Introduction
A skin tag is a small growth that typically matches your skin color or appears slightly pinker. Different from a wart or blemish, a skin tag tends to hang off the skin in the shape of a tiny balloon. They’re usually smaller than a pencil eraser but can grow to be as large as a small grape. While harmless, skin tags can be annoying, and most adults will have at least one in their lifetime. The only known cause of these skin growths is obesity, which can cause excessive skin tags.
Common Areas and Causes
Most skin tags develop in the folds of the skin, including:
- Eyelids
- Armpits
- Groin
- Under the breasts
Those who are overweight may experience skin tags in other areas such as the stomach, back, and legs. Skin tags are most common in areas where the skin folds and rubs against itself. They can appear on any part of the body but are most often found in the armpits, neck, eyelids, and groin folds. Skin tags can sometimes be mistaken for warts due to their similar appearance. They appear spontaneously and are influenced by genetics, friction, and stretching. Pregnant women, middle-aged, and overweight adults are more likely to develop skin tags.
CO2 Laser Treatment for Skin Tags
We use CO2 surgical lasers, which are clinically proven to remove skin tags without leaving scars. This laser is often the treatment of choice for skin tag removal due to its minor discomfort compared to other treatments. CO2 laser treatments offer precision, effectiveness and safety by precisely targeting the skin tag. Effectively eliminating the skin tag causing no damage to the surrounding skin which, ultimately, makes the treatment incredibly safe and comfortable.
The laser precisely targets the skin tag, especially in sensitive areas such as the eyes, without damaging the surrounding skin. The treatment leaves smoother, more aesthetically pleasing skin without irritation. A new generation of carbon dioxide laser is used to remove unwanted skin growths non-surgically. The CO2 laser is a safe and quick process to remove skin tags without any cuts or stitches. It can also be used to treat wrinkles, scars, and sagging skin.
Procedure and Recovery
Before the procedure, a strong numbing cream will be applied if there are multiple bumps to be removed. For larger moles or bumps, an injection of local anesthesia may be given. During the procedure, the CO2 laser removes the mole or bump precisely in layers. If the procedure is too invasive, it may be performed over several sessions to minimize the risk of scarring. Post-procedure, patients are advised to apply an antibiotic cream, recovery cream, and scar gel for the best results. Recovery time is about one week, and skin tags usually do not grow back in the same place.
