Quick answer: Spot cryotherapy uses extreme cold to freeze small, harmless skin growths such as skin tags, warts, seborrheic keratoses and some sun spots. The treated spot blisters or darkens, then flakes away over 1 to 3 weeks. Most spots need one treatment, though warts often need more. It’s quick, with no cutting and minimal downtime. Any spot that’s changing or looks unusual should be checked by a dermatologist first. |
Skin tags on the neck, rough brown spots on the back or a stubborn wart on the hand are rarely harmful, but they can be annoying, catch on clothing or simply bother you. Spot cryotherapy removes them quickly with cold instead of a scalpel.
How spot cryotherapy works
A provider uses a precise device to apply very cold gas, such as nitrous oxide, or liquid nitrogen to the growth for a few seconds. The cold freezes the cells in the growth and destroys them. Over the next days and weeks, the treated tissue dries and falls off, and healthy skin heals underneath.
Precise pen-style devices let the provider target just the growth, limiting the effect on surrounding skin.
[Provider note: name the device the clinic uses, such as a CryoPen or other spot device.]
What it treats
- Skin tags: small, soft growths on the neck, underarms, eyelid area or under the breasts.
- Seborrheic keratoses: harmless, raised, waxy or “stuck-on” brown spots that are common after 40.
- Common warts on the hands and fingers.
- Sun spots and age spots (solar lentigines).
- Cherry angiomas: small, bright red bumps.
- Milia: tiny white bumps, in some cases.
When to see a dermatologist first
Cryotherapy at a med spa is for growths that are clearly benign. See a dermatologist before any treatment if a spot:
- Is new and growing, or changing in size, shape or color.
- Has an irregular border or more than one color.
- Bleeds, itches, crusts or doesn’t heal.
- Looks different from your other spots.
These can be signs of skin cancer, which needs a doctor’s diagnosis, often with a biopsy. Removing a suspicious spot without testing it can delay diagnosis. Our providers will refer you if anything looks unusual.
What treatment feels like
The freeze stings or burns for a few seconds, and the area may throb briefly afterward. Most people find it very tolerable. A single spot takes seconds, and several spots can be treated in one short appointment.
Healing timeline
When | What’s normal |
Right after | Redness, mild swelling and a slightly raised white area |
Days 1 to 3 | A small blister or dark scab may form. Don’t pop it. |
Days 7 to 14 | The scab dries and falls off on its own |
Weeks 2 to 6 | New skin may look pink or lighter at first, then gradually blends in |
Aftercare is simple:
- Keep the area clean and dry. Gentle washing is fine.
- Don’t pick at blisters or scabs.
- Cover with a bandage if it rubs on clothing.
- Wear sunscreen on the area while it heals.
Possible side effects
- Lighter or darker skin at the treated spot. This is more common in deeper skin tones and can be long-lasting.
- Blistering that’s larger than expected.
- Rarely, scarring or infection.
If you have a deeper skin tone, ask your provider about the risk of pigment changes before treatment.
Who is a good candidate?
Most healthy adults with benign skin growths are good candidates. Talk to your provider first if you:
- Have poor circulation, cold sensitivity or Raynaud’s disease.
- Have cold urticaria (hives triggered by cold) or cryoglobulinemia.
- Take medicines that weaken the immune system, which can slow healing.
- Have a growth in an area with a lot of hair, since freezing can damage hair follicles.
How many treatments?
Many spots clear with a single treatment. Warts, larger seborrheic keratoses and thicker growths may need 2 or 3 treatments, spaced a few weeks apart.
Cryotherapy vs other options
Option | Best for |
Spot cryotherapy | Skin tags, warts, raised spots |
Many flat sun spots and redness across a large area | |
Overall uneven tone and mild pigmentation | |
Excision by a dermatologist | Larger or suspicious growths, or anything needing a biopsy |
Cryotherapy in Royal Oak
At Well Labs+ Medspa Royal Oak, spot cryotherapy is performed by trained providers under our medical director, Dr. Sumner, after checking that each spot is suitable for treatment. We’re at 26454 Woodward Ave, Suite 200, close to Birmingham, Clawson and Madison Heights.
See our cryotherapy treatments in Royal Oak, or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Does cryotherapy for skin tags hurt?
You’ll feel a brief sting or burn for a few seconds. Most people find it very tolerable.
How long does it take for a spot to fall off after cryotherapy?
Usually 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size and type of spot.
Will cryotherapy leave a mark?
The new skin may look lighter or pinker at first. This often fades, but lighter or darker marks can last, especially in deeper skin tones.
Can cryotherapy remove skin cancer?
Skin cancer must be diagnosed and treated by a physician, usually a dermatologist. If a spot looks suspicious, we’ll refer you for evaluation.
Can I treat several spots at once?
Yes. Several small spots can usually be treated in one short appointment.
