FREEZEPEN CRYOTHERAPY IN CALGARY

Cryotherapy is a procedure that utilizes extreme cold to destroy unwanted tissue. The process is called “Cryo-necrosis” – tissue destruction by rapid freezing.

The rapid freezing rate of the FreezPen is based on The Joule-Thomson (JT) effect. This is a thermodynamic process that occurs when a fluid expands from high pressure to low pressure. FreezPen cryotherapy utilizes a cryogenic gas called Nitrous Oxide (N2O) which is compressed at 725 PSI (very high pressure). When nitrous oxide is released from the FreezPen as a jet of gas, it expands at -89°C and immediately freezes the affected lesion.

The mechanism of action behind FreezPen is simple and highly effective: application of extreme cold in a rapid freezing rate in order to freeze and destroy the lesion. The unique applicator’s tip creates a focused, high-pressure jet of extremely cold nitrous oxide gas that is targeted at the lesion. The temperature of the lesion drops to -89°C within seconds, causing the water inside the cells to freeze, expand and rupture the membranes of cells. As a result, the cells that form the lesion are destroyed and eliminated by the body over time, to allow a new healthy skin to grow in the same location.

No, nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a safer alternative to liquid nitrogen (N₂) and yields similar results.

Cells destruction in all benign growths is achieved at -60°C. Both liquid nitrogen (-195°C) and nitrous oxide (-89°C) drop in-tissue temperatures to -60°C and lower within seconds. The excessive power of liquid nitrogen is more likely to cause unwanted collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Liquid nitrogen increases the risk of pigmentation and other adverse effects, while FreezPen’s nitrous oxide allows high-precision treatments targeting only the lesion itself. This is a significant advantage when treating small lesions such as milia, molluscum contagiosum, small warts and moles, or when lesions are found around delicate areas.

FreezPen treats various types of common non-malignant skin lesions: dark spots, liver/age spots, skin tags, moles, keratosis, Cherry angiomas (ruby spots), milia and more. Please note that any types of malignant or suspicious growths need to be treated by a certified dermatologist. We do not treat any spots larger than the size of a Canadian nickel coin.

Your lesion is expected to fall off 2-4 weeks after the treatment. Some lesions are more persistent and may take longer to disappear

The treatment is comfortable and doesn’t hurt. It feels like a light pinch. There is no need for local anesthesia.

Most lesions require one treatment. Some lesions, may require 1-2 follow
up treatments.

Immediately after. FreezPen treatments involve zero downtime.

FreezPen cryotherapy is the safest modality for the removal of unwanted skin growths. Since FreezPen treatments are non-invasive and precise, the risk of scars and infections is significantly diminished when compared to other invasive treatments.

As many as you like. There is no limit on the number of lesions per session.

FreezPen treatment usually takes no more than a few minutes. The duration of the treatment depends on the number of treated lesions, the number of freeze-thaw cycles and the duration of freezing.

New skin growths (especially moles) are potentially malignant and need to be evaluated by a dermatologist first. Only stable lesions that are not evolving over time are suitable for cryotherapy treatments. Consult with a certified physician to make sure your new mole is a non-malignant growth before removing it with FreezPen.

Yes, FreezPen treatment is safe for all skin tones.

FreezPen cryotherapy requires little to no downtime, and you can return to your regular activities right away. To support healing:

• Apply a healing ointment like Aquaphor 1–2 times daily to keep the area moisturized.
• Don’t pick or scratch the treated area, even if a scab forms.
• Cleanse gently with a mild cleanser and avoid active ingredients (like acids or retinol) until healed.
• Use sunscreen daily on the treated area to prevent pigmentation, especially for darker skin tones.
• Avoid harsh treatments (waxing, peels, laser) on the area until fully healed—usually 2–3 weeks.
   

Although FreezPen cryotherapy is the safest treatment today for the removal of skin lesions, a few rare side effects may still occur. These side effects include:

• Pigmentation – Temporary pigmentation is rare but possible because melanocytes are more susceptible to sub-zero temperatures. FreezPen minimizes the risk of collateral damage to healthy skin tissue, so the risk of pigmentation is minimized as well.
• Blisters – temporary blisters may appear in the lesion area due to fluids that are released from destroyed lesion cells.
• Hair loss – like melanocytes, hair follicles are more susceptible to sub-zero temperatures. Hair follicles in the treated area are more likely to be affected, thus hair may not grow back in the area of the lesion after cryotherapy.