Skin tags refer to formations on the skin, which are generally termed benign skin growths. These growths occur mostly at places where two surfaces rub together, like the neck, underarms, or groin. They are fairly common and usually not painful. Many individuals go to dermatologists wishing to get these lesions excised for cosmetic reasons.
Dermatologists can remove skin tags using several techniques to minimize the pain and scars left on the patients.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are soft, skin-coloured, sessile, or pedunculated lesions on the skin surface. They are often non-tender on examination and small, skin-coloured, and up to centimetric in diameter.
The causes of skin tags are still unknown, but they are claimed to form due to friction between the skin and something else. This friction may result from rubbing clothes, wearing rings, or touching something.
Skin tags commonly develop in regions with skin folds, such as the neck, axillary region, groin, and beneath the breast. However, they can also occur in other skin parts with contact areas or skin folds.
How Do Dermatologists Remove Skin Tags?
A dermatologist removes skin tage through various skin techniques, depending on the patient’s size, and location.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves spraying the tag with liquid nitrogen and freezing it; it usually dies off within several days to weeks, if not less. The dermatologist uses a copper-brazed sharp and smooth liquid nitrogen applicator to apply the nitrogen to the skin tag.
Cryotherapy is a treatment method that involves freezing the skin tag to destroy the cells of that region. In most cases, cryotherapy is harmless, but some minor complications include redness, blistering, or slight discomfort in the treatment area. Typical recovery is expected in a short period, and the patient can quickly resume normal activities.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery is another technique for removing skin tags. It uses heat to burn the tag. A local anaesthetic is unnecessary for this procedure; however, the dermatologist may burn the tag off with a probe—an electric current.
Electrocautery is relatively fast in performing surgeries and easy on gaping and bleeding. Nevertheless, it could be a little painful during the process, and infection or post-treatment pigmentation alteration might occur.
Surgical Excision
Surgical or surgical excision is more invasive in that the dermatologist employs the use of a pair of scissors or a blade in shaving the skin tag. This process may take some time and is done with local anaesthesia to make sure that the patient feels minimum or no pain at all.\
Sometimes, the skin tag may be cut to allow the dermatologist to sew the wound shut after the treatment. Recovery takes a few days to several weeks, depending on the size, skin tag location, and care instructions to avoid infection and aid healing.
Ligation
This is done by clamping off the circulation around the skin tag with a thin, non-absorbable suture material like thread or dental floss. In some cases, the skin tag soon undergoes atrophy and drops off. This is slow compared to other removal methods, but ligation is simple and cheaper to administer to enhance the removal of skin tags.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy works by directing light beams at the blood vessels within the skin tag to minimize blood circulation; hence, it withers away and drops off. Laser therapy is accurate and generally non-invasive, but it has the potential for pigment alterations or scarring after the treatment.
Cost of Skin Tags Removal in Islamabad:
The cost of skin tag removal in Islamabad ranges between 2500 PKR to 5000 PKR on average across all skin tag excision techniques However, FNA cytology, laser therapy, or surgical removal can increase the overall costs. The cost of skin tag surgery in Islamabad may differ according to;
- Size of akin tags
- Location of skin tags,
- Type of procedure, and
- Cost of the surgeon.
Book an Appointment with the SKN Cosmetics!
SKN Cosmetics Cosmetic Clinic is among the leading clinics specializing in dermatology procedures and aesthetic treatments. Our specializations include skin tag removal, done by professional dermatologists employing the latest methods.
SKN Cosmetics aims to provide satisfactory and appropriate dermatology care for patients with skin-related complications. You can consult with a dermatologist at SKN Cosmetics by making an online or phone appointment.
