Skin Tag Removal

Sick of that skin tag catching on your necklace or snagging your collar? Skin tags might be harmless, but they're incredibly annoying. That one on your neck that keeps getting caught. The ones under your arms that rub against your clothes. The embarrassment when someone notices one on your face.

Skin tag removal uses cauterisation, cryotherapy, or surgical excision to eliminate benign growths that catch on clothing and jewellery. Mode Laser Skin Clinic removes multiple tags in a single session, with treated sites healing within 7-10 days. Removed skin tags do not return to the same location.

Skin tags (medically called acrochordons) are small, soft, benign growths that hang off the skin on a tiny stalk. They're extremely common—almost half of all adults have at least one—and they tend to increase with age. While they're not dangerous, they can be a constant irritation and source of self-consciousness.

Understanding Skin Tags:

Skin tags typically appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing:

• Neck — The most common location. Skin tags here often catch on jewellery, collars, and scarves.

• Underarms — Friction from arm movement and clothing makes this a prime location for skin tag development.

• Under the breasts — Particularly common in women, where underwire or bra bands create friction.

• Eyelids — Small skin tags can appear on or near the eyelids, affecting appearance.

• Groin and bikini area — Underwear elastic and movement create the friction that encourages skin tags.

• Face — Though less common, facial skin tags are often the most bothersome cosmetically.

What Causes Skin Tags:

Several factors contribute to skin tag development:

• Friction — Areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing are most prone to skin tags. This is why they cluster in folds and creases.

• Hormones — Pregnancy often triggers skin tag development, possibly due to hormonal changes and weight fluctuation. They're also more common in people with hormone-related conditions like PCOS.

• Genetics — Skin tags run in families. If your parents had them, you're more likely to develop them too.

• Age — Skin tags become more common as we get older, though they can appear at any age.

• Weight — Carrying extra weight creates more skin folds and friction, increasing the likelihood of skin tags.

• Insulin resistance — There's a correlation between skin tags and metabolic conditions including type 2 diabetes.

Why Professional Removal is Important:

You might be tempted to remove skin tags yourself—many people try tying them off with thread or snipping them with scissors. We strongly advise against this for several reasons:

• Risk of infection — Non-sterile removal creates an open wound susceptible to bacterial infection.

• Excessive bleeding — Skin tags have a blood supply. Without proper technique, bleeding can be significant.

• Scarring — Improper removal often causes worse scarring than professional treatment.

• Misidentification — What looks like a skin tag might be something else entirely. Kathryn's training in skin cancer recognition ensures proper assessment before any removal.

Removal Methods at Mode Laser Skin Clinic:

Kathryn selects the most appropriate removal method based on the skin tag's size, location, and your skin type:

• Cauterisation (heat) — The most common method. A fine probe delivers heat to the skin tag's stalk, severing it and sealing the blood vessels simultaneously. Quick, effective, with minimal bleeding.

• Cryotherapy (freezing) — Liquid nitrogen freezes the skin tag, causing the cells to die. The tag falls off within 7-10 days. Good for smaller tags.

• Surgical excision — For larger skin tags, surgical removal with a sterile blade may be necessary. Local anaesthetic ensures comfort.

• Electrosurgery — Uses electrical current to cut and cauterise simultaneously. Effective for medium-sized tags.

Most methods allow removal of multiple skin tags in a single session, making it efficient if you have several to address. The tag is removed immediately. Immediate removal means instant relief from irritation.

The Importance of Proper Assessment:

Kathryn holds Skin Cancer Recognition qualifications, which is crucial for safe skin tag removal. Not every growth is a skin tag, and it's essential to distinguish between harmless skin tags and lesions that need medical attention. Before removing anything, Kathryn at Mode Laser Skin Clinic will:

• Visually assess the growth's characteristics

• Check for any features that raise concern (irregular shape, colour variation, recent changes)

• Confirm it's suitable for cosmetic removal

• Refer you to a GP or dermatologist if anything needs medical evaluation

This assessment isn't about being overly cautious—it's about ensuring your safety and catching anything that needs proper medical attention.

Setting Expectations:

Skin tag removal is generally straightforward with excellent outcomes. However, it's worth knowing:

• Some skin tags may leave a small pink mark that fades over time

• Larger tags may leave minimal scarring (usually less noticeable than the original tag)

• Removed skin tags don't grow back from the same spot

• New skin tags can develop elsewhere, especially if you're prone to them

Many clients who are prone to skin tags return periodically for maintenance removal of new growths.

Kathryn's Experience:

With 20+ years of experience in skin treatments and specific training in skin lesion recognition and removal, Kathryn has removed thousands of skin tags safely and effectively. She'll assess your skin tags honestly, recommend the best removal method, and carry out the procedure with the precision that comes from decades of experience.