Skin Tag Removal

Thoughtful Care for Skin Growth Concerns

Skin tags are common, but they often become noticeable when they catch on clothing, rub against jewelry, bleed slightly, or become irritated. Those that appear in a visible area, such as the neck or face, can also cause discomfort or frustration, especially if they seem to change.

Connolly Dermatology is a clinical dermatology practice with experience evaluating and treating a wide range of skin growths. Our approach to skin tag removal focuses on skin health and safe medical care rather than appearance alone.

In most cases, skin tags are harmless and pose no medical risk. That said, proper evaluation still matters, since other skin growths can sometimes look similar and require a different approach. Rather than ignoring or removing a skin tag on your own, a dermatologic evaluation helps determine the right next step.

Understanding Skin Tags

A Closer Look at Common Skin Growths and What They Mean

In medical terms, skin tags are called acrochordons. They are benign, soft growths that develop on the skin’s surface and are typically attached by a narrow stalk. Their color often matches the surrounding skin, though some appear slightly darker. They form gradually and are not caused by infection or skin cancer. 

Most adults will develop at least one skin tag at some point in their lives. While they can occur in anyone, they tend to appear more often during middle age and later years. Some people notice a single growth, while others develop several over time, sometimes clustered in the same area.

Skin tags commonly form in places where the skin is repeatedly exposed to friction or moisture. Skin folds and high-contact areas create conditions that increase the likelihood of these growths developing. Because of this, they’re frequently found on the following: 

• Neck and along the neckline
• Underarms
• Eyelids
• Groin and inner thighs
• Under the breasts
• Abdomen and waistline
• Back and buttocks

Common Characteristics of Skin Tags

Skin tags can vary in size and appearance. Some are very small and barely noticeable, while others grow larger and become more prominent over time. Many develop as pendulous growths that hang from the skin, while others sit closer to the surface with a flatter base, especially in earlier stages.

Most skin tags are soft and flexible, and they move easily when touched. Their color often matches the surrounding skin, though they can also appear light brown or pink. 

Since they are not inflamed or infected, they typically do not cause pain unless they are irritated by friction, shaving, or jewelry. 

Are Skin Tags Dangerous or Cancerous?

Skin tags are benign and not cancerous. They also do not transform into skin cancer over time. For most people, they are cosmetic or comfort concerns rather than medical threats.

However, there are situations where evaluation by a dermatologist is important: 

• Misidentification: Some skin cancers or precancerous lesions can resemble skin tags, particularly when a growth is pigmented, firm, or irregularly shaped.

• Rapid or Noticeable Changes: A growth that increases in size, bleeds without injury, becomes painful, or changes color should be examined to rule out other conditions. 

• Association With Metabolic Conditions: Multiple or recurrent skin tags may be observed in individuals with insulin resistance or other metabolic conditions. In these cases, skin tags are considered possible markers rather than direct causes of disease.

Reviewing these factors during a dermatologic visit helps confirm whether a growth is truly benign and whether removing the skin tag is appropriate.

Risk Factors for Developing Skin Tags

Skin tags do not have a single, identifiable cause. Instead, several factors can increase the likelihood of developing them over time.

• Skin Friction: Areas where skin repeatedly rubs against skin, clothing, or jewelry are more likely to develop skin tags. Ongoing friction can irritate the skin and contribute to the formation of these growths, especially in folds or creases.

• Age-Related Skin Changes: Skin tags become more common with age. Changes in skin structure and elasticity over time may make the skin more prone to developing small growths. 

• Body Weight and Skin Folds: Individuals with more skin folds may experience increased friction and moisture in certain areas of the body. These conditions can create an environment where skin tags are more likely to form.

• Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Conditions: Skin tags are more common in people with insulin resistance or related metabolic conditions. In these cases, skin tags may serve as visible markers that prompt further clinical evaluation. 

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts, such as those that occur during pregnancy, can influence skin growth and may increase the likelihood of developing skin tags.

• Genetic Tendency: Some people are simply more prone to skin tags due to family history. If close relatives have developed multiple skin tags, the likelihood may be higher.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Most skin tags can be diagnosed with a simple physical exam. During this visit, a dermatologist examines the growth closely to confirm that it is benign and appropriate for treatment. In typical cases, no imaging, lab tests, or additional procedures are needed.

Dermatologists assess several features during the exam: 

• Size 
• Color
• Texture
• How the growth attaches to the skin 
• Location on the body 

Looking at these features together helps them distinguish skin tags from other skin growths that may appear similar but require a different type of care.

Further evaluation may be recommended when a growth does not look or behave like a typical skin tag. Changes such as rapid growth, pain, bleeding without injury, or noticeable color shifts should be addressed before moving forward with skin tag removal. In these situations, confirming the diagnosis first helps avoid unnecessary or inappropriate treatment.

Accurate evaluation also means ruling out other conditions. Some growths that resemble skin tags include warts, moles, seborrheic keratoses, and neurofibromas. In rare cases, certain skin cancers or precancerous lesions can appear similar. A careful examination helps ensure the correct condition is being identified and treated appropriately.

When Skin Tags Should Be Evaluated Before Removal

You should seek evaluation by a dermatologist if a skin growth:

• Changes rapidly in size, shape, or color
• Bleeds, becomes painful, or feels firm
• Appears pigmented or irregular
• Develops suddenly in large numbers
• Is located on the face, eyelids, genitals, or other sensitive areas
• Is not clearly identifiable as a skin tag

A professional evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and whether removing a skin tag is the right next step.

Skin Tag Removal Methods Used by Dermatologists

There is no single approach that works for every skin tag. The best removal method depends on several factors, such as its location and how it attaches to the skin. Dermatologists evaluate these details carefully and select the safest, most appropriate technique for each situation. 

Snip (Excision) 

Snip excision is one of the most common removal methods often used for tags that hang from the skin on a narrow stalk. Using sterile scissors or a scalpel, the skin tag is removed at its base. The procedure is quick, and bleeding is typically minimal when performed in a clinical setting. Healing usually occurs within a short period.

Cryotherapy 

Cryotherapy uses controlled freezing to destroy the skin tag. A cold substance is applied directly to the growth, causing it to shrink and eventually fall away. This method is often used for smaller skin tags. Some temporary redness or blistering can occur, but recovery is generally straightforward.

Electrodesiccation 

When precision and bleeding control are important, an electrical current may be used to remove the skin tag. Electrodesiccation breaks down the tissue while simultaneously sealing small blood vessels. This technique is often chosen for small to medium growths and allows for careful targeting.

Ligation 

Rather than removing the skin tag immediately, some situations call for gradually cutting off its blood supply. With ligation, a small device or thread is placed at the base of the growth. Over time, the tissue separates from the skin.  

This method is used selectively, depending on the size and structure of the skin tag.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment uses focused light energy to remove the skin tag. This option may be considered for smaller growths or delicate areas. Lasers can offer precision and reduced bleeding when used appropriately by a dermatologist.

Why Choose Connolly Dermatology for Skin Tag Removal

Experience Safe Care and Healthy Healing

 At Connolly Dermatology, removing skin tags is treated as medical care, not just cosmetic trimming. Every procedure is decided based on thorough clinical evaluation and an understanding of your overall skin health. 

What To Expect During a Skin Tag Removal Appointment

Removing skin tags is typically a brief, in-office procedure. For most patients, the experience is straightforward. 

Before the Appointment

Before any removal, your dermatologist will visually examine the skin growth to confirm that it is benign and appropriate for treatment. This step helps ensure that the correct condition is being addressed and that removal is safe. 

Patients are typically advised to do the following before the appointment: 

• Arrive with clean skin in the area being treated
• Refrain from using creams, cosmetics, or skin care products on the area that day
• Share information about medications that may affect bleeding, including blood thinners
• Mention any history of delayed wound healing or skin sensitivity

No special preparation is required in most cases, and patients can continue their routine leading up to the visit. 

During the Removal Procedure

Once the area has been assessed, the dermatologist selects the most appropriate removal method based on the growth’s size, location, and structure. The skin surrounding the area is cleansed, and a local anesthetic may be used if the growth is larger or located in a sensitive area.

The procedure itself usually takes only a few minutes per lesion. Patients may notice brief pressure or mild discomfort, but significant pain is uncommon. Bleeding is typically minimal and is controlled during the visit. 

Recovery and Aftercare

It’s normal to experience mild tenderness or redness at the treatment site after the procedure. This is more likely if the growth was larger or located in an area exposed to frequent friction. Still, most patients are able to return to normal daily activities the same day.

Over the next several days, a small scab may form where the growth was removed. This is part of the normal healing process. As the area recovers, discomfort typically improves on its own without the need for additional treatment.

To support proper healing, aftercare usually includes the following:

• Keeping the treated area clean and dry
• Avoiding picking, scratching, or disturbing any scab that forms
• Minimizing friction from clothing, jewelry, or shaving near the area

Patients are also advised to monitor the site for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage. If any of these symptoms develop, contact your dermatology office.

Professional Removal Matters

It can be tempting to try home remedies or over-the-counter kits for a bothersome skin spot. These options often promise quick results, but they do not address whether the area being treated is actually safe to remove. At-home methods can lead to unnecessary bleeding, irritation, infection, or scarring.

By contrast, professional removal starts with evaluation. A dermatologist confirms the skin change, then selects a removal approach that protects the surrounding skin and supports smooth healing. 

Medical care reduces guesswork and helps you move forward without worry, knowing your skin is being treated appropriately.