Surgical Treatments
Skin Tags/ Acrochordon Removal
Skin tags are benign skin growths that occur over time in areas of friction. Skin tags are common in both men and women. They are usually found on the neck, underarms, groin, or under the breasts. Skin tags are not harmful and can be removed by a surgical Dermatologist. In most cases, they are removed for aesthetic purposes.
FCP Dermatology’s Double Board-Certified Dermatologist has extensive knowledge in the diagnosis of skin tags. Her expertise and precision allow her to diagnose and excise these benign skin growths.
Skin Tag Removal Treatment Overview
What are the benefits of removing a skin tag?
Most skin tags do not require treatment. But sometimes people want to remove them for cosmetic purposes or because they cause discomfort when they rub against clothing or get caught on jewelry.
The benefits of skin tag removal include:
- Improvement in the skin’s appearance.
- Painless, minimally invasive treatment.
- Can be done on any skin type.
- The procedure can be done in 10-15 minutes.
Skin Tag Removal Treatment Details
What skin tag removal techniques are available?
Cryotherapy – Consists of “freezing” the skin tags with liquid nitrogen. Skin tags slough off over the next few days or weeks after the procedure. You may need to repeat sessions.
Electrocautery – Using an electric scalpel, skin tags can be burned instantly. Local anesthesia is usually applied beforehand.
Surgical removal – Skin tags usually need to be removed with surgical scissors or a scalpel. These wounds may also be treated with electrocautery.
It is important to have your skin tags properly diagnosed and excised by a trained Surgical Dermatologist. Skin tags should never be removed at home. In rare cases, skin tags can actually be skin cancer.
Skin Tag Removal Procedure
What to expect during a skin tag removal
Before the procedure – It is recommended to come to your appointment with clean skin free of products such as creams or lotions. Wear loose clothing to avoid chafing after the treatment. Please inform Dr. Bailey if you are using anticoagulant medication.
During the procedure – Once removed, pressure is exerted on the area to stop any bleeding. An antiseptic will also be applied to prevent any infection. After the procedure, you may go back to your daily activities.
After the procedure – Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks and follow the post-surgical instructions for wound care. You can return to your daily activities immediately.
Ongoing Care
At FCP Dermatology we are dedicated to the ongoing care of our patients to provide you with the best results possible.
Skin Tag Removal Treatment Information
Contraindications: Who should not get a skin tag removed?
This treatment has no absolute contraindications, but patients with the following conditions should receive advice from our Dermatologist prior to the session.
- If you are taking anticoagulants.
- If you are immunosuppressed.
- If you have an active skin infection at the skin site to be treated.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Specialists in Skin Tag Removals
FCP Dermatology is your Toronto Dermatology Clinic! Learn more about skin tag removal treatments by contacting us!
Is a skin tag removal painful?
The procedure is typically quick and painless, and anesthesia is not typically required. Local anesthetic may be used for larger skin tags, or if electrocautery is necessary. This procedure usually does not leave any scars or marks.
Setup a Consultation with our Team Today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skin Tag Removals
We are here to help answer any skin tag removal related questions you may have.
Only a trained surgical Dermatologist should perform this procedure, such as Dr. Kristy Bailey.
It can be done on any area of the body.
Most skin tags do not require treatment. But sometimes people want to remove them for cosmetic purposes or because they cause discomfort when they rub against clothing or get caught on jewelry.
It is important to note that skin tags are not the same as warts, and therefore the "anti-wart" products that can be found in pharmacies are not useful for treating them. Unlike warts, skin tags are not contagious. They are generally located in areas of skin folds such as the face, neck, underarms, groin, and eyelids. They can cause discomfort due to friction, torsion, trauma, or bleeding, so it is important that they are correctly diagnosed by a Dermatologist who will evaluate the appropriate treatment for their removal.
Generally, lesion removals for a cosmetic purpose are not covered by OHIP or private insurance. If the lesion is cancerous, OHIP will cover the procedure.
Many of these adverse reactions are transient and self-limited. You will be advised on how to treat them.
- Surgical site infection.
- Recurrence.
- Erythema (skin redness).
- Local pain.
- Inflammation.
- Slight local bleeding.
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