Clinical comparison
Cryotherapy vs laser for warts and lesions?
Warts, seborrheic keratoses, sun spots, molluscums: two fast and safe technologies. This guide from our team — using FreezPen (DermaSpark) cryotherapy and SharpLight laser — helps you pick.
Quick answer
Short answer: FreezPen cryotherapy is the first choice for warts (hands, feet, face), keratoses and molluscums — fast, precise, no anaesthesia. Laser is better suited to vascular lesions (angiomas, redness) and some flat pigmented lesions. The two are sometimes combined for the same patient.
Cryotherapy (FreezPen)
Targeted N₂O cold
Best for
- Warts (hands, feet, face)
- Seborrheic keratoses
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Small sun spots
Session: 10–20 min
Price: À partir de 80 $
Insurance receipt where medically indicated
Laser (SharpLight)
Targeted light energy
Best for
- Vascular lesions (angiomas, rosacea)
- Widespread sun spots
- Diffuse redness
- Skin rejuvenation
Session: 20–45 min
Price: À partir de 150 $
Not reimbursed (aesthetic)
Side-by-side comparison
| Criterion | Cryotherapy (FreezPen) | Laser (SharpLight) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Targeted freezing | Light absorption |
| Ideal target | Warts, keratoses, molluscums | Vessels and broad pigment |
| Pain | Brief cold sting (5–15 sec) | Rubber-band snap |
| Healing | 7–14 days (scab) | 3–7 days (redness) |
| Sessions needed | 1 to 3 depending on lesion | 3 to 6 for broad lesions |
The clinical perspective
The FreezPen cryotherapy we use at Réhabital delivers nitrous oxide at −89 °C on a very precise zone (1 to 6 mm). It is especially effective on warts (HPV), seborrheic keratoses, molluscums and small benign lesions. The application is short, precise, and carries very little scarring risk when properly dosed.
SharpLight laser, by contrast, works via light absorption: it targets hemoglobin (vessels, angiomas, rosacea) or melanin (broad sun spots, lentigines). It is the right tool when the lesion is diffuse or vascular, or when you want to treat a large area in one session.
Clinical rule of thumb: wart → cryo, angioma or redness → laser, isolated brown spot → cryo, broad or diffuse pigmentation → laser. For multiple seborrheic keratoses, cryotherapy remains the reference thanks to its precision. Some lesions benefit from a combined approach over several weeks.
How to choose
Choose Cryotherapy
- Wart (hand, foot, face)
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Small isolated spot
Choose Laser
- Redness, rosacea, angiomas
- Widespread sun spots
- Skin rejuvenation
- Large area to treat
Still not sure? We'll help you decide.
Book an evaluation at our Côte Saint-Luc clinic. Our clinical team will recommend the best approach for your situation.
Why Réhabital stands out
- 5.0 / 5 from 101 Google reviews — the highest-rated multidisciplinary clinic in Côte Saint-Luc
- Founded and led by Shahram Ghasemi, MD (Iran), DOMP — 30+ years of clinical experience
- 7 disciplines under one roof, with a coordinated care plan
- Prices published online, no mandatory packages
- Private-insurance receipt issued after every session
- 12 languages spoken by the team
- Open evenings until 8 p.m. and on Sundays
- Free parking at Cavendish Mall