What Are Skin Tags and Why Do People Have Them Removed

Skin tag removal is one of the most frequently requested minor skin procedures, driven by the cosmetic concern and occasional physical discomfort that these benign soft tissue growths produce. Skin tags — medically termed acrochordons — are small, benign pedunculated lesions consisting of fibrovascular tissue covered by normal-appearing skin, typically ranging from a few millimeters to one to two centimeters in diameter. They occur most commonly in areas of skin friction — the neck, axillae, groin, and under the breasts — and increase in frequency with age, body weight, and diabetes mellitus, which are established risk factors for their development. While medically harmless, skin tags cause sufficient cosmetic concern and occasional discomfort from friction and irritation that professional removal is widely sought.

Professional Assessment Before Removal

Before proceeding with skin tag removal, professional assessment confirms the clinical diagnosis — verifying that the lesion is indeed a benign acrochordon rather than another lesion type that might require different management. While skin tags are usually clinically obvious, other benign and occasional malignant lesions can occasionally be mistaken for skin tags by untrained observers. A professional assessment also identifies any lesions that have features warranting histological examination after removal — atypical pigmentation, ulceration, rapid growth, or irregular surface — ensuring that the removal process includes appropriate pathological evaluation where indicated.

Cryotherapy for Skin Tag Removal

Cryotherapy — the application of liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide to freeze the skin tag — is a widely used and effective method for skin tag removal. The freezing of the lesion destroys the tissue cells through the ice crystal formation that disrupts cell membranes, causing the lesion to necrose and detach over the days following treatment. Cryotherapy is a quick procedure that requires no local anaesthesia for most skin tags, produces minimal scarring risk, and can be performed easily by trained clinicians. Multiple skin tags in the same area can be treated in a single session, making cryotherapy an efficient option for patients with multiple lesions.

Surgical and Cautery Removal Methods

Surgical removal options for skin tags include excision with scissors or a scalpel under local anaesthesia, and diathermy or electrocautery that uses electrical current to destroy the tissue. Excision provides immediate, complete removal of the lesion with a specimen that can be sent for histological examination if there is any diagnostic uncertainty. Electrocautery burns the tag tissue and seals the vascular connection simultaneously, providing efficient removal with minimal bleeding. These surgical methods are particularly appropriate for larger skin tags where cryotherapy might require multiple sessions to achieve complete removal.

CryoPen Treatment for Skin Tags

The CryoPen — a precision cryotherapy device that uses nitrous oxide under pressure to deliver a precisely targeted cold beam — offers a particularly precise and controlled approach to skin tag removal that minimizes the treatment of surrounding normal skin. The CryoPen's precision is particularly advantageous for skin tags in cosmetically sensitive locations — the face, neck, and eyelid margins — where precision in the treatment area minimizes the risk of post-treatment pigmentation changes or scarring in surrounding skin.

Aftercare Following Skin Tag Removal

The aftercare following professional skin tag removal is straightforward but important for achieving the best cosmetic outcome and minimizing the risk of complications. The treated area typically develops a small blister or crust in the days following cryotherapy or cautery treatment, which should be left intact rather than removed to allow natural healing with the minimal scarring risk that undisturbed healing provides. Sun protection over the treated area during healing minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation in the healing tissue, particularly in patients with darker skin tones. And appropriate wound care for excised lesions — keeping the wound clean and protected — supports uncomplicated healing.

Professional Skin Tag Removal at the Practice

Dr. Nadia Abu-Hussein provides professional skin tag assessment and removal using the most appropriate technique for each lesion and location. Contact the practice to arrange your consultation and receive the professional assessment and treatment that safe, effective skin tag removal requires.