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Skin Tag Removal

Jacqueline Cataldo | September 21, 2009

After pregnancy, many people will find that new skin has appeared. This new hanging type of skin is called a skin tag. It almost looks like a raised mole but bigger, saggier, and droopier. The skin tag actually hangs from a part of the body such as the neck, the eyelid, or the armpits.

Skin tags are usually the color of the skin or slightly darker. The wrinkled piece of skin usually starts flat against the skin and then grows so that it hangs from the skin. Skin tags can be as small as a pinhole or as big as a grape.

Skin tags appear on pregnant or recently pregnant women due to the production of extra hormones. The majority of the people tend to develop skin tags in middle to later adulthood, but it may appear in some children as well. Do these individuals have to live with the skin tags forever? not necessarily.

What is Skin Tag Removal?

Skin tags are usually found in healthy individuals. Skin tags is not skin cancer and does not turn into skin cancer. Normally people want them removed not for health reasons but instead for vanity reasons and self-esteem.

The skin tags are normally found in places where the clothing rubs against the skin. These places include groin area, neck, armpits, and even under the female breasts. The clothing rubbing against the skin tag normally irritates the skin tag.

Skin tags sometimes fall off without the help of a professional. If an individual does go to a dermatologist for removal, the removal will depend on the size and area of the growth. The growth can be removed either by cutting, freezing, or burning. Freezing of the skin tag is called cryotherapy and involves liquid nitrogen. Burning involves medical electric cautery. Topical or injected anesthesia can be used during the removal process.

Dermatologists usually tend to the removal but some times another professional may step in. If the skin tag is located near or on the eyelid, then an ophthalmologist may perform the removal.

Who is the Best Candidate for Skin Tag Removal?

The most obvious answer to this question would be anyone who has a skin tag. Removal of the skin tag can cause less irritation and boost a person’s self-esteem. Having skin growths on apparent places on the body can make people feel less attractive. Having the skin tag removed can lift the person’s level of confidence.

Some people do not feel the need to have the skin tag removed. This may be due to the fact that it does not irritate the person, it does not twist or rub up against clothing, and may not be even big enough to be noticeable. In this case, individuals may opt not to have the removal.

Candidates looking into skin tag removal should be in good health, not only physically but also emotionally and psychologically. They should also have realistic expectations and explore all procedures.

Benefits

Envision having a piece of loose skin which twists and turns, cutting off blood supply. Maybe the loose skin is located in a place on the body which often gets aggravated by clothing. Jewelry may also snag onto or twist the skin tag. The benefit of having the skin tag removed is the freedom of knowing that you will not be irritated or in pain anymore.

For others, the biggest benefit of having the skin tag removed is because of vanity. Some people have the skin tags on their face and find that when they have them removed they feel so much more attractive. They actually may find it easier to look into the mirror. As with any other removal or plastic surgery these days, people do it for the simple reason of beauty.

Risks

While scissor removal removes the skin tag immediately, there are some disadvantages. During this procedure, the area is cut and needs to be stitched. Afterwards, the individual should follow aftercare instructions accordingly so as to not create a risk for infection. Minor bleeding may follow this procedure.

Individuals who decide on freezing or cauterizing may be at risk for:

  • Discoloration of the area.
  • Need for repetitive treatments.
  • Skin tag not falling off, therefore having to opt for another procedure.

While risks are not major when it comes to removing skin tags, these are some which you need to be aware of. As with any medical procedure, consultation should be made with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

http://www.skintaghelp.com/

About Jacqueline Cataldo

Author Name

A recent graduate of Seton Hall with an M.A. in counseling, Jacqueline Cataldo is a contributing editor and writer for Bright Hub and the Yodler.

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1 Comment

  1. [...] Skin Tag Removal - What is Skin Tag Removal | Dermatology [...]

    Skin Tags Eye Lid – October 20, 2009 , 7:42 AM

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