Removal of Benign Skin Growths

Cryotherapy with Liquid Nitrogen for Benign Skin Lesions
O41 clinic, Vancouver

At O41 clinic, we use liquid nitrogen cryotherapy as a quick, effective in‑clinic treatment to remove many common benign skin lesions with minimal downtime.

What is liquid nitrogen cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures to rapidly freeze and destroy targeted skin tissue. The controlled freeze‑thaw cycle causes the treated cells to break down so the lesion gradually sheds and normal skin can heal underneath.

During treatment:

• A fine spray or cotton‑tipped applicator is used to apply liquid nitrogen precisely to the lesion.
• The area may turn white and then slowly thaw over several seconds.
• One or more freeze‑thaw cycles may be performed depending on the type and thickness of the lesion.

Most treatments take only a few minutes and do not require injectable anesthesia, though you may feel brief stinging or burning that settles quickly.

Lesions commonly treated with cryotherapy

At O41 clinic, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is often used for clearly benign or pre‑cancerous lesions such as:

• Actinic keratoses (sun‑damaged, rough scaly spots)
• Viral warts (common warts, plantar warts)
• Seborrheic keratoses (“stuck‑on,” warty brown growths)
• Benign lentigines (“sun spots”) and some other superficial pigmented lesions
• Certain other small benign lesions, when appropriate after assessment

Each lesion is assessed by a physician before treatment. If there is any concern about skin cancer or an atypical lesion, we will recommend biopsy or another treatment approach instead of simple freezing.

What to expect after treatment

After cryotherapy, the treated area usually:

• Becomes red and sore, with possible mild swelling or a small blister
• Forms a crust over several days, which then flakes off over 1–2 weeks
• May appear pink for a time as new skin remodels

We provide clear aftercare instructions, which typically include:

• Keeping the area clean and dry
• Avoiding picking at blisters or scabs
• Protecting the area from sun exposure to reduce pigment change

Most people can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.

If you have a spot you’re wondering about and want to know whether cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is a good option, our team at O41 clinic can assess it and recommend the safest, most effective treatment for your skin.

At O41 clinic, we offer minor surgical excisions to safely remove selected skin lesions for medical or cosmetic reasons. These in-clinic procedures are performed by a physician under local anesthesia, with a focus on both safety and cosmetic outcome.

What are minor surgical excisions?

Minor surgical excision is a small skin surgery done under local freezing to remove a lesion and, when needed, a margin of surrounding skin. At O41 clinic, we most commonly use:

• Shave excisions – removing the lesion at or slightly below the skin surface using a blade
• Elliptical (full-thickness) excisions – removing the entire lesion plus a narrow ellipse of normal skin and closing with stitches

The choice of technique depends on the type of lesion, its depth, location, and whether pathology (biopsy) is required.

Shave excision

Shave excision is typically used for superficial, raised lesions where full-thickness removal is not necessary.

• After numbing the skin, the lesion is gently “shaved” off at or slightly below the surface.
• Bleeding is controlled with pressure or cautery, and the area is usually left to heal on its own (no stitches).
• Healing occurs over 1–3 weeks, with a flat pink area that gradually blends with surrounding skin.

Shave excision may be suitable for:

• Benign raised nevi (“moles”), after appropriate assessment
• Seborrheic keratoses
• Skin tags and other small benign papules
• Some superficial lesions being sampled for diagnosis

Elliptical excision

Elliptical excision is a full-thickness surgical removal of a lesion and a small margin of normal skin.

• The area is numbed with local anesthetic.
• The lesion is removed in an ellipse of skin, down to the fat.
• The wound is then carefully closed with stitches to bring the skin edges together in a thin line.

Elliptical excision may be recommended for:

• Lesions where complete removal is important (e.g., atypical nevi, changing moles)
• Biopsies where deeper tissue is needed for accurate diagnosis
• Larger or deeper benign lesions that are not suitable for shave alone
• Some cysts, lipomas, or other subcutaneous lesions (depending on size and location)

All excised tissue is typically sent to a pathology lab for microscopic examination, unless clearly unnecessary (e.g., certain simple cosmetic removals, as discussed with you in advance).

What to expect during and after

During the procedure:

• You will feel the initial pinch and brief sting of local anesthetic, then pressure but no sharp pain.
• Most procedures take 15–30 minutes, depending on size and number of lesions.

Afterward:

• Shave sites form a superficial scab that heals with simple wound care.
• Elliptical excisions require stitch care and a follow-up visit for suture removal (usually 5–14 days, depending on location).
• Some redness and mild tenderness are expected; we provide clear written aftercare instructions and guidance on activity, cleansing, and sun protection.

Our goal is to balance medical safety, diagnostic accuracy, and the best cosmetic outcome possible for your skin.

If you have a lesion you’re concerned about—whether for medical reasons or appearance—we can assess it at O41 clinic and discuss whether shave excision, elliptical excision, or another approach is the most appropriate option.