AESTHETICS · DERMATOLOGY
What skin tags are & diagnosis
Skin tags, or acrochordons, are common benign growths that often appear as small, soft, flesh-colored tissue. A clinical examination is essential to confirm the diagnosis and distinguish them from other skin lesions. In cases where the nature of the lesion is uncertain, histology is considered to ensure medical accuracy.
Benefits & common sites
Removal can provide significant relief by reducing snagging on clothing, irritation from friction, or addressing cosmetic concerns. Common sites for treatment include the neck and underarms; however, eyelid or groin treatments are only performed when clinically appropriate. While we aim for optimal aesthetic results, we do not promise scar-free outcomes.
Removal methods
We select the most appropriate method for your specific case. Techniques include cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (heat), snip removal, or surgical excision for larger or more complex tags.
Suitability & precautions
Precautions are necessary for individuals with active infections, uncontrolled bleeding risks, or those on anticoagulants. We exercise extreme caution with pigmented or changing lesions and assess patients for impaired healing or keloid tendency before proceeding.
Appointment & sessions
Each session includes a consultation, formal consent, area cleansing, and localized anaesthetic when required. Following removal, a clinical dressing is applied. Depending on the scale and location of the tags, one or more sessions may be recommended for safety and comfort.
Aftercare
Post-procedure, you may experience mild redness, tenderness, or scabbing at the site. These are expected parts of the healing process. Detailed wound-care aftercare instructions will be provided to ensure smooth recovery.
Risks & urgent review
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, pigment changes, incomplete removal, or the development of new tags. An urgent review is required if you notice persistent bleeding, worsening pain, pus, fever, or spreading redness.
FAQs
What causes skin tags?
They are primarily caused by skin friction, genetics, and factors associated with aging.
Can I remove them at home?
Home removal is highly discouraged due to the risks of infection, scarring, and severe bleeding.
Will there be scarring?
While our clinicians use precise techniques to minimize marks, a scar-free result cannot be guaranteed.
Do they grow back?
A specific tag removed usually does not return, but new tags may develop in other frictional areas.
How many tags per session?
The number treated depends on the size of the tags and their specific anatomical locations.
Educational information only; individual assessment is required.