Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are common, harmless, non-cancerous growths of skin tissue. They typically appear as small, flesh-colored or slightly darker flaps extending outward from the body on a tiny stalk. Many people seek to understand their cause and removal, particularly the relationship between their development and changes in body weight. This question stems from the observation that skin tags often appear in individuals who have gained weight, suggesting a direct link.
The Connection Between Body Weight and Skin Tags
Increased body weight is strongly associated with the formation of skin tags through two distinct pathways: physical friction and metabolic changes. The physical mechanism involves chronic irritation caused by skin rubbing against skin or clothing. Excess weight often leads to larger skin folds, which increases rubbing in areas like the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts. This persistent mechanical friction stimulates the proliferation of skin cells, eventually resulting in the formation of the small, stalk-like growths.
The second, more systemic connection involves the body’s metabolic environment, specifically the hormone insulin. Individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) frequently experience insulin resistance, where the body’s cells respond poorly to insulin. This leads to elevated levels of the hormone in the bloodstream (hyperinsulinemia). This high concentration of circulating insulin or related growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), signals skin cells. These growth factors stimulate the overproduction of skin cells, promoting the development of skin tags. Skin tags can sometimes serve as a visible external marker of underlying metabolic shifts, often seen in prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
What Happens to Existing Skin Tags After Weight Loss
The most direct answer to whether existing skin tags disappear after weight loss is that they generally do not regress completely on their own. Once a skin tag has fully formed, it is a permanent growth of skin tissue containing a core of collagen fibers and blood vessels. Resolving the underlying causes, such as reducing friction or normalizing insulin levels, typically does not cause the established tissue structure to dissolve.
Losing weight provides a significant preventative benefit, substantially lowering the risk of developing new skin tags. Weight reduction decreases skin-on-skin contact, minimizing the physical irritation that triggers new growths in high-friction areas. Successful weight loss also improves metabolic health by increasing insulin sensitivity, which lowers the circulating levels of growth-stimulating hormones. By addressing both mechanical friction and metabolic imbalance, weight loss effectively removes the conditions that favor the formation of new skin tags. While some existing skin tags might shrink slightly, professional intervention is necessary for noticeable removal.
Professional Removal Methods
Since existing skin tags rarely disappear naturally, professional removal by a dermatologist is the most reliable way to eliminate them. This approach ensures a proper diagnosis, as some growths can be confused with other skin conditions, and it minimizes the risk of infection and scarring.
Cryotherapy
One common method is cryotherapy, which involves applying liquid nitrogen to the skin tag, freezing the tissue. The extreme cold destroys the cells, causing the tag to darken, dry up, and eventually fall off within seven to ten days.
Surgical Excision
Another quick and effective technique is surgical excision, also known as snip removal. The provider first numbs the area with a local anesthetic before using sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel to cut the tag at its base. Excision is well-suited for larger skin tags and provides immediate removal.
Cauterization or Electrosurgery
A third option is cauterization or electrosurgery, which uses a specialized device to deliver a precise electrical current to the skin tag. The heat generated by the current burns the growth off at the stalk, simultaneously sealing the blood vessels to control any bleeding. This method is precise and offers excellent cosmetic results. Regardless of the technique used, removal should be performed in a professional medical setting to ensure sterility and minimize complications.