Skin tags are common, benign growths that can appear on the skin. Many people consider removing them, and laser technology presents a frequently explored option. This article aims to clarify how laser removal works for skin tags and what to expect from the procedure.
Understanding Skin Tags
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, flesh-colored growths protruding from the skin. They commonly develop where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. While generally harmless, skin tags can sometimes become irritated if subjected to constant friction or for cosmetic reasons.
Causes are not understood, but factors include friction, genetics, aging, and hormonal changes. They are more common in people over 40. Any skin growth should be examined by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and to rule out other conditions before removal.
How Laser Removal Works
Laser removal of skin tags involves using concentrated light energy to precisely eliminate these growths. This method directly targets the skin tag while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure often takes only a few minutes per skin tag.
A common type of laser used for this procedure is the CO2 laser, which emits a highly focused beam of infrared light. The laser energy heats and vaporizes the tissue of the skin tag, essentially burning it off. This process also cauterizes small blood vessels, which helps to reduce bleeding and lowers the risk of infection during the procedure. The precision of laser technology allows for accurate removal, especially in delicate areas like the face or eyelids.
Another type is the Nd:YAG laser, which also uses concentrated light to target tissue. This laser breaks down the skin tag at its base, leading to its detachment. This approach aims for effective removal with minimal disruption to the adjacent skin.
What to Expect During and After Laser Removal
Before the procedure, a healthcare professional will conduct a consultation to assess the skin tags and discuss medical history. The area to be treated is cleaned, and a topical anesthetic cream may be applied to reduce discomfort. During the laser application, patients might feel sensations described as a mild tingling, stinging, or a light snap, similar to a rubber band flicking against the skin.
Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may show mild redness, slight swelling, or tenderness. A small scab forms, which is a normal part of the healing process and helps protect the regenerating skin underneath. This scab falls off naturally within a week or two, though it can take longer depending on the skin tag’s size and location.
Aftercare instructions involve keeping the treated area clean and dry, gently washing it with mild soap and water. It is important to avoid picking at scabs to prevent scarring and to protect the area from direct sun exposure to prevent pigmentation changes. Most individuals can resume daily activities immediately after the procedure. While scarring is minimal with laser removal, temporary skin changes like darkening or lightening of the treated area can occur, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones, but these even out over time.
Other Common Removal Options
Beyond laser technology, several other common methods exist for removing skin tags. Cryotherapy involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, causing it to die and fall off. The frozen skin tag scabs over and detaches within a few days to weeks.
Surgical excision involves physically cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or scissors. This method provides immediate removal and may require stitches for larger tags. Ligation is a technique where a surgical thread is tied around the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply, causing it to wither and fall off. Cauterization, also known as electrocautery, uses heat, often from an electric current, to burn off the skin tag. This process also seals blood vessels, minimizing bleeding.