Freeze Pen

Freeze away wrinkles and fine lines instantly with the innovative Freeze Pen treatment.

Years of Experience
1 +
Surgeries Per Year
1 +
Procedures Performed
1 +

Overview

Procedure Summary

The Freeze Pen is an innovative, non-invasive solution that treats a variety of skin lesions, such as warts, skin tags, and age spots. 

Average Cost

$150 to $300 per session

Time Duration

5 to 15 minutes per session

Alternate Names

Cryotherapy Pen, Cryopen,

Freeze Pen Before & After

Check out these before and after photos of past Freeze Pen patients of Dr. James Lacey. These photos can give a realistic idea of the amazing facial contour improvements you can achieve through this surgery.  

 

As we age, we are met with wrinkles, skin tags, and age spots. They can make us feel older than we are and even a little self-conscious. When it comes to removing them, either the procedures are complex or expensive and invasive, leaving us with downtime and recovery.

Freeze Pen treatment offers a quick, non-surgical solution to remove those unwanted blemishes so you can feel confident in your own skin.

What is the Freeze Pen?

Freeze Pen treatment is a minimally invasive cryotherapy procedure that uses precisely controlled freezing temperatures to eliminate unwanted blemishes and imperfections.

Freezepen is a hand-held, pen-like device that applies liquid nitrogen/nitrous oxide directly to the targeted skin lesion. The liquid nitrogen/nitrous oxide rapidly freezes the lesion, causing the cells to die and eventually fall off. The body then naturally gets rid of the frozen lesion, removing the blemish. This treatment is quick, efficient, and typically requires no anesthesia.

What Are the Advantages of Freeze Pen Treatment in Ottawa?

Freeze Pen offers several advantages over traditional methods.  First, the Freeze Pen allows for targeted treatment of small lesions without affecting the surrounding skin. It’s completely non-invasive, meaning no scalpels or needles are involved.  Second, there might be a slight freezing sensation which you can tolerate well. We can even apply numbing cream for extra comfort if needed.  And because it’s so gentle, there’s minimal downtime. Most people can go right back to their normal activities after the procedure.  Finally, Freeze Pen is a proven treatment for removing a variety of benign skin lesions, including skin tags, warts, and age spots.

How Does Freeze Pen Cryotherapy Work?

Freeze Pen works with a targeted blast of chilled air. This pinpoint precision ensures only the blemish you want treated is affected. The air is incredibly cold, reaching temperatures as low as -89°C. This extreme cold has a specific effect on the unwanted tissue: it freezes the water inside the cells. When water freezes, it expands, and this expansion ruptures the cell membranes. Essentially, the freezing process destroys the unwanted cells. Don’t worry, your body has a natural clean-up process. Over time, it eliminates these destroyed cells, allowing healthy new skin to grow back in that area. This targeted freezing approach makes Freeze Pen a safe and effective way to address various skin concerns.

How to Prepare for the Freeze Pen Treatment?

There are a few simple things to keep in mind before your Freeze Pen appointment so you can have a smooth experience.  First, try to avoid tanning the area you want to treat, as strong sunlight can affect how Freeze Pen works.  Second, be upfront with medical estheticians about any medical conditions you have or medications you’re taking. This open communication helps them determine if Freeze Pen is the right option for you.  Finally, in the days leading up to your appointment, avoid applying any creams or lotions to the area being treated.  Just let our medical estheticians know about any topical medications you’re currently using.

What Is the Freeze Pen Procedure in Ottawa?

Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. James Lacey will thoroughly examine your skin to see if Freeze Pen is the right choice for your specific blemish. 

Preparation

Once you’re set for Freeze Pen, your doctor will clean and prep the area being treated. This ensures the procedure is as effective as possible.

Application

Dr. Lacey applies Freeze Pen directly to the lesion for a few seconds. Over time, Freeze Pen gets rid of these destroyed cells and the blemish starts to shrink. New, healthy skin grows back in its place. This healing process usually takes about 4-5 weeks.

How to Care After the Treatment?

Here at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, we want to make sure you have a smooth recovery after your Freeze Pen treatment. This is what you can expect. 

Right After the Treatment

It’s normal for the treated area to become red and swollen as it’s just your body’s natural response to the freezing process. You might also feel some tenderness in the treated area, but this should subside within a few hours. A temporary blister may form on the treated area. 

Follow-Up Appointment

We recommend a follow-up appointment with Dr. James Lacey after 4 weeks. This allows him to check on the healing and confirm all the unwanted tissue is gone. If needed, a second treatment can be discussed at this time.

Healing From Freeze Pen

During the healing period, Dr. Lacey recommends using a medical-grade petroleum jelly like Vaseline. Apply it according to the product instructions until the area is completely healed. Vaseline helps the wound heal effectively and reduces the risk of irritation.

Again remember to not pick at any blisters or scabs that may form. Let them fall off naturally to avoid scarring. And avoid sun exposure to the treated area while it heals.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with the Freeze Pen?

Freeze Pen can effectively target a variety of unwanted skin concerns. These include:

Warts

There are different types of warts. Common warts are the most frequent type, with a rough, cauliflower-like appearance. Plantar warts grow on the soles of your feet and can be quite painful due to pressure. And flat warts are smooth, flesh-coloured bumps often found on the face, hands, or arms.

Skin Tags

These are soft, fleshy bumps that typically appear on areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. They are painless and harmless but can be cosmetically bothersome.

Age Spots

Also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, these flat brown or gray spots are a telltale sign of sun damage. They usually appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun, like the face, hands, and arms.

Actinic Keratosis

These are rough, scaly patches that develop on sun-exposed skin. While not cancerous themselves, they can become cancerous over time, so early treatment is important.

Seborrheic Keratosis

Often mistaken for warts, these are noncancerous growths that can be waxy, wart-like, or even stuck-on in appearance. They are typically brown, black, or tan and can appear anywhere on the body.

Molluscum contagiosum

These are small, painless bumps caused by a virus. Most common in children, they can appear anywhere on the body but often show up on the face, arms, and torso.

Milia

Tiny white bumps that are actually trapped keratin (a protein found in your skin) under the surface. Milia are most common on the faces of newborns and infants but can also appear in adults.

Fibromas

Small, firm bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. They are usually harmless but can be bothersome cosmetically.

Common moles

While not always necessary, Freeze Pen can be used to remove certain types of moles.

Cherry angiomas

These are small, bright red bumps caused by clusters of blood vessels. They are typically harmless but can be a concern for some people.

Who Are the Ideal Candidates for Freeze Pen Treatment?

Freeze Pen is a great option for many people with unwanted skin blemishes. Here’s who might be a good candidate:

 

  • Generally Healthy: You should be in good overall health without any major medical concerns.
  • Clear Skin: The treatment area shouldn’t have any active infections or skin conditions.
  • Not Pregnant or Breastfeeding: It’s best to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to undergo Freeze Pen treatment.
  • Minimal Scarring Risk: People who are prone to keloid scarring (thick, raised scars) might not be the best candidates.

Freeze Pen Risks and Complications

While the Freeze Pen is generally safe, some potential risks and complications. A few things to keep in mind:

  • You might feel a little pinch or burning sensation during the treatment, and the area may be sore for a few days afterwards.
  • The treated area may change colour and swell slightly right after the procedure. You might also develop a blister. 
  • Minor bleeding is possible but not very common.
  • Proper care of the treated area helps minimize infection risk.
  • Healing can occasionally take longer than expected, and in rare cases, ulcers may develop.
  • While uncommon, there’s a slight chance of permanent changes in skin colour or scarring.
  • Sometimes, blemishes can return after treatment.
  • Hair loss in the treated area is very rare.

Ottawa’s Private Surgical Facility

To schedule your consultation, simply call our Cosmetic
Patient Coordinators at 613-591-1099 or complete the
contact form below. We are here to support you through
your journey and look forward to assisting you!

 

Not Recommended For

  • Active Issues: If you have an active infection, inflammatory skin disease, or sunburn in the treatment area, Freeze Pen might not be suitable.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It’s best to avoid Freeze Pen during these times.
  • Cold Sores: If you have a history of cold sores (fever blisters), Freeze Pen might trigger an outbreak.
  • Scarring History: People with a history of keloid scarring should discuss alternative options with Dr. Lacey.
  • Blood Issues: Certain blood disorders can affect how Freeze Pen works.

How Does Freeze Pen Compare to Other Treatments?

Freeze Pen might be the perfect choice for you compared to other methods. Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

 

Feature

Freeze Pen

Laser Treatment

Surgical Excision

Method

Cryotherapy

Laser ablation

Surgical removal

Pain Level

Mild discomfort

Moderate discomfort

Requires anesthesia

Scarring Risk

Low

Low to moderate

Moderate to high

Treatment Time

5-15 minutes

10-30 minutes

30-60 minutes

Healing Time

1-2 weeks

1-2 weeks

2-4 weeks

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How Much Does Freeze Pen Cost?

While the exact cost depends on the size and number of lesions treated, it typically falls within the range of $150-$300 per session. Here at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that everyone’s financial situation is different.  To make Freeze Pen even more accessible, we encourage you to check out our page dedicated to third-party financing services. These options can help spread the cost of your treatment into manageable payments.

Remember, during your initial consultation, Dr. James Lacey will discuss all associated costs and available payment options to ensure Freeze Pen is a great fit for your needs.

FAQs

 Just because liquid nitrogen is cooler doesn’t mean it’s more effective. Firstly, Freeze Pen uses nitrous oxide because it’s a safer alternative to liquid nitrogen. Both can freeze cells effectively, but the extreme coldness of liquid nitrogen can damage surrounding healthy tissue. Secondly, nitrous oxide allows for more precise treatment, minimizing the risk of pigmentation changes or other unwanted effects. This is especially important for treating delicate areas or smaller lesions like milia, molluscum contagiosum, small warts, and moles.

One of the great things about Freeze Pen is the low risk of scarring. Unlike some other procedures, Freeze Pen uses a targeted freezing action to destroy unwanted skin lesions. This precision minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which means less chance of scarring.

The number of sessions required depends on the type and size of the lesion. Some lesions may only need one treatment, while others may require multiple sessions.

Yes, the Freeze Pen is suitable for all skin types. However, folks with darker skin tones may have a higher risk of pigment changes.

If you are bothered by unsightly skin lesions such as warts, skin tags, or age spots, the Freeze Pen treatment at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery could be the perfect solution for you. Schedule a consultation today to see how the Freeze Pen can help you achieve smoother, healthier skin.