Having skin tags can be unsightly and embarrassing. If you're tired of having skin tags, you should get yourself to a dermatologist's office. They're trained and equipped to handle problems like these and can make your skin tags a thing of the past. Here's what you can expect from your visit.
What Are Skin Tags Anyway?
Skin tags are simply excess skin that has abnormally developed. The exact mechanism behind why some people get skin tags and others don't isn't entirely understood, but there is some evidence that they could be passed down genetically. Many people will develop skin tags due to excess skin moisture, either due to the weather, excess perspiration, or being overweight. The moisture that can develop under flaps of excess skin and fat, for example, are particularly prone to developing skin tags.
How They're Removed
Skin tags are removed differently depending upon the dermatologist you see and how large the skin tags are.
Minor, small skin tags are the easiest to get rid of. Generally speaking, a dermatologist will first inspect your skin. Then they'll clean it thoroughly with antiseptic to ensure that no infections ensue. They'll then numb your skin, either with a topical, injected pain killer, or both. The last part is removing the skin tag itself: with small tags, surgically removing them with a scalpel or pair of surgical scissors is all that's usually needed.
Larger tags are a bit more difficult, but it's nothing a dermatologist can't handle. Again, your dermatologist will clean and numb your skin. But for a larger tag, cryo freezing may be used. This uses extreme cold to zap and desiccate the skin tag, cutting it off from its blood supply. Then the skin tag is cut off. The cryo freezing is necessary to ensure that the skin tag doesn't bleed.
Recovery
Recovery from skin tag removal is no big deal at all. Your dermatologist will clean the area once more after the tag has been removed and will place a bandage and possible antibiotics over the area. Follow your dermatologist's directions regarding cleaning and care for the area.
Once the area with the removed skin tag has healed, you shouldn't notice anything remaining. The skin should look smooth and in most cases, there's no scar tissue to worry about, either.
Skin tags are unsightly and sometimes even painful depending on how large they are. If you've been putting up with them for a long time and are sick of it, it's time to get help from a professional.
For more information, reach out to a dermatologist in your area.
