Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are common, small, benign growths of skin. They typically appear as soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker protrusions, often connected to the skin by a tiny stalk. While harmless, these growths are frequently found in areas where skin folds or rubs against itself or clothing.
What are Eyelid Skin Tags?
Skin tags on the eyelids specifically develop in this delicate area due to friction. They usually present as small, soft, often pedunculated growths, matching the skin’s color or appearing slightly brownish. Their presence on the eyelids can sometimes cause irritation or interfere with vision, particularly if located near the edge of the eyelid. It is important for a medical professional to examine any new growth on the eyelid to differentiate it from other, potentially more serious conditions like moles, cysts, or other types of skin lesions.
Why Professional Removal is Crucial for Eyelids
Attempting to remove a skin tag from the eyelid at home carries significant risks due to the eye’s delicate nature. Self-removal methods can lead to complications such as severe bleeding, infection, and permanent scarring. There is also a substantial risk of inadvertently damaging the eye itself, which could result in vision impairment. Furthermore, a growth on the eyelid that appears to be a skin tag might actually be a different, more concerning type of lesion. Medical professionals possess the necessary expertise and sterile tools to safely and accurately remove such growths, minimizing potential harm.
Professional Removal Procedures
Medical professionals use several safe methods for removing eyelid skin tags, typically in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia. These procedures are quick, often taking less than 30 minutes, and are performed by qualified medical professionals like dermatologists or ophthalmologists.
- Surgical excision involves precisely cutting off the skin tag at its base with medical-grade scissors or a scalpel.
- Cryotherapy freezes the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off within one to two weeks.
- Electrocautery burns the skin tag at its base with an electrical current, which also controls bleeding.
- Ligation involves tying off the tag to cut off its blood supply, causing it to wither and fall off over a few weeks.
What to Expect After Removal
Healing after eyelid skin tag removal typically ranges from one to two weeks. Mild redness, swelling, or a small scab at the removal site is common immediately after. Aftercare includes keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding rubbing, and applying prescribed ointments. While removed skin tags do not recur in the exact spot, new ones might develop elsewhere if predisposition factors remain. It is important to monitor the area for any signs of infection, such as increased pain, excessive redness, unusual swelling, or discharge, and to seek follow-up care if these occur.