What are skin tags?
Skin tags are small flesh coloured or brown growths which hang off the skin and look similar to warts but are harmless, skin tags are very common so should not be worried about. Most people decide to have skin tags removed because they feel that they look unattractive and unappealing.
Why are skin tags removed?
Some people gain skin imperfections which develop through life and can increase in size, those that have skin tags which to use the process of skin tag removal to feel more confident to show off their skin in public and in front of people whereas previously would use more clothing to cover the skin tags to avoid them being seen. Sometimes skin tags can have a big impact on those that have them and is often known to decrease confidence in some people, but with removing the skin tags afterwards people are known to feel a lot more happy and confident in their own skin.
The process of skin tag removal
Cryotherapy is the most popular method to remove skin tags as it’s a simple process and is often successful. The process is to freeze the skin tag off by applying of extreme coldness to the area, the cells are frozen within the growth making the blood supply blocked. A blister will be formed at the area of treatment and will then scab and fall off after 7-10 days, removing the skin tag. The cryotherapy procedure will take up to 5-10 minutes and is often used for multiple growths. If performed by an experienced surgeon the process will come out with great results and damage to other parts of skin will be avoided. In event of the cryotherapy not being effective the Curettage and cautery technique can be used which involves a sharp spoon-like piece of equipment being used to scrape off the growths before the wound is healed using heat. A local anaesthetic is usually used during the procedure, the wound will be left open so that it can heal which then will be healed after two to three weeks.
To find the most suitable method of skin tag removal for you please consult a surgeon at Centre for Surgery.