I was told recently by a client that Skin Tag Removal at home was trending on tiktok and they had tried it but to no avail. This really worries me that people are trying to remove these with at home methods. While there are DIY kits, it’s safer to have skin tags removed professionally to avoid complications, especially for larger or sensitive areas. I have seen many a client with string embedded in their skin or a tag half hanging off that has become infected so I urge anyone to get their skin tags professionally removed.
Skin tags are small, harmless growths that can appear on the skin’s surface, often around the neck, armpits, groin, or under the breasts. While they’re generally painless and benign, many people opt to remove them for aesthetic reasons or because they can sometimes cause discomfort. If you’re considering skin tag removal, here’s everything you need to know about the process in which I remove Skin Tags.
This is before and immediately after the removal of a large Skin Tag using diathermy (electrocautery)
1. Cryotherapy (Freezing)
- How It Works: Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag, causing it to eventually fall off.
- Benefits: It’s a quick, generally painless method with minimal risk of scarring.
- Recovery: After the treatment, the skin tag may blister or swell before drying up and falling off within a few days.
2. Electrocautery/Diathermy (Burning)
- How It Works: In this method, a fine needle heated by electricity is used to burn the skin tag off.
- Benefits: This technique is highly precise, minimizing damage to surrounding skin.
- Recovery: Healing typically takes a few days to a week, with very little to no scarring
A professional skin tag removal session involves:
- Consultation: I will assess the skin tag, ensure it is of course a skin tag and discuss the best removal method based on its size, location, and your preferences.
- Preparation: The skin around the tag and the tag itself will be cleaned
- Removal: The removal method will depend on my recommendation and your comfort level. I will carry out a skin test intially so you can understand the process and how it feels and importantly assess the way in which the skin reacts.
- Aftercare Instructions: I will provide you with tips for caring for the treated area to minimise the risk of infection or scarring and the quickest possible healed results.
Questions I get asked alot about Skin Tag Removal
1. Is skin tag removal painful?
- Diathermy produces a hot sting whcih most clients find easily tolerable. With Cryotherpay it is like a cold sting with little to no discomfort during the procedure.
2. Will the skin tag come back?
- Once removed, the same skin tag won’t come back. However, you may develop new skin tags in the same area over time if you’re prone to them.
3. Are there any risks to removing a skin tag?
- Professional removal minimises risks. However, there’s always a slight risk of minor scarring or infection, which can be avoided if the aftercare is followed strictly and correctly.
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