Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags are small flesh-coloured or brown growths that hang on the skin. They’re very common and harmless. Skin tags can vary in size from a few millimetres up to 5cm wide.
They’re usually found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, or under the breasts. They can also grow on the eyelids.
Anyone can develop skin tags. Pregnant women may be more likely to develop skin tags, caused by changes in their hormone levels. Some people develop them for no apparent reason. Skin tags tend to grow where skin rubs against skin or clothing.
Skin tags are harmless and don’t usually cause pain or discomfort.
However, you may want to consider getting them removed if they are unsightly and affect your self-esteem, or if they snag on clothing or your jewellry and can cause bleeding.
Sometimes, skin tags fall off on their own if the tissue has twisted and died from a lack of blood supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Skin tags and can be removed by a quick treatment called cryotherapy. The Cryopen is the most effective way of avoiding blisters as it only treats the affected area and not healthy tissue.
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Clinic based treatments are conducted under local anaesthetic, and so the treatment should be painless. Laser treatment may cause very slight discomfort, but is usually well tolerated.
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After the treatment you may have an itchy or stinging sensation. This is normal and is caused by histamines being released around the treated area. The sensation will disappear within 10-20 min. if a blister forms, do not be concerned. The swelling/blister will go down. The skin tag should slowly darken in colour and fall off completely. If some of the skin in the surrounding area is reddened or feels particularly sensitive it should lessen over the next few days. Other than that, complications are rare and you can go home as soon as your anaesthetic wears off.