Laser Skin Tag Removal

General Information – Skin Tag Removal

What are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are soft, flesh-coloured growths that hang off the skin and are typically found on the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. They are composed of collagen fibers, blood vessels, and skin cells.

Skin tags come in all shapes and sizes and may appear darker or lighter in colour compared to the surrounding skin.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Friction and Skin Rubbing: Skin tags often develop in areas where skin frequently rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. This friction can cause the skin to form small, soft growths.

Age: Skin tags are more common in middle-aged and older adults. The likelihood of developing skin tags increases with age.

Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition to developing skin tags. If other family members have skin tags, you might be more likely to develop them as well.

Obesity: People who are overweight or obese are more prone to developing skin tags, likely due to increased skin folds and friction.

Diabetes and Insulin Resistance: There is an association between skin tags and metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. People with these conditions may be more likely to develop skin tags.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy, can increase the likelihood of skin tags. Pregnant women often experience changes in their skin due to elevated hormone levels.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Some studies suggest a possible link between skin tags and certain strains of HPV, although this is not conclusively proven.

Underlying Health Conditions: Certain conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and acromegaly, are associated with an increased risk of skin tags.

How Laser Skin Tag Removal Works

Laser skin tag removal uses focused light energy to cut off the blood supply to the skin tag, causing it to fall off naturally. The laser’s energy is absorbed by the skin tag, effectively removing it without significant pain or bleeding.

Treatment Process

An initial consultation with one of our clinicians is needed to assess the skin tags and discuss treatment options. Patients can also email us any photos of their skin tags to determine treatment suitability.

Clinical Examination

Each skin tag is first carefully examined and only removed once we are certain that it’s safe to do so. If we find suspicious-looking lesions, they are not removed, and we ask the patient to see a skin cancer clinic for confirmation of diagnosis. Preparation: The area around the skin tag is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic or numbing cream may be applied to minimise discomfort.

Laser Treatment: The laser is carefully directed at the skin tag, removing it with precision.

Post-Treatment Care: Aftercare instructions are provided to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.

Benefits of Laser Skin Tag Removal

Precision: Laser treatment targets the skin tag with high precision, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Minimally Invasive: The procedure is non-surgical and typically requires no stitches or extended recovery time.

Quick Procedure: Most treatments are quick, often taking just a few seconds per skin tag.

Minimal Downtime: Patients can usually resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Reduced Risk of Infection: The laser’s heat sterilises the area, reducing the risk of infection.

Reduce Risk of Bleeding: The Laser beam stops any bleeding by coagulating tiny blood vessels that are supplying nourishment to the skin tag.

Expected Results

Results are immediate, with the skin tag being removed during the procedure. The treated area may appear slightly red or pink initially, but this will subside within a few days. A small scab may form over the treatment area and may take a few days to naturally fall off.

Over time, the skin will heal, leaving little to no visible trace of the skin tag.

Side Effects and Downtime

Laser skin tag removal is generally safe, with minimal side effects. Some possible side effects include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Temporary changes in skin pigmentation
• Infection & delayed wound healing.

These side effects usually resolve within a few days. Most patients experience little to no downtime and can return to their daily activities almost immediately.

Who Should Consider Laser Skin Tag Removal?

Laser skin tag removal is suitable for individuals who:

• Have benign skin tags that are bothersome or cosmetically displeasing.
• Are looking for a non-invasive and effective treatment option.
• Prefer a procedure with minimal downtime and quick recovery.

Treatment Discomfort

Our highly experienced clinical team does its utmost to minimise any treatment-associated pain or discomfort.

Depending upon the type of procedure being performed, we use high-strength topical numbing cream, inhalation (laughing) gas, and local anaesthesia as well as a skin-cooling device to make the procedure as tolerable as possible.

Side Effects and Downtime

Laser age wart removal is generally safe, with minimal side effects. Some possible side effects include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Temporary changes in skin pigmentation
• Mild discomfort

These side effects usually resolve within a few days.

Who Should Consider Laser Skin Tag Removal?

Laser skin tag removal is suitable for individuals who:

• Have benign skin tags that are bothersome or cosmetically displeasing.
• Are looking for a non-invasive and effective treatment option.
• Prefer a procedure with minimal downtime and quick recovery.

Treatment Discomfort

Our highly experienced clinical team does its utmost to minimise any treatment-associated pain or discomfort.

Depending upon the type of procedure being performed, we use high-strength topical numbing cream, inhalation (laughing) gas, and local anaesthesia as well as a skin-cooling device to make the procedure as tolerable as possible.