What Happens During Skin Tag Removal?

Have you ever noticed small, soft growths hanging from your skin in areas like your neck or armpits? These common skin growths, known as skin tags, affect many adults at some point in their lives.

While typically harmless, many people choose to have skin tags removed for cosmetic reasons or because they cause discomfort when they rub against clothing or jewelry. Keep reading to learn more about skin tags, including what happens during skin tag removal.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are benign growths on the skin’s surface that are usually attached by a thin stalk. These flesh-colored or slightly darker growths develop when skin rubs against skin or clothing, causing friction that leads to an overgrowth of skin cells.

Common locations for skin tags include the neck, armpits, eyelids, and under the breasts, essentially anywhere skin folds occur. While they aren’t threatening to your health, many patients seek removal for comfort or aesthetic reasons.

Who Gets Skin Tags?

Skin tags become more common as you age, with most people developing them in middle age and beyond. Certain factors like obesity, diabetes, and pregnancy can increase your risk of developing these small skin growths.

Family history also plays a role, as skin tags tend to run in families. Your doctor at Moy-Fincher-Chipps can evaluate your skin tags and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific situation.

When Should I Consider Skin Tag Removal?

Most skin tags are harmless and don’t require medical treatment unless they cause discomfort. However, you might consider removal if your skin tags frequently get caught on clothing or jewelry, causing irritation or even bleeding.

Cosmetic concerns are also valid reasons to seek removal, especially for skin tags in visible areas like the face or neck. Your doctor at Moy-Fincher-Chipps can help you determine whether removal is appropriate in your case.

What Are My Options for Skin Tag Removal?

Several effective methods exist for removing skin tags, and the best approach depends on the size, location, and number of skin tags you have. During your consultation at Moy-Fincher-Chipps, your doctor will discuss the most appropriate removal techniques for your specific situation.

The goal of any removal method is to completely eliminate the skin tag while minimizing discomfort and preventing scarring. All procedures are performed with patient comfort as a priority, and most take just minutes to complete.

Snipping (Excision)

Excision is one of the most common and effective methods for removing skin tags. The procedure begins with the application of a local anesthetic to ensure you feel no pain during the removal process.

Once the area is numb, your doctor at Moy-Fincher-Chipps will use sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel to cut the skin tag off at its base. The procedure is quick, typically taking just a few minutes per skin tag.

Cryotherapy (Freezing)

Cryotherapy involves freezing the skin tag using liquid nitrogen or another freezing compound. The extreme cold damages the tissue, causing the skin tag to fall off within days or weeks after treatment.

This method is particularly effective for smaller skin tags and requires minimal downtime. Your doctor at Moy-Fincher-Chipps may recommend cryotherapy if you have multiple small skin tags that need removal.

Electrocautery (Burning)

Electrocautery uses heat from an electrical current to burn off the skin tag. After applying a local anesthetic, your doctor will use a special device to apply controlled heat to the skin tag, effectively removing it.

This method provides immediate results and can be very precise, making it suitable for skin tags in delicate areas. The treated area will heal over the course of a few days to weeks, depending on the size of the skin tag.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your skin tag removal appointment at Moy-Fincher-Chipps will begin with a thorough exam of the areas to be treated. Your doctor will confirm that the growths are skin tags and not another type of skin lesion that might require different treatment.

Before beginning the procedure, your doctor will clean the area and administer a local anesthetic if needed, depending on the removal method. Most skin tag removal procedures take just 15-30 minutes, even when multiple tags are being treated.

Will My Skin Tags Come Back?

Once a skin tag is completely removed, that specific growth will not return. However, new skin tags may develop in the same area or elsewhere on the body over time, especially if you have risk factors like obesity or diabetes.

Regular skin checks by your doctor at Moy-Fincher-Chipps can help identify and address new skin growths promptly. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may also help reduce the likelihood of developing additional skin tags.

Can I Remove Skin Tags at Home?

While many home remedies for skin tag removal exist, these methods are generally not recommended by medical professionals. Attempting to remove skin tags yourself can lead to infection, excessive bleeding, or incomplete removal. Professional removal by experienced dermatology providers at Moy-Fincher-Chipps ensures that the entire skin tag is removed safely and effectively.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re bothered by skin tags and considering removal, the experienced team at Moy-Fincher-Chipps can help. Our dermatology providers offer several effective removal options tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

The removal process is quick comfortable and can make a significant difference in your comfort and confidence. If you have questions about your skin, schedule an appointment at Moy-Fincher-Chipps today!