If you’ve recently noticed a little growth that might be a little uncomfortable but seems harmless, it’s possibly a skin tag. The good news is that you’re right, it probably is harmless. But they can be inconvenient and may not be something you want others to see. Fortunately, skin tag removal is safe, easy, and quite effective.
So, if this is your first time seeing a skin tag, or you’ve had them for years and you’re fed up with them, we can help. Find out what they are, why they happen, and how we can help with skin tag removal.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, benign growths that develop on the skin’s surface.
They are typically flesh-colored or slightly darker and can range in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter.
While skin tags are harmless, they can sometimes cause discomfort, especially in high-friction areas where they rub against skin, clothing, or jewelry.
In addition to not being worrisome, they are also very common. Experts estimate that more than half of adults over 40 will develop at least one skin tag in their lifetime. Women and men get them equally, and some people will get them at even younger ages or significantly more frequently.
What Causes Skin Tags?
We don’t know exactly what causes skin tags or why they develop, but several factors tend to make them more prevalent. These include:
- Friction — Skin tags often occur where skin rubs against other body parts or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts.
- Age — One of the most well-known factors tends to be age, possibly because our skin loses collagen and elastin, creating more folds and friction and less resistance to damage.
- Genetics — A family history of skin tags can increase the likelihood of developing them.
- Obesity — Individuals with higher body weight are more prone to developing skin tags, possibly due to increased skin friction and hormonal factors.
- Diabetes and Insulin Resistance — Some studies have shown that skin tags occur more often in people with high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. However, the relationship between the two is unclear.
- Hormonal Changes — Pregnant and perimenopausal women may notice skin tags, even if they’ve never had them before, likely due to hormonal fluctuations.
When to See a Doctor About Skin Tags
While skin tags are generally harmless, consider consulting a healthcare professional if:
- A skin tag becomes painful, bleeds, or shows signs of infection.
- There’s uncertainty about whether the growth is a skin tag or another type of lesion. A healthcare provider can make a more informed decision about whether it requires a biopsy or should be seen by a dermatologist.
- You are thinking about skin tag removal and want a medical professional’s opinion or treatment.
How Skin Tag Removal with Plasma Fibroblast Works
Many healthcare clinics can remove skin tags by freezing, cutting, or shaving them off. These methods work well, but they can cause significant discomfort.
Fibroblast treatment, also known as plasma fibroblast therapy, is a non-surgical procedure that efficiently removes skin tags.
We use a specialized device (called a plasma pen) that emits a plasma arc to the targeted area without direct contact. This energy causes the skin tag to dehydrate and eventually fall off. Fibroblast treatment also encourages collagen production, which increases the healing time and skin health in the treated area. (It works on warts, too!)
The procedure is minimally invasive, and a local anesthetic cream is applied beforehand to ensure comfort. Healing typically occurs within 7 to 10 days, with little risk of scarring and discoloration.
Another benefit of using Plasma Fibroblast treatment for skin tag removal is that, because of its precise application, there is little chance of it causing infection or damaging surrounding tissue, as can happen with surgical removal and cryotherapy.
It’s quick, reasonably painless, and highly effective.
At-Home and Natural Remedies for Skin Tag Removal
While we always recommend seeing a professional for skin issues, that isn’t always an option for some. If you’re curious about at-home and natural remedies for skin tag removal, there are a few that can work well (with caveats!).
- Skin Tag Removal Kits — Cryotherapy pens and other kits can remove skin tags at home. However, only use these if you are experienced with them and have confirmed that the treatment area is a skin tag, not something more serious, like skin cancer. They also often require multiple treatments and may not work for larger or deeper skin tags.
- Tea Tree Oil — This multi-use essential oil dries out the skin tag over time, especially when covered with a bandage. Before attempting this remedy, be sure your skin isn’t sensitive to this powerful oil.
- Apple Cider Vinegar — Rubbing apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball might cause it to shrink, especially with frequent applications. Again, check for sensitivity first.
- Vitamin E — Massaging liquid vitamin E to the area is believed to promote less visibility. This remedy has less risk but takes longer, with a smaller chance of complete removal.
Another long-held remedy (which we DO NOT recommend) is tying a string or floss around the base of the skin tag. It cuts off circulation, making it dry up and fall off. But it can easily cause excessive bleeding, scarring, and infection. Again, this outdated mode of skin tag removal is not recommended by healthcare or skin care providers.
Other at-home and natural remedies may be practical, but they don’t work for everybody. Plus, they can cause skin irritation and possibly even painful burns or allergic reactions.
Most importantly, only a professional can determine if a growth is truly a skin tag and not something more serious.
Call Us for Skin Tag Removal Today
Our Plasma Fibroblast treatment is an excellent choice if you’re interested in skin tag removal. We also offer free consultations to help you determine the best course of action, whether it’s immediate treatment or consulting a dermatologist first.
Skin tag removal is not medically necessary since they are harmless growths. However, removal is the right choice if it’s causing you physical or mental discomfort. Since Plasma Fibroblast treatment is safe, quick, and effective, you don’t have to live with skin tags if you don’t want to.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward smoother, tag-free skin.
