FACET Dermatology
Skin Tag Removal Toronto
Though skin tags are completely benign growths, that doesn't mean that they aren't irritating — either physically or cosmetically. Depending on the location of a skin tag, they can get caught on clothing or jewelry, as well as affect self-confidence. Just as some patients opt for mole removal to achieve their aesthetic goals, you can book a skin tag removal procedure.
Skin Tags Toronto
The surgical removal of skin tags is often painless and results in zero or minimal scarring. At Facet Dermatology, founder and dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav offers a variety of options for removing skin tags to leave the area smooth and clear.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags are soft growths made up of blood vessels and collagen fibres. Though the exact cause of them are unknown, skin tag formation is often associated with genetics (those with skin tags often have family members with them, too), aging, and weight, as well as certain health conditions, including diabetes.
Hormones can also cause new skin tags to develop. Pregnant women may notice they have new skin tags they didn't have before; increased levels of growth factor in the blood can cause new skin tags to grow rapidly during pregnancy.
Skin tags are most commonly found in areas of the body where skin folds and can cause chafing, such as the eyelids, neck, armpits, breasts and groin area, though can also appear in other areas. Though they're entirely harmless, some people decide to remove their skin tags for cosmetic purposes. Other patients decide to remove them to reduce discomfort. Larger skin tags and those in certain locations can cause irritation — for example, a necklace could snag a skin tag on the neck, while skin tags in the armpits could frequently be nicked by shaving or irritated by other forms of hair removal.
Though skin tag removal may seem simple, it is critical not to attempt to remove them or any growth using at-home remedies or a DIY method. This could cause infection, bleeding, or scarring. This is especially the case with larger skin tags. Furthermore, some skin tags may not actually be a skin tag, but a mole or wart; be sure to have a dermatologist like Dr. Yadav assess any skin growths and rely on a doctor for safe and simple removal.
What is the difference between a mole and a skin tag?
Though they may be confused for one another at first glance, moles and skin tags are quite different. Skin tags are exclusively at the skin's surface, while moles are more deeply rooted in the skin, which is why moles can sometimes sprout hair while skin tags cannot.
While most skin tags are associated with chafing, moles are connected with sun damage. For this reason, it's possible for a mole to be precancerous or skin cancer. As mentioned, it's unsafe to perform DIY surgery, but that's especially true when using home remedies for mole removal, as one could be removing the only sign of something more serious.
You can reduce your risk of developing future moles, lesions, or skin cancer by wearing sunscreen daily; seeing your doctor for regular skin checks will help you catch any potentially dangerous skin conditions before they become a threat to your health.
Aspects that both moles and skin tags have in common is that they can be cosmetically frustrating, and they both can be safely removed.
Skin Tag Treatment Options
If you have decided that it's time to remove skin tags that are causing you distress or discomfort, it's worth understanding your various options for skin tag removal. The skin tag removal techniques we offer at Facet Dermatology are outlined below.
Cyrotherapy
Cryotherapy is a quick, in-office procedure that uses extreme cold to rapidly destroy skin tags. Liquid nitrogen is sprayed directly onto targeted skin lesions, freezing them and causing them to slough off while leaving the surrounding area unaffected to minimize the risk of scarring.
Electrocautery
Following application of a topical or local anesthetic, we can use electrocautery (a technique powered by light electrical current) to heat the skin and destroy the skin tag in question. Because this procedure only affects the outermost layers of the skin, the treatment typically does not leave a scar.
Snip Excision
Using a scalpel or surgical scissors, snip excision can be used to safely cut a skin tag away from the body. This procedure doesn’t usually require anesthesia, but if you’re having a large skin tag, or multiple skin tags removed, topical or local anesthesia may be applied. Again, do not try this at home — DIY procedures increase your risk of infection and skin damage.
Frequently asked questions about skin tags
Anyone who wants to book a skin tag removal procedure will likely be a good candidate. However, pregnant women should consider waiting until after they've finished breastfeeding to have a skin tag removed. In some cases, skin tags that grew during pregnancy may disappear once hormone levels rebalance.
Skin tags can occur individually or in clusters and range in colour and size. Most are under five millimeters, but some can grow larger than a few centimeters. Depending on their location, they can become irritated and inflamed.
A thorough consultation with Dr. Yadav at Facet Dermatology will allow us to assess your skin's condition and determine the most effective skin tag removal options for you and your unique needs.
Generally speaking, skin tag removal treatments require minimal downtime and recovery is comfortable, though individual results may vary. All patients receive specific aftercare instructions related to their unique procedures.
In some cases, your doctor may suggest keeping the treated area uncovered as it heals, while in others, it may be recommended to keep the wound dressed. Regardless, it should be kept clean and touched as little as possible, only with clean hands. To prevent irritation or improper healing, do not use any drying products or treatments on the wound, such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibacterial soaps.
If you received cryotherapy treatment to remove skin tags, the liquid nitrogen will likely cause a blister to develop in the treated area. This may cause minor discomfort for several days.
A scab may form after skin tag removal. Do not pick at it, as this could result in scarring. Let it fall off on its own.
To learn more about how the team at Facet Dermatology can help you treat skin tags or other skin conditions, contact us to book a consultation today. During your consultation, Dr. Yadav can answer any questions you may have and create a treatment plan tailored to your unique concerns and aesthetic goals.
