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Do you have tiny, soft, flesh-coloured growths hanging from your skin? If yes, then you may have skin tags. These are harmless and painless skin outgrowths that can occur anywhere on your body, but are more common in areas where the skin rubs against itself or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, and under the breasts. Skin tags are also known as acrochordons, fibroepithelial polyps, or cutaneous papillomas.

Skin tags are not a sign of any serious disease, but they can be annoying and unsightly. Some people may want to remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort or irritation. However, removing skin tags at home with scissors, nail clippers, dental floss, or over-the-counter products can be dangerous and lead to bleeding, infection, scarring, or allergic reactions.

The best way to remove skin tags is to consult a qualified dermatologist or a trained medical professional who can perform safe, effective, and painless skin tag removal procedures. In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about skin tags, their causes, their treatments, and their costs. Read on to find out how you can get rid of them safely and effectively.


What Causes Skin Tags?

The exact cause of skin tags is not clear, but some factors may increase their risk. These include:

  • Genetics: Some people may inherit a tendency to develop skin tags.
  • Friction: Constant rubbing of the skin against itself or clothing may irritate and stimulate the growth of skin tags.
  • Hormones: Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, menopause, or due to conditions like thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may trigger the formation of skin tags.
  • Insulin resistance: People with diabetes or prediabetes may have higher levels of insulin in their blood, which may stimulate the growth of skin cells and blood vessels in the skin tags.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV): Some studies have suggested that certain strains of HPV may be associated with skin tags, but this is not conclusive.


How To Remove Skin Tags?

Skin tags do not pose any health risks and usually do not require any treatment. However, some people may want to remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort or irritation. There are several methods to remove skin tags, but they should only be done by a qualified dermatologist or a trained medical professional. Attempting to remove skin tags at home with scissors, nail clippers, dental floss, or over-the-counter products can cause bleeding, infection, scarring, or allergic reactions.

Some of the common methods to remove skin tags are:

  • Cauterization: This involves burning off the skin tag using heat energy or radiofrequency. The doctor will apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area and then use a special device to deliver a high-frequency electric current to the base of the skin tag. This will cut off the blood supply and destroy the tissue of the skin tag. The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes and usually requires only one session. The wound will heal in a few days and leave a small scar that will fade over time.
  • Excision: This involves cutting off the skin tag using a scalpel or surgical scissors. The doctor will apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area and then use a sterile instrument to snip off the skin tag at its base. The procedure takes about 5 minutes and usually requires only one session. The wound will be covered with a bandage and heal in a few days. There may be a small scar that will fade over time.
  • Cryotherapy: This involves freezing off the skin tag using liquid nitrogen. The doctor will apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area and then use a cotton swab or a spray device to apply liquid nitrogen to the skin tag. This will cause the skin tag to turn white and fall off within 7 to 10 days. The wound will heal in a few days and leave no scar.
  • Laser therapy: This involves destroying the skin tag using a laser beam. The doctor will apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area and then use a handheld device to direct a focused beam of light to the skin tag. This will vaporize the tissue of the skin tag and seal off the blood vessels. The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes and may require more than one session depending on the size and number of skin tags. The wound will heal in a few days and leave no scar.


How Much Does Skin Tag Removal Cost?

The cost of skin tag removal depends on various factors, such as:

  • The number and size of skin tags
  • The location and accessibility of skin tags
  • The method of removal
  • The experience and reputation of the doctor
  • The type and quality of the clinic or hospital
  • The city or region where you live

Skin tag removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, so most insurance companies do not cover it. However, some insurance plans may cover the cost of the initial consultation or diagnosis, especially if the skin tags are causing any medical problems or complications. You should check with your insurance provider and clarify the terms and conditions of your coverage before opting for skin tag removal.


Conclusion

Skin tags, or acrochordons, affect about 46% of the general population. Skin tags are harmless skin growths that can be easily removed by a dermatologist using various methods. The cost of skin tag removal depends on several factors and may vary from clinic to clinic. If you are bothered by your skin tags and want to get rid of them safely and effectively, you should consult your doctor and discuss the best option for you.

If you are looking for a reliable and affordable clinic for skin tag removal in Mississauga, reach out to us at Aafiyat Advanced Aesthetics. We offer medical-grade cryotherapy and cauterization treatments for skin tag removal using state-of-the-art equipment and experienced doctors. We also provide personalized care and guidance to ensure your satisfaction and comfort. Contact us to know more about our services and book an appointment online.