Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-colored growths that hang off the skin. They often feature a stalk (peduncle), which forms the attachment between the growth and the surrounding skin. Tags are harmless and are not typically painful. However, many people find their skin becomes irritated when these growths rub against or get caught on clothing or jewelry.

Skin tags are extremely common. Approximately 50 to 60% of adults will develop at least one during their lifetime. It’s unclear what exactly causes these benign skin protrusions, but researchers believe friction may play a role in their development as they typically appear in skin creases and folds.

Medically administered skin growth removal treatments are typically performed in one of three ways: cryotherapy, surgical removal, or electrocauterization. Here’s how each treatment works.

During this procedure, your provider will apply liquid nitrogen, argon, or carbon dioxide to the skin tag, which will instantly freeze the growth, as well as a small area of the surrounding skin. You may feel a slight, uncomfortable sensation during the application process, which may continue for a few minutes after the treatment is complete. The skin tag will fall off on its own after approximately 10 to 14 days.

During this procedure, your provider will use surgical scissors or a scalpel to remove the growth instantly. Skin tags do contain blood vessels, so the treatment area may produce a small amount of blood, both during and after the procedure. Only a qualified professional can ensure the incision is properly placed to prevent excessive bleeding.

Skin tag cauterization involves the use of a handheld electric device to burn the growth. With this device, your provider will use electricity to heat the target tissues. This procedure induces a thermal injury, which effectively kills the skin cells that comprise the growth. Within a few days, the skin tag will fall off on its own.

When you schedule a consultation for skin tag removal at our Twin Cities clinic, we’ll sit down with you to determine the most suitable skin growth removal procedure for your needs. After your consultation, we’ll schedule you for the procedure itself.

To ensure maximum privacy and comfort, you’ll be the only patient in our office at the time of your appointment. Before we proceed with your skin growth removal, we’ll numb the treatment area with a topical anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Regardless of the removal method your provider recommends, you should be able to return to your normal activities immediately after you leave our clinic. Aftercare instructions vary according to the type of treatment you receive, as well as your skin’s response to the procedure. Always follow your provider’s instructions closely to ensure the treatment area heals satisfactorily.

Important Note

Though at-home skin tag treatments are widely available, they’re largely ineffective. You should never attempt to remove your own skin tags with any type of tool, as you may experience heavy bleeding and significant discomfort.

While spider veins are extremely common, we understand some patients do not want others to know they are undergoing sclerotherapy or other aesthetic treatments. We are not here to judge, we are here to comfort and protect. We only schedule one appointment at a time and adjust clinic hours to ensure total privacy for every patient. We understand what you’re going through may make you feel vulnerable about your appearance. When you come to us, you’ll find the highest level of care and compassion. Click here to schedule your free consultation today. To see what this process looks like, visit our gallery page.