FAQ About Skin Tag Removal
If you have skin tags, the first thing you should know is that they’re not harmful. But while skin tags won’t threaten your health, that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t become bothersome.
Many people report their skin tags become irritated and even painful when they routinely rub against fabric or skin or get caught on jewelry throughout the day. If that’s the case for you, or you simply don’t like the appearance of these tiny skin flaps, skin tag removal may be something you’re considering.
If you’re curious about getting your skin tags professionally removed, our team at Medical Tattoo Centers of America can do that for you. Below, we’ve outlined some of our most frequently asked questions about the procedure so you know what to expect.
What Can I Do To Prevent Skin Tags?
Unfortunately, there’s nothing anyone can do to prevent the formation of skin tags — not even your physician or dermatologist can stop them from developing. If you end up with one (or more) of these little flaps of skin, the only way to get rid of them is via a skin tag removal procedure.
Learn more about skin tags and what causes them here.
How Are Skin Tags Removed?
When you visit a dermatologist or other physician for skin tag removal, your doctor may perform one of a few different procedures to get rid of the tag. They include:
● Cryotherapy: This procedure involves applying a freezing agent to the skin tag, which freezes the skin cells involved and causes them to die. When the cell death is complete, the skin tag will fall off on its own approximately 10-14 days after the procedure.
● Electrocauterization: During this procedure, your provider will cauterize the skin tag using a handheld electronic device, which burns the skin cells and causes them to die and fall off. The wound is then cleaned and sealed to prevent bleeding and infection.
● Surgical removal: For surgical removal, your provider will use a scalpel or surgical scissors to cut the skin tag off. The resulting wound is then cleaned and sealed to prevent infection.
Can I Remove a Skin Tag on My Own?
While it’s possible to remove a skin tag on your own, we DO NOT advise it. Surgical skin tag removal should only be performed by a medically licensed professional who knows where to cut and how to care for the resulting wound, so it doesn’t bleed excessively or develop an infection.
If you attempt to cut off a skin tag at home, you could very easily misplace the incision, which will result in considerable bleeding. To keep yourself safe, always rely on a medical professional to perform this procedure. An in-office skin tag removal is quick, relatively painless, highly affordable ($25 per tag), and, most importantly, safe.
Does Skin Tag Removal Hurt?
Each person’s pain tolerance is different, so it’s tough to say how much discomfort you may experience during the procedure. That said, most patients report minimal pain with all of the three removal methods discussed above.
At MTCOA, we understand that skin tag removal may induce mild to moderate anxiety, especially if you’re worried about the associated discomfort. To help you have the best experience possible, we offer personalized, self-administered nitrous oxide pain management as an add-on to the treatment.
If you have any other questions about skin tag removal and how the procedure works, feel free to contact us with your inquiries or concerns, and we’ll reach out with additional information.
Schedule a Free Consultation for Skin Tag Removal in the Twin Cities
Are you ready to bid your skin tags farewell? If so, our team at Medical Tattoo Centers of America is here for you. We specialize in various medical and cosmetic treatments to help you look and feel your best. Our providers are medically licensed professionals who place your safety, privacy, and comfort above all else.
To learn more about skin tag removal or any of the other skincare treatments we offer, feel free to call our Blaine, Minnesota clinic today at 612-770-0000. You can also request a free consultation online, and we’ll be in touch to get you scheduled.