What to expect from cryotherapy for sun spots

The clinician examines the spot and applies controlled cold to the pigmented skin. The sensation may be sharply cold, stinging or briefly painful, followed by tenderness. The area can redden or swell, and a blister or crust may form. As the surface heals, the brown colour may fade, but the treated site can temporarily look lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

Sun spots, also called age spots or solar lentigines, are usually assessed by appearance. A spot that is changing, irregular, bleeding or difficult to distinguish from another pigmented lesion should be checked before cosmetic removal. Cryotherapy targets the visible spot and does not stop additional sun-related spots from developing.

Use the dressing and washing routine given by the clinician. Do not pick the crust or pop a blister, because disturbing the surface can delay healing. Keep the site protected from direct sun while it repairs; after closure, use broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing as advised. Pause exfoliating acids, retinoid products and abrasive scrubs on the treated area until the skin has recovered.

Contact the clinic for spreading redness, increasing warmth, worsening pain, pus, persistent bleeding or a wound that is slow to close. Seek prompt help for fever, red streaks or marked swelling. Arrange reassessment if the spot changes again, develops a new irregular feature or does not behave like the healing course described at your visit.

Ask whether the spot has features that make freezing appropriate, what colour change is possible in your skin tone, and how long to avoid sun and active skincare. Confirm what to do if the crust catches on clothing and when a persistent mark should be reviewed.