 hours. Any heat, steam, or sweat could add to the inflammation that’s already present. We also want to avoid knocking or rubbing any carbon crusts off. 

Clean as necessary using water that has been boiled and has cooled down. If soap is needed use only non-perfumed, non-coloured soap such as Cliniccare Concentrated Cleansing Foam.  DO NOT apply any solution containing alcohol. Do NOT apply any type of glycolic acid or exfoliation products. This can damage or irritate the skin during the healing process.

Gently pat dry with a clean towel taking care not to rub any carbon crusts off. 

Make up must be avoided until the carbon crusts fall off. Until any redness has disappeared you may apply foundation makeup, such as Cliniccare Der-mo Corrective Cream SPF50, to protect the treated area.