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Skin tags (acrochordons) are small flesh-coloured or brown growths that hang off the skin and look a bit like warts. They're very common and harmless. Skin tags can vary in size from a few millimetres up to 5cm wide. They're usually found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, or under the breasts. They can also grow on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks. Anyone can develop skin tags, but they're particularly common in older people and people with diabetes. Pregnant women may be more likely to develop skin tags, caused by changes in their hormone levels. Some people develop them for no apparent reason. 

Skin tags tend to grow where skin rubs against skin or clothing. This would explain why they also tend to affect overweight people or younger children who have excess folds of skin and skin chafing.

 

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HOW IS (THE TREATMENT) USED IN COSMETIC MEDICINE?

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The removal of skin tags is regarded as cosmetic surgery, which is rarely available through the NHS so at Beautoxology we are able to offer this service Skin tags are harmless and don't usually cause pain or discomfort. However, you may want to consider getting them removed if they are unsightly and affect your self-esteem, or if they snag on clothing or jewellery and bleed. 
You should never attempt to remove skin tags yourself because they will bleed heavily.

 

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WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

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Heat is delivered via a laser to cauterise the skin tag. The individual skin tag is zapped several times during the treatment. The blood supply to the skin tag is removed and this will cause the skin tag to simply shrivel up and fall off.

 

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RESULTS

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Immediately following the treatment you may notice that the skin feels a little hot and it is possible that there may also be a small amount of bleeding. This is perfectly normal. This will then turn to a small scab which can take several days to fall away. 
The procedure can take between five to thirty minutes depending on how many skin tags are treated. Skin tag removal may sound a little daunting but the procedure is very straightforward and for many people it has made a real difference to their quality of life.

 

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POST TREATMENT ADVICE AND AFTERCARE

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The area should be protected following treatment. You should avoid getting the area wet for at least 24 hours to prevent infection. Tight clothing should be avoided over the area.

 

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WILL IT HURT?

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The sensation of having the skin tag removed is like a sharp flick of a hot elastic band. Once the skin tag is removed the area will fell a little sore for a short time.

 

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WHO WOULD NOT BE SUITABLE?

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A full medical history is taken during the consultation. Clients who would not be suitable for treatment are:

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• If you have a contagious skin infection. Once the infection has cleared treatment can then be considered

• An open wound. Once a wound has healed treatment can be considered

• If you are under a medical practitioner for an immune disorder

• If you are undergoing active cancer treatment

• If you are pregnant

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