A skin tag, medically known as an acrochordon, is a common, benign skin growth that appears as a small, soft flap of tissue. These growths are typically connected to the underlying skin by a slender stalk called a peduncle, and their prevalence increases as people age. A qualified skin specialist is the appropriate professional to assess any skin growth and determine the safest, most effective method for its removal.
Identifying Skin Tags and When to Seek Medical Guidance
Skin tags are generally flesh-colored or slightly darker and range in size from tiny bumps, about 1 millimeter, up to a half-inch in diameter. They are most frequently found in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts. The structure consists of a core of collagen fibers and blood vessels covered by an outer layer of epidermis.
While a skin tag is harmless, self-diagnosis is not recommended because certain malignant or pre-malignant lesions can mimic their appearance. A dermatologist must rule out other conditions such as seborrheic keratoses, viral warts, or, in rare instances, a type of basal cell carcinoma called fibroepithelioma of Pinkus. Consulting a specialist ensures that the growth is properly identified as benign before any removal procedure is attempted.
Professional Removal Techniques
Dermatologists employ several procedures for skin tag removal, with the choice of technique depending on the tag’s size, location, and the patient’s preference.
Cryotherapy
One common method is cryotherapy, which involves the application of liquid nitrogen to the growth. The extreme cold temperature freezes the tissue, causing it to blister and eventually necrose, allowing the skin tag to fall off naturally over the course of one to two weeks.
Snip Excision
Snip excision is a surgical procedure where the dermatologist uses sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel blade to remove the tag at its narrow base. For this method, a local anesthetic, such as a topical spray or a small injection, is often applied to ensure the patient remains comfortable during the immediate removal. Excision provides the advantage of instantaneous removal, though it may result in a tiny spot of bleeding that is easily controlled.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery, also known as cauterization, uses a fine probe that transmits a low-level electrical current to burn the skin tag off. The heat generated by the current destroys the tissue and simultaneously seals the blood vessels at the base of the growth. This mechanism is particularly useful for achieving hemostasis, especially when removing larger or more vascularized skin tags.
Aftercare, Healing, and Financial Considerations
Aftercare and Healing
Following a professional removal procedure, patients can expect a short healing period with minimal discomfort. The treated site will typically form a small scab or crust. It is important to keep the area clean and dry, and the scab should not be picked at to minimize the risk of infection and potential scarring.
Most patients experience complete healing within five to ten days, though it can take up to two weeks depending on the size of the removed tag and the technique used. Signs of complication, such as increasing redness, swelling, persistent bleeding, or discharge, should prompt a follow-up consultation with the dermatologist.
Financial Considerations
When considering the cost, since skin tags are benign, their removal is most often considered a cosmetic procedure. This means the associated costs are typically not covered by health insurance. However, if a skin tag is actively bleeding, infected, significantly irritated by clothing, or impairs vision, the procedure may be deemed medically necessary. Patients should always contact their insurance provider before the appointment to clarify their coverage based on the specific justification for removal.