Skin Tag Removal

While skin tags are usually harmless, they can become irritated and bothersome. They can also start out small and grow in size, leaving you with an unsightly bump or flap of skin. At Ross Dermatology, medical dermatologists Kim Ross, MD, Ronald Davis, MD, and the team offer skin tag removal to help you achieve a smooth skin surface. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in San Antonio, Seguin, or La Vernia, Texas, or book online today.

What are skin tags?

A skin tag is a small, harmless, but easily irritated bump made up of collagen, blood vessels, and nerves that form on your skin (often on the neck, underarms, chest, or eyelids). It’s held on by a “stalk” that keeps it attached to the body but hanging slightly off the skin.

What causes skin tags?

It’s not entirely clear what causes a skin tag to develop, but they may be caused by friction on a particular area of the skin. Most skin tags are the same color as your normal skin, while some are a bit darker. You might mistake a skin tag for a mole, a pimple, or a cyst.

Some people have a greater susceptibility to skin tags. Your risk for developing them may increase if you’re female, pregnant, obese, or if you have diabetes. Skin tags also occur more frequently in older adults.

Do I need a biopsy for skin tags?

A biopsy is a surgical procedure where your specialist removes all or a portion of the abnormal skin growth for further testing. During an examination of your skin, if your specialist suspects a possible infection or cancer, they may suggest performing a biopsy.

If you have skin cancer, they continue to work closely with you and other specialists to monitor your condition and assist in creating your treatment plan.

How are skin tags treated?

While it may be tempting, it’s best not to remove skin tags yourself. The team at Ross Dermatology can surgically remove your skin tag in a quick and easy in-office procedure.

Depending on its location and size, your specialist might perform one of the following procedures:

Excision

Your specialist removes the skin tag by making an incision in your skin.

Cauterization 

Cauterization is a skin tag removal technique that burns off the skin tag. 

Cryotherapy

The team at Ross Dermatology also specializes in cryotherapy (freezing cold therapy) to treat skin tags. Your specialist freezes the skin tag so it loses its blood supply and falls off. 

You might have slight irritation at the removal site, but your specialist ensures you feel as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

Do skin tags grow back?

Once your specialist removes a skin tag, it won’t grow back in the same spot. However, other skin tags may appear in different areas of your body. These, too, are easily removed.

If you have questions about skin tag removal, make an appointment at Ross Dermatology by calling the nearest office or booking online today.