Skin tags, though harmless, can often be a source of discomfort or cosmetic concern for many. At City Dermatology Clinic, we specialise in removing skin tags through safe, effective techniques that ensure minimal pain and excellent cosmetic outcomes. In this guide, we’ll explore the professional methods available at our clinic, including surgical excision and electrocautery, detailing how these procedures are performed and why they are preferred over less reliable home remedies.
Understanding Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, benign growths that commonly develop on the skin’s surface, typically where there are natural folds or friction, such as the neck, armpits, under the breasts, and around the groin area. These growths are made up of a core of fibres and ducts, nerve cells, fat cells, and a covering or epidermis. Skin growths like skin tags and moles can often mistaken for one another too.
Symptoms of Skin Tags
Skin tags are usually flesh-coloured or slightly darker and vary in size from a pinhead to a large grape. They are soft to the touch and may be smooth or irregular in appearance. Most skin tags are attached to the skin by a small, thin stalk called a peduncle, which is why they can wiggle or move slightly.
Why People Choose to Remove Skin Tags
While skin tags are completely harmless and typically painless, they can be a nuisance or cause cosmetic concern, especially if they are in visible areas or where clothing may cause irritation. Some people may experience discomfort if the skin tag repeatedly gets twisted or pulled, which can happen with jewelry or collars, leading them to consider removal options.
Common Misconceptions
There’s a common misconception that removing skin tags at home is easy and safe, which often leads to inappropriate methods that can cause pain, infection, and scarring. On the other hand, professional skin tag removal ensures that the risk of these complications is minimised and that the skin’s appearance is preserved as much as possible.
Surgical Excision Explained
Surgical excision is one of the primary methods used at City Dermatology Clinic for the removal of skin tags. This technique is highly effective, especially for larger skin tags or those located in areas where precision is crucial.
How does surgical excision work?
The procedure for surgical excision involves several key steps:
- To ensure comfort and a pain-free experience, the area around the skin tag is numbed using local anaesthesia.
- The doctor carefully cuts off the skin tag using surgical scissors or a scalpel. The instrument used depends on the size and location of the skin tag, ensuring precision and minimising impact on surrounding tissues.
- The removal of the skin tag is instant, and the results are immediate. Once the area heals, there is usually little to no trace of the former growth.
Benefits of choosing surgical excision for skin tag removal
- Surgical excision allows for precise control, particularly important for skin tags in visible or sensitive areas. This method ensures that the removal is clean, reducing the risk of infection and promoting better healing.
- Thanks to local anaesthesia, the procedure is virtually painless. Patients typically report feeling little more than a slight pressure during the removal.
- At City Dermatology Clinic, our doctors are skilled in performing this procedure with an emphasis on cosmetic outcomes. We strive to ensure minimal scarring, preserving the natural appearance of the skin as much as possible.
Surgical excision is ideal for those who seek a definitive and immediate solution to unwanted skin tags, particularly in cases where the skin tag’s size or location might cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns. By choosing this professional treatment, patients benefit from the expertise of our trained medical staff and the advanced techniques they employ to achieve the best possible results.
Electrocautery Technique
Electrocautery is a precise and effective technique used at City Dermatology Clinic to remove small to medium-sized skin tags, particularly in areas where cosmetic outcomes are crucial. This method involves a specialised device that uses electric current to heat a probe, which is then used to burn away the skin tag.
The Process of Electrocautery
- Similar to surgical excision, the area around the skin tag is numbed with local anaesthesia to ensure the procedure is comfortable and pain-free.
- The heated probe is applied directly to the skin tag, effectively burning it away. This process also cauterises the wound immediately, which helps to stop any bleeding and reduces the risk of infection.
- Electrocautery allows for exact targeting of the skin tag, minimising damage to the surrounding skin. This precision is particularly beneficial for skin tags located on the face or neck where aesthetic considerations are paramount.
Why Electrocautery is Ideal for Certain Types of Skin Tags
- Electrocautery is highly recommended for areas where the appearance post-treatment is a significant concern. The technique’s precision ensures that the impact on surrounding skin is minimal, leading to better cosmetic outcomes.
- Electrocautery is excellent for treating multiple skin tags in a single session, offering an efficient solution for patients with numerous tags.
- The controlled nature of the heat application ensures that the procedure is safe, with a lower risk of complications compared to some other methods.
Electrocautery is an advanced treatment option that offers effective results with minimal discomfort and downtime. It is particularly suitable for patients who are concerned about the cosmetic appearance of their skin post-removal, as it ensures that the treated areas remain as natural-looking as possible. At City Dermatology Clinic, our specialists are skilled in using electrocautery to achieve the best outcomes, ensuring patient satisfaction with the aesthetic and health results.
Advantages of Professional Removal
At City Dermatology Clinic, choosing professional removal for skin tags offers numerous benefits over home remedies or less regulated methods. Our advanced techniques, such as surgical excision and electrocautery, are administered by experienced dermatologists who ensure safety, effectiveness, and optimal cosmetic outcomes.
Expertise and Safety Considerations
- Our dermatologists are highly skilled in the latest skin tag removal techniques. Their expertise ensures that the procedures are performed correctly, reducing the risk of complications.
- All procedures are carried out in a controlled, sterile clinical environment, which is crucial in preventing infections and ensuring the safest conditions for skin treatments.
Aesthetic Outcomes and Minimal Scarring
- We understand the importance of aesthetics, especially when removing skin tags from visible areas such as the face or neck. Our techniques are designed to minimise scarring and maintain the skin’s natural appearance.
- Each treatment is customised to the individual’s skin type and the specific characteristics of the skin tag, ensuring the best possible results with minimal impact on the surrounding skin.
Reliability and Efficiency
- Unlike home remedies, which offer uncertain outcomes and potential risks, our professional treatments provide reliable and predictable results.
- Professional removal is typically quick, with procedures often completed in just one visit. This efficiency is advantageous for patients looking to save time while achieving high-quality results.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Choosing professional treatment for skin tag removal at City Dermatology Clinic guarantees safety and excellent results, and a smooth and comfortable patient experience. Here’s what to expect:
- You will have a consultation with a dermatologist who will examine your skin tags, discuss your medical history, and recommend the most appropriate treatment method.
- Our team will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure to ensure the best outcomes.
The Treatment Process and Aftercare
- The chosen method, either surgical excision or electrocautery, will be performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort. The procedure is usually quick, with minimal discomfort.
- After the procedure, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to help promote healing and prevent any complications. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that you are satisfied with the results.
