Blemish, Lesion & Vascular
Seborrheic Keratosis
Safe, effective cryotherapy removal of seborrheic keratosis at SkinLab, Birdwell — a quick, minimally invasive treatment for benign skin growths, delivered after thorough consultation.
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What is seborrheic keratosis and why do we get them?
Seborrheic keratosis is a common, non-cancerous skin growth that typically appears in adults as they age. These growths can vary in colour, ranging from light brown to black, and have a waxy or scaly appearance. They often develop on the face, chest, shoulders or back and can sometimes resemble warts.
The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis is unknown, but it is generally believed to be linked to genetics and ageing. Sun exposure may also play a role in their development. They are not contagious and do not result from infections or viruses.
Seborrheic keratoses are benign and do not usually lead on to anything more worrying such as skin cancer. However, they can be bothersome, especially if they grow in noticeable areas or become irritated by clothing or accessories.
How can seborrheic keratosis be treated?
One of the most effective treatments for seborrheic keratosis is cryotherapy. Other options include laser therapy or surgical removal, but cryotherapy is often preferred for its quick and minimally invasive nature.
What is cryotherapy and how does it work?
Cryotherapy is a treatment that involves freezing the seborrheic keratosis using liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent. This destroys the growth, causing it to fall off over time. The procedure is relatively simple, often performed in a single session.
During the procedure, liquid nitrogen is applied to the affected area, freezing the growth. The extreme cold causes the cells in the growth to die, and over the next few days to weeks, the seborrheic keratosis will gradually dry up and fall off.
Cryotherapy is a quick, in-clinic procedure — most treatments take just a few minutes, with no incisions or stitches required.
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
Quick and easy
The procedure typically takes just a few minutes.
Minimal discomfort
Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the freezing process — often described as a cold stinging sensation. The treated area may feel slightly tender or sore afterwards, similar to a mild sunburn. All very manageable compared to surgery.
Non-invasive
No need for incisions, stitches or major recovery time, and therefore less risk of infections.
Effective
Cryotherapy is highly successful in removing seborrheic keratosis with little chance of regrowth in the same spot.
Are there any downsides to cryotherapy?
Temporary side effects
After treatment, some patients may experience redness, swelling or blistering in the treated area. This usually resolves within a few days.
Skin colour changes
In some cases, cryotherapy can lead to temporary or permanent changes in skin pigmentation — the area can be left with a lighter skin colour where the lesion has been removed, looking like a whiter patch, particularly in those with darker skin tones. However, if this happens, often clients say it is better than it looked before with the skin lesion.
Multiple sessions
While many seborrheic keratoses are removed after one session, larger or more stubborn growths may require additional treatments.
What should I expect after cryotherapy treatment?
After the procedure, the treated area may blister or scab over, and the seborrheic keratosis will gradually slough off. Healing typically takes 1–3 weeks, depending on the size and location of the growth.
Keeping the area clean and avoiding picking at the scab will help ensure optimal healing — and do not burst any blisters, let them do their own thing.
Your practitioner will provide full aftercare guidance so you know exactly what to expect and how to care for the treated area during healing.
Feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help treat seborrheic keratosis using cryotherapy.
How to book
Have a skin growth you would like assessed? Book a consultation at SkinLab and we will examine the lesion, confirm the diagnosis and discuss whether cryotherapy is the right treatment for you.