Skin tags are those annoying, benign growths that appear on different areas of the body but are most common on the neck and arm areas. While they typically do not cause any pain, they are bothersome, and chances are if you have one, you want it gone. At Orlando Dermatology in Orlando, FL, we offer several different methods of skin tag removal Orlando so that you can finally be rid of those annoying growths for good.
What Happens During Skin Tag Removal?
There are different ways to remove skin tags from the body. Various methods can help different patients achieve their desired results. The primary methods used at our office to remove skin tags include electrosurgery, cryotherapy, and the cutting method.
The Cutting Method
The traditional method of removing skin tags involves using a scalpel or scissors to cut the skin tag off the skin. To begin the treatment, Dr. Lateef will clean the area surrounding the skin tag and then apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area so that you remain comfortable during the treatment.
Then, he will carefully use a scalpel or medical-grade scissors to remove the tag from the skin. Cutting is a completely safe method because it is performed in our office by a professional who knows how to remove the tag so that it does not cut too deeply into the skin or cause scarring or bleeding.
Cryotherapy
Another method of skin tag removal involves freezing the tag to kill the skin cells. During treatment, Dr. Lateef will use liquid nitrogen to freeze off the tag. A topical numbing cream will be applied as necessary to ensure your comfort during the entire ready of the treatment. Freezing the skin tag will prevent the skin cells from growing, and eventually, the tag will fall off, typically within a few weeks.
Electrosurgery
Electrosurgery involves the use of an electric current to burn off the skin tag. Before treatment, Dr. Lateef will apply a topical numbing gel to the area and then apply the electrode tip to the skin tag to damage the tissues in the area and burn through to the stalk. Once the skin tag is treated, it will fall off.
What Causes Skin Tags?
Skin tags form for various reasons, including aging and genetics. Some people are prone to skin tags based on their family history. While these tags are harmless, they can be bothersome. When they are located in a visible area of the body, they may even make you feel self-conscious.
Other factors may contribute to the formation of skin tags, including repetitive friction on certain areas of the body. Also, those who live an unhealthy lifestyle and eat an unhealthy diet that consistently elevates their blood sugar levels are often more prone to skin tags. They also often develop on pregnant women, diabetics, and those who qualify as obese.
Where Do They Form?
Skin tags are often found on areas of the body that experience friction and the most common areas include the neck, the underarm, the eyelids, and beneath the breasts.
Can I Remove Them at Home?
Many online resources give detailed instructions on how to remove a skin tag at home. However, these methods are not safe, nor are they hygienic.
The most effective way to remove a skin tag is by visiting a professional dermatologist who knows how to remove that skin tag without harming the surrounding tissue or causing scarring of any kind. At-home methods can put you at risk for scarring, pain, and infection, so it is best to leave the skin tag removal process to a professional.
FAQ’s: Removing Skin Tags
Which Method Is Right for Me?
Different patients will benefit from different methods of skin tag removal. Different factors affect which method is right for you, including the size and location of the tag. Some methods are better suited for removing skin tags, especially those in smaller or hard-to-reach areas.
During an initial consultation with our expert dermatologist, we will help determine which method is right for you. We will examine your skin tag and explain the different methods to best help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
How Long Does the Removal Process Take?
While each method may sound complicated and involved, the removal process only takes 15 minutes or less, based on the number of skin tags you choose to treat.
Will the Skin Tag Grow Back?
Once you finally remove a skin tag, you will be relieved that it is gone, but you also be concerned about it growing back. Most skin tag removal methods deliver permanent results, but some treatment areas will develop additional skin tags over time. Changing your lifestyle and habits may help prevent skin tags from developing. Additionally, losing weight may also prevent new skin tags from forming.
Who Is a Candidate?
Most patients with skin tags make good candidates for skin tag removal. An initial consultation with our expert dermatologist is the best way to confirm that this treatment is right for you. Once we confirm that you are a candidate, we will create a treatment plan and choose the best removal method to meet your aesthetic goals.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
You don’t have to live with skin tags any longer than you already have. There are effective removal methods that will help you be free of them for good. Contact us today at Orlando dermatology in Orlando, FL to schedule your initial consultation to find out which of these methods is the best option for you.