16 Mar Everything You Need to Know About Skin Tag Removal Laser Treatment
Although skin tags are harmless, they are often unsightly and uncomfortable.
If they emerge in highly visible areas, such as on the face, neck or chest, they can make people self-conscious and be bothersome when putting on makeup, jewellery or clothes.
In this case, skin treatments to have them removed can be considered, but what skin tag removal procedures are the safest and most effective?
Keep reading to learn more about skin tags and the most popular method of getting rid of them, laser treatment for skin tags.
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What Are Skin Tags and Why Do They Form?
Skin tags are benign skin growths that appear as circular or stalk-shaped bits of skin that stick out. They are very small, often ranging from 1mm to 1cm in size, and are made of collagen and blood vessels surrounded by skin.
They typically come up on the eyelids, neck, upper chest, armpits, thighs and groin.
The most common cause of skin tags is friction, where skin rubs against skin. This can be unavoidable in areas prone to chaffing and sweat, like under the arms and between the thighs. In other cases, being overweight or pregnant can put you at greater risk.
Genetics, age, and hormonal changes might also cause skin tags, as well as some medical conditions brought on by insulin resistance, like diabetes.
What Is Laser Skin Tag Removal?
A laser skin tag remover treatment is a minimally invasive procedure designed to eliminate unwanted skin tags. Laser technology offers a quick, safe and efficient way to remove them without cutting or stitching.
Laser skin tag removal is suitable for most people, but the best candidates are those with multiple or aggravating skin tags.
If you have an active skin infection or condition, it’s best to consult your doctor or dermatologist first. They can assess the skin tag to determine if laser treatments are the best option.
What to Expect During and After a Skin Tag Removal Laser Procedure?
- During the Procedure: The procedure itself is fast and relatively pain-free, often completed in just a few minutes. To ensure comfort, they will numb the area using a topical anesthetic or cooling technique. You might just feel a mild warming or tingling sensation as the laser works. The high-energy laser is used to precisely target the skin tag, using heat to break down the tissue. It seals off blood vessels, which minimises bleeding and reduces the risk of infection.
- After the Procedure: The treated area may appear slightly red or swollen immediately after, but this usually subsides within a few hours. A small scab will form over the site, which will naturally fall off within a week.
- Recovery and Aftercare: Most people can resume normal activities immediately. To promote healing, you should keep the treated area clean and dry, avoid scratching or picking at the scab, and protect the skin from direct sunlight to prevent discolouration. The skin heals within 7–14 days, leaving behind clear, smooth skin.
Other Skin Tag Removal Methods
- Skin Tag Removal at Home: A lot of people attempt to remove skin tags themselves using DIY methods such as tying off the tag with dental floss, applying apple cider vinegar, or using scissors (ouch!). While some of these approaches work, they come with risks, including infection and scarring. Without a proper assessment, there is a chance of misidentifying a skin tag, which could lead to complications if the growth is something more serious.
- Skin Tag Removal Products: Over-the-counter removal products, such as creams and freezing solutions, are marketed as convenient alternatives to professional treatments. They typically work by breaking down the tissue so it eventually falls off. While some people see results, these methods can be slow and may not be suitable for all areas of the body—particularly sensitive spots like the eyelids or neck. There’s also the chance of irritation or incomplete removal, leading to regrowth.
- Skin Tag Removal Kits: A skin tag removal kit often includes tools like scalpel blades, cauterising devices, or banding tools to cut off the tag’s blood supply. While these kits may seem like an affordable option, they can be dangerous if not used correctly. Without proper sterilisation and technique, there’s a higher chance of infection, bleeding, or scarring. Most skin specialists do not recommend DIY removal kits, especially for larger or multiple skin tags.
- Excision and Freezing: Medical professionals often use liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) to freeze off skin tags or perform a minor excision with surgical scissors. While effective, these methods can be uncomfortable and require longer healing times than laser. Cutting or freezing may also leave behind a scar, particularly on delicate areas.
Why Laser Treatment to Remove Skin Tags Is the Best Option
When it comes to something as delicate as removing skin tags, a professional treatment is essential.
Laser removal is much safer than using generic store-bought products or trying risky home remedies.
It suits people with all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it precisely targets the tag without causing widespread irritation or affecting the surrounding skin. This makes it ideal for delicate areas like the face and neck.
With little to no downtime and only basic aftercare required, laser is also the perfect treatment choice for people with busy lifestyles.
Here at Zecca, our skin tag removal laser treatment can be completed quickly and with minimal discomfort. Get in touch via phone or email today to find out how you can book a bespoke consultation.
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