Cryotherapy removes a skin tag by applying a very cold substance, usually liquid nitrogen, to the growth. This controlled freezing causes water within the targeted cells to form ice crystals, ultimately destroying the tissue. The body recognizes this treated area as damaged and begins the natural process of sloughing off the dead tissue. The skin goes through several distinct phases before the skin tag finally detaches.
Immediate Post-Procedure Expectations
Within the first few minutes after the liquid nitrogen application, the treated area will likely exhibit a temporary stinging or burning sensation. This is a normal reaction to the extreme cold and usually subsides quickly, often within 10 to 20 minutes of the procedure.
Over the next 24 to 72 hours, the body’s inflammatory response begins, leading to localized redness and slight swelling around the site. A blister is a common and expected outcome of cryotherapy, as the freezing process separates the upper layers of skin from the layers beneath. This blister may be clear and fluid-filled, or it may appear dark red or purple if it contains blood, known as a hemorrhagic blister.
The blister acts as a natural protective barrier over the damaged tissue and should not be intentionally drained or popped. If a blister bursts on its own, the area must be kept clean and dry. Applying a protective ointment like petroleum jelly helps prevent infection and promotes healing. The blister creates a sterile environment for the underlying skin to begin repairing itself.
The Full Healing Timeline
Following the initial acute phase, the blister begins to dry out and flatten over the next few days. The treated skin tag will shrivel and darken significantly as the damaged cells die off, often turning black or deep purple. This darkening confirms the cryotherapy was effective and the tissue is separating from the healthy skin below.
As the blister resolves, the dead skin tag and overlying tissue form a hard, protective crust or scab. This scab protects the newly forming skin underneath. The skin tag, encapsulated within this scab, naturally detaches once the separation from the healthy underlying tissue is complete.
The typical window for the skin tag to fall off is between 7 and 14 days after the procedure, though timing varies based on size and location. Larger or thicker skin tags may take longer, sometimes up to three or four weeks to completely detach. It is important to let the process occur naturally; picking or pulling at the scab can disrupt healing, cause bleeding, and increase the risk of scarring or infection. If the skin tag has not fallen off after three weeks, consult a healthcare provider, as a second cryotherapy application may be needed.
Post-Detachment Care and Long-Term Appearance
Once the skin tag and its protective scab have fallen off, the newly exposed skin underneath will appear fresh, smooth, and often pink or reddish. This pink color is not scarring but is simply immature skin that will gradually blend with the surrounding skin tone over the following weeks. The area may feel temporarily sensitive until the new skin fully matures.
To ensure the best cosmetic outcome, sun protection is highly recommended for the newly healed skin. Exposure to ultraviolet light can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a temporary darkening of the skin, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor to the site for several weeks helps minimize this risk.
While healing is usually straightforward, certain signs warrant contacting a doctor, as they may indicate an infection. These include increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth around the site, or the presence of pus. Medical advice should also be sought if bleeding does not stop after applying firm pressure for 15 minutes, or if the skin shows no signs of healing after six weeks.