Skin tags are one of the most common skin concerns treated in dermatology offices. While these soft growths are usually harmless, they can become irritating, uncomfortable and cosmetically bothersome depending on where they develop. Many patients seek professional skin tag removal because the growths catch on clothing or jewelry or appear in visible areas like the neck or eyelids.
At Bellaire Dermatology, patients throughout Houston, Bellaire and Sugar Land can receive personalized skin evaluations and professional treatment options designed to safely remove unwanted skin tags.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags (the clinical term is acrochordons) are small, soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths that hang off the skin by a thin stalk called a peduncle. They tend to show up in areas where skin folds rub against each other or against clothing, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, under the breasts and along the chest and back.
Skin tags are extremely common in adults, especially older adults. Some estimates suggest that nearly half of all adults will develop at least one skin tag during their lifetime. They don’t typically cause pain unless something catches on them or they become twisted at the stalk, which can temporarily restrict blood flow and cause soreness.
Although they are generally harmless, many patients choose skin tag removal for cosmetic reasons or because the growths become bothersome during everyday activities.
What Causes Skin Tags?
Several factors may contribute to the formation of skin tags. Friction is considered one of the most common triggers, which is why skin tags frequently appear in skin folds or high-contact areas.
Other possible contributing factors include:
- Genetics
- Aging
- Hormonal changes
- Weight fluctuations
- Pregnancy
- Insulin resistance
- Metabolic conditions
Patients who develop multiple skin tags may also notice that new lesions appear over time in similar locations.
Although skin tags are common, it is important not to self-diagnose every raised skin lesion. Some growths that resemble skin tags may require a different type of dermatologic evaluation or treatment.
When Should a Skin Tag Be Evaluated?
Professional evaluation is important when a skin growth changes in appearance or begins causing symptoms.
You should schedule an evaluation if a lesion:
- Changes color
- Grows rapidly
- Bleeds unexpectedly
- Becomes painful
- Develops irregular borders
- Appears suddenly in large numbers
- Looks different from nearby lesions
At Bellaire Dermatology, you will receive a comprehensive skin evaluation to determine whether a lesion is a skin tag or another type of skin condition. We have an in-house dermatopathology lab, which means that if a growth needs to be biopsied, the tissue can be examined on site by a board-certified dermatopathologist rather than being sent to an outside lab and waiting days for results.
How Are Skin Tags Removed?
Professional removal is the safest and most effective way to address skin tags. Attempting to remove skin tags at home may increase the risk of infection, bleeding, irritation or scarring, especially in delicate areas like the eyelids.
The method your provider recommends will depend on several factors, including:
- Size of the skin tag
- Number of lesions
- Location on the body
- Skin sensitivity
- Cosmetic goals
- Overall skin health
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is one of the most commonly used skin tag treatments. During this procedure, liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the unwanted tissue. The treated skin tag gradually dries out and falls away.
Benefits of Cryotherapy
- Quick treatment sessions
- Minimal downtime
- Effective for smaller skin tags
- Little discomfort for many patients
Cryotherapy may be recommended for patients with multiple small skin tags on the neck, chest or underarms.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery uses controlled electrical energy to remove the growth while cauterizing the base to minimize bleeding.
Benefits of Electrocautery
- Precise removal
- Effective for raised or thicker skin tags
- Minimal bleeding
- Fast treatment process
Electrocautery may be especially useful for larger or more stubborn skin tags that require a more controlled removal approach.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision involves carefully removing the skin tag using sterile surgical instruments. This method may be recommended for larger lesions or skin tags requiring closer examination.
Benefits of Surgical Excision
- Immediate results
- Complete removal
- Effective for larger lesions
- Allows biopsy if needed
For some patients, excision may provide the most efficient solution for isolated or thicker skin tags.
What to Expect During Your Skin Tag Removal Treatment at Bellaire Dermatology
Skin tag removal is typically a quick, in-office process.
Initial Consultation
Your provider will start by examining the skin tags and confirming that each growth is, in fact, a skin tag and not a mole, seborrheic keratosis, wart or other type of lesion that might require a different treatment approach.
Treatment Preparation
Once the evaluation is complete and a removal method is selected, the treatment area is cleansed. A topical numbing agent may be applied to keep you comfortable during the removal procedure. Smaller skin tags may not require any anesthesia at all. Many patients tolerate treatment very well with minimal discomfort.
Skin Tag Removal Procedure
Treatment may involve cryotherapy, electrocautery or surgical removal depending on the characteristics of the lesion. Cryotherapy works by freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, while electrocautery uses controlled thermal energy to precisely remove the growth. Surgical excision may be recommended for larger or thicker skin tags that require more targeted removal.
Most procedures can be completed within a short office visit. The removal takes seconds to minutes per skin tag, depending on the technique.
Healing and Recovery
Following treatment, the area may appear slightly red, irritated or tender for a short period of time. Some treatments may cause a small scab to form as the skin heals naturally. Recovery time varies depending on the treatment method and the size of the treated area, though most patients can quickly return to normal daily activities.
You will receive aftercare instructions designed to support proper healing and minimize unnecessary irritation during recovery.
What Results Can You Expect From Skin Tag Removal?
Professional skin tag removal can improve your comfort and skin appearance.
Potential benefits may include:
- Smoother skin texture
- Reduced irritation from rubbing
- Improved cosmetic appearance
- Greater comfort in treated areas
Healing time varies depending on the treatment used.
How Do You Maintain Your Results After Skin Tag Removal?
Removed skin tags don’t grow back, but new skin tags can develop in other areas, especially if the underlying contributing factors are not addressed.
You can reduce the likelihood of new ones forming by:
- Reducing excessive skin friction
- Wearing breathable clothing
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing metabolic health
- Monitoring your skin regularly
- Scheduling routine dermatology visits
Regular skin checks with a dermatologist give you a chance to address new growths early, before they become irritated or accumulate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Tags and Treatment
Are skin tags dangerous?
Skin tags are benign. They’re not cancerous, and they don’t become cancerous over time. The reason to get one looked at by a dermatologist isn’t because it’s dangerous, but because other types of growths (some of which do need treatment) can look similar to the untrained eye. A medical evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and determine whether treatment is recommended.
Can skin tags go away on their own?
Most skin tags do not disappear without treatment. Professional removal is the safest and most effective option if you’re experiencing irritation or cosmetic concerns.
Is skin tag removal painful?
Most skin tag removal treatments are well-tolerated. Depending on the treatment method and location of the lesion, the area may be numbed before removal. Patients commonly describe treatment as quick and manageable, with little downtime afterward.
Will skin tags grow back after treatment?
Removed skin tags generally do not return in the same location. However, new skin tags can still develop over time due to factors like friction, genetics, aging and hormonal changes. Regular skin evaluations may help patients monitor new growths early.
Which treatment is best for skin tags?
The best treatment depends on the size, location and number of skin tags being treated. Smaller lesions may respond well to cryotherapy, while larger or thicker skin tags may be better suited for electrocautery or surgical removal. A personalized consultation helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Why Patients Choose Bellaire Dermatology for Skin Tag Removal
Skin tag removal requires properly identifying the lesion, selecting the appropriate removal technique and preserving the healthy surrounding skin.
Bellaire Dermatology has served the Houston community for more than 27 years, providing trusted dermatologic care for patients in Bellaire, Sugar Land and surrounding areas. Conveniently located near the Galleria, our practice offers comprehensive medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology services in one location.
Our team includes board-certified dermatologists, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, board-certified dermatopathologists and experienced physician assistants and aestheticians. You’ll have access to the right specialist for whatever your skin needs.
Schedule a Skin Tag Consultation
Skin tags don’t require treatment for medical reasons, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with the irritation and cosmetic frustration they cause. Professional removal is one of the simplest ways to get smoother skin in the areas that bother you most.
Bellaire Dermatology provides professional skin tag evaluation and removal treatments for patients throughout Houston, Bellaire and Sugar Land, TX. Whether you are dealing with a single lesion or multiple skin tags, personalized treatment options are available to achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin. Contact us online or call 713-661-4383 to schedule your visit.
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