What is Seborrhoeic Keratosis?

Seborrhoeic keratosis (also spelled seborrhoeic) is a common benign skin growth that often appears as a brown, black, or waxy wart-like patch on the face, chest, back, or shoulders. Although harmless, these lesions can be unsightly or become irritated by clothing.

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells. It’s a precise, minimally invasive procedure performed in-clinic that typically takes only a few minutes and requires little or no downtime.

Benefits of Cryotherapy for Seborrhoeic Keratosis

• Fast and convenient: Treatments usually take under 10 minutes — no anaesthetic needed, and you can return to normal activities immediately.
• Minimally invasive: No cutting or stitches, reducing the risk of scarring and infection.
• Safe and effective: When performed by experienced clinicians, cryotherapy reliably removes benign lesions with minimal discomfort.
• Cosmetic improvement: Restores smoother, clearer skin and boosts confidence, especially in visible areas like the face or neck.
• Clinically delivered: Performed by trained GPs using sterile, approved techniques with appropriate follow-up advice.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

During treatment: Your clinician will apply liquid nitrogen to the lesion using a spray or probe. You may feel a sharp cold sensation and mild stinging for a few seconds.

Aftercare: Mild redness, swelling, or blistering is normal. Keep the area clean and dry, avoid picking at scabs, and protect the skin from sun exposure until fully healed. Most patients heal within one to two weeks with good cosmetic results.

Who is Suitable for Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is suitable for most adults with small, benign seborrhoeic keratoses. Your GP will assess each lesion prior to treatment — any lesion that looks suspicious will be carefully examined and may be referred or biopsied if necessary.

Why Choose Surrey GP?

• Experienced private GPs with expertise in minor dermatological procedures
• Full-service private GP — we handle everything
• CQC-registered clinic offering safe, professional care
• Flexible appointments and personalised treatment plans
• Clear aftercare guidance and follow-up support

Book a Consultation

If you’re concerned about a seborrhoeic keratosis or would like it removed, book a consultation with one of our experienced GPs to discuss whether cryotherapy is right for you.

Any suspicious or changing lesion should always be reviewed — treatment will not be offered for lesions where malignancy cannot be excluded until appropriate assessment is completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cryotherapy hurt?
There may be brief discomfort — a cold, stinging sensation — which usually settles within seconds. Most patients tolerate the procedure well without anaesthetic.

Will I scar?
Scarring is uncommon, though minor lightening or darkening of the skin can occur, particularly in darker skin tones.

How long until I see results?
The treated area heals over 1–2 weeks. The lesion often crusts and falls away, leaving smoother skin that continues to improve over several weeks.

Surrey GP — private clinic. For appointments and enquiries, please use the booking button above or call us. Information provided is for general guidance and does not replace clinical advice.