Procedures For Removal Of Skin Tags

Skin tags are small growths of skin, supported by a thin stalk. Often found in skin folds, in areas like the neck, armpits, and groin, they are harmless. Very rarely can they cause irritation and discomfort, becoming inflamed or infected, necessitating their removal? But usually, the reason for its removal is cosmetic.

If your skin tag is unsightly, giving you self-image issues, and you wish to be rid of it, go visit an expert. The doctor will discuss with you about the skin tag or tags that you want to be removed, and recommend a procedure as best suited to you. Four modalities of treatment can be used to remove a skin tag:

• Cryotherapy
• Electrotherapy
• Ligation
• Surgical excision

After having understood the treatment procedure, getting all your doubts cleared, and scheduling an appointment for it, this is how the procedure for removal of your skin tag shall progress further:

1. Sterilisation: The area to be treated needs to be prepared by means of sterilizing and the surrounding skin, with a disinfectant, to prevent infection.
2. Anesthesia: In the interest of minimizing or preventing any pain to you during the procedure, a local anesthetic, lidocaine, is injected or applied topically to the site.
3. Removal: After ensuring that the anesthetic has taken effect and the area to be treated is numb, a removal procedure is undertaken, in one of the following forms:

• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the skin tag with a chemical agent like liquid nitrogen. A small blister may develop at the site, which will scab in a few days and fall off, as will the skin tag.
• Electrotherapy: This uses heat in the form of a high-frequency alternating electric current to cauterize and remove the skin tag.
• Ligation: Here, the blood supply to the skin tag is cut off by tying a string around the base of it, allowing it to dry and fall off in a few days.
• Surgical excision: This is the only method that offers immediate riddance; it involves cutting out your skin tag with a scalpel or surgical scissors.
• Bandage: In most cases, the area treated is bandaged to prevent bleeding or infection.

After the procedure, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions on taking care of the removal site, to ensure absolute removal of the skin tag, healing of skin, and to prevent infection. 

• Keep the area covered with a bandage for at least a day or two after the procedure to prevent infection, bleeding and scarring.
• Keep it clean by washing it every day with warm water and soap. Disinfect your hands with the same before coming in contact with the site.
• At other times, keep the area as dry as possible to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Change the bandages daily for as long as advised by your doctor.
• If some redness has been noticed, your doctor may advise you to use an antiseptic ointment. That would also help with the healing process.
• If a blister has been formed, do not pick at it. That will only interfere with its healing and lead to scarring. Be patient, it will scab and fall off naturally in a few days.
• The doctor will prescribe to you analgesics and antibiotics for pain and infection respectively when indicated.
• Avoid strenuous activities that will irritate your skin and your wound, either directly or through sweating.
• In case of excessive pain, bleeding, pus discharge or other signs of infection, contact your doctor immediately.

In the hands of a professional, the removal of a skin tag can be a completely safe and effective procedure. All the treatment modalities discussed here are offered at Clearskin Clinic, along with the expertise to guide your skin to optimal healing. In case of any more questions and consultation, do not hesitate to contact us.