What Causes Skin Tags and How Should You Remove Them?

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are soft, painless growths that dangle from the skin’s surface. These harmless flesh-coloured or brown growths commonly appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, and groin.

While the exact cause of skin tags remains unclear, they often develop due to friction, weight gain, pregnancy, and genetics – with nearly half of all adults experiencing them at some point in their lives. People with type 2 diabetes may be more prone to developing skin tags, making them a potential early warning sign worth monitoring.

Unlike warts, which are flat and hard, skin tags have a distinctive stalk that attaches them to the skin. While they don’t require medical treatment, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or comfort. We offer professional laser skin tag removal treatments that safely and effectively eliminate skin tags without damaging the surrounding skin.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are common, benign growths that form on the skin’s surface as small, soft tissue flaps. They typically appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing.

Understanding Skin Tags

Skin tags are soft, flesh-coloured growths that hang from the skin by a thin stalk. Their medical name is acrochordons. These harmless growths can range from 2mm to 1cm in size.

We commonly see skin tags develop in areas with skin folds or frequent friction, such as:

• Neck
• Armpits
• Under breasts
• Groin area
• Eyelids

Skin tags differ from warts in their appearance and texture. While warts are flat and firm, skin tags are soft and pendulous, always attached by a distinctive stalk.

Are Skin Tags Harmful?

Skin tags are completely harmless and do not pose any health risks. They do not become skin cancer or develop into other skin conditions.

Though benign, some people find skin tags bothersome when they:

• Catch on jewellery or clothing
• Affect appearance
• Become irritated from friction

People with type 2 diabetes may experience more frequent skin tags, making them a potential early indicator of the condition. While this link exists, most skin tags are simply a normal part of ageing and skin changes.

We recommend professional assessment of any new skin growths to ensure proper identification and treatment.

What Causes Skin Tags?

Skin tags develop due to several key factors that affect the growth of skin cells. While medical experts haven’t pinpointed a single definitive cause, we know that certain conditions and circumstances make them more likely to appear.

Friction and Skin Rubbing

Skin tags commonly form in areas where skin frequently rubs against skin or clothing. These areas typically include:

• Neck
• Armpits
• Under breasts
• Groin area
• Eyelids

The constant friction in these areas stimulates skin cell growth, leading to the formation of these small, soft growths. People who are overweight often experience more skin tags due to increased skin folds and friction points.

Genetic Factors

Some people are more prone to developing skin tags due to their genetic makeup. We observe that skin tags often run in families, suggesting a hereditary component.

If your parents or siblings have skin tags, you’re more likely to develop them as well. Certain genetic conditions can also increase your likelihood of developing multiple skin tags.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in skin tag development. Women often notice more skin tags appearing during:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Periods of significant weight change

These hormonal shifts can trigger increased cell growth in the skin’s outer layer. Insulin resistance and metabolic changes may also contribute to skin tag formation.

Skin Tags and Ageing

The likelihood of developing skin tags increases with age. People over 40 are more susceptible to these growths as skin becomes less elastic and more prone to changes.

Nearly half of all adults develop skin tags at some point. The combination of looser skin, accumulated friction damage, and hormonal changes that come with ageing creates ideal conditions for skin tag formation.

Regular skin checks become more important as we age to monitor any changes and ensure proper identification of skin growths.

How to Remove Skin Tags

You can remove a skin tag through various methods, ranging from home treatments to professional medical procedures. Professional treatment offers the most reliable and safest approach for complete removal.

Home Remedies and DIY Methods

While many home remedies exist, their effectiveness varies and they may carry risks. Using wart removers can damage your skin and cause scarring, so these products should be avoided.

Some people try tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar, but these methods lack scientific evidence and may irritate the skin.

Over-the-counter freezing treatments are available, but they often don’t reach cold enough temperatures to effectively remove skin tags.

Important: Never attempt to cut off skin tags at home, as this can lead to bleeding and infection.

Medical Skin Tag Removal Options

We offer several professional removal methods that are quick, safe and effective.

Our laser skin tag treatments provide precise removal with minimal discomfort. The procedure takes just minutes and leaves virtually no scarring.

Cryotherapy using medical-grade freezing equipment effectively removes skin tags by freezing them at the correct temperature.

Local anaesthetic ensures these procedures are painless, and most patients can return to normal activities immediately.

Why Laser Skin Tag Removal Is the Best Choice

Among modern skin tag removal methods, laser treatment stands out for its exceptional precision, minimal discomfort, and reliable results. Laser skin tag removal utilises focused light beams to target and eliminate unwanted growths while protecting the surrounding skin.

Precision and Effectiveness

Our advanced laser technology delivers precise, controlled energy directly to the skin tag tissue. This targeted approach ensures complete removal without affecting healthy skin around the growth.

The laser’s concentrated beam breaks down the skin tag cells efficiently, allowing the body to naturally absorb the treated tissue.

Unlike freezing or cutting methods, laser treatment can address multiple skin tags in a single session, making it especially practical for patients with several growths.

Minimal Pain and Discomfort

We apply a strong numbing cream before treatment to ensure maximum comfort. Most patients report only a mild warming sensation during the procedure.

The non-invasive nature of laser treatment means no cutting or stitches are required. This significantly reduces treatment-related anxiety and discomfort.

Recovery is typically pain-free, with minimal tenderness in the treated area.

Reduced Risk of Scarring or Infection

The precision of laser treatment minimises damage to surrounding tissue, greatly reducing the risk of scarring compared to surgical removal.

Because there’s no cutting involved, the risk of infection is significantly lower than with traditional surgical methods.

The laser’s heat actually sterilises the treatment area as it works, providing an added layer of protection against complications.

Quick Recovery and Long-Term Results

Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. The treated area typically heals within a few days.

Once removed, the same skin tag won’t grow back, though new ones may form in different areas.

We typically see complete resolution of treated skin tags within one to two sessions, with results that last indefinitely.

The quick healing process means minimal interference with your daily routine, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals.

Where to Get Professional Skin Tag Removal in Perth

Perth offers several professional clinics specialising in skin tag removal. Medaesthetics provides safe and effective treatment for between $50 and $350 per session depending on the size of the skin tag.

We use advanced CO2 precision laser technology to remove skin tags without cutting or stitching. This modern approach minimises scarring and provides more precise results than traditional removal methods.

The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the number and size of skin tags being treated. The previously mentioned numbing cream ensures comfort throughout the treatment.

Professional skin tag removal clinics in Perth employ experienced practitioners with decades of combined expertise in treating these benign growths.

After treatment, you may experience mild redness and swelling for a few days. Most patients can return to their regular activities immediately after the procedure.

Treatment costs vary based on the number and size of skin tags. Medicare may cover the procedure if your GP determines it’s medically necessary.

We recommend booking a consultation to assess your skin tags and discuss the most suitable removal method for your situation. Our team will explain the procedure, expected results, and aftercare instructions during your visit.