A dermatologist is the appropriate specialist for removing a skin tag, which is a common, benign skin growth. These small, soft pieces of tissue hang from the skin by a tiny stalk, known medically as an acrochordon. Skin tags consist of a core of collagen fibers, nerve cells, and blood vessels surrounded by an outer layer of skin. A dermatologist can safely and effectively remove them in an office setting.
Identifying Skin Tags and When Removal Is Necessary
Skin tags are typically flesh-colored or slightly brownish and range in size from one millimeter to a few centimeters, though most remain small. They are soft to the touch and often have an irregular or wrinkled surface texture. These growths frequently appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, and on the eyelids.
The growths are usually painless, so removal is often a matter of cosmetic preference. However, removal may become medically necessary if a skin tag causes persistent irritation, bleeds frequently, or becomes snagged on jewelry or clothing. A dermatologist should examine any growth that changes appearance, becomes painful, or starts bleeding without irritation to ensure it is not a different type of skin lesion.
Professional Removal Methods Used by Dermatologists
Dermatologists use several established methods to remove skin tags, with the choice of technique depending on the tag’s size and location.
Excision (Snip Removal)
This method involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic before using sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel to cut the tag off at its base. Excision is quick, provides immediate results, and is often used for larger or stalked tags.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to the skin tag to freeze and destroy the tissue. The extreme cold causes the tag to blister, scab, and then fall off naturally within a week or two. This technique is frequently preferred for smaller skin tags or when removing multiple tags in one session.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery uses a high-frequency electrical current delivered through a fine probe to burn the skin tag off its base. The heat seals the blood vessels as it destroys the tissue, which minimizes bleeding during the procedure. This method is especially useful for small tags and helps reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
What to Expect During and After the Removal Procedure
The skin tag removal appointment is typically brief, often lasting only 15 to 30 minutes, even when multiple tags are treated. Before procedures like excision, the dermatologist will apply a local anesthetic, such as an injection or a topical cream, to ensure the patient feels no pain. Smaller procedures, like cryotherapy, may not require anesthesia, though the patient might feel a brief stinging sensation.
After the tag is removed, the treated area will form a small scab that should heal within seven to ten days. Patients are instructed to keep the site clean and dry, apply a prescribed ointment, and avoid picking at the scab to prevent infection and minimize scarring. The risk of visible scarring is low, but the area may show temporary discoloration or redness as it heals.
Health insurance typically covers skin tag removal only if it is deemed medically necessary, such as when the tag is irritated, bleeding, or interfering with vision. If the removal is purely for cosmetic reasons, the patient is usually responsible for the full cost. The out-of-pocket cost can vary, but often ranges from about $150 to $300 for a small number of tags.