At Houck Dermatology, we provide expert skin tag removal treatment for patients in Naples, Estero, and Fort Myers. While these small skin growths are typically harmless, many people choose to have them removed when they become irritated by clothing or for cosmetic reasons. Our team offers simple, in-office procedures to help you achieve clear, smooth skin with minimal downtime.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, also called acrochordons, are skin-colored growths that look like tiny balloons held up by slender stalks. They are generally found in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, neck, under the breasts, and groin area. Skin tags can appear alone and isolated or in groups.
Some people call skin tags as warts or skin tabs. Physicians and dermatologists may also use the following terms for these lesions:
- Fibroepithelial polyps
- Soft fibromas
- Papillomas
What Causes Skin Tags?
The exact cause of skin tags is currently unknown due to the discrepancies in the skin condition’s occurrence across a vast range of cases. While it has been observed that there are likely to be both genetic and lifestyle factors involved, it could just as easily be neither. However, it has been noted that some people are more prone to developing skin tags than others.
Men and women are equally prone to developing skin tags on their bodies. The people who are most prone to getting skin tags are diabetic patients, pregnant women, and overweight individuals. In the case of the latter, the incessant rubbing of the skin that has been pressed closer due to the extra mass is thought to create more friction. This could then cause the growth of skin cells on top of each other, thus producing skin tags.
Can Skin Tags Be Prevented?
Due to the numerous uncertainties regarding the causes of skin tag formation, it is not possible to truly avoid developing them. However, patients can massively reduce their chances of getting skin tags by taking a few preventative measures. The first is to maintain a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
It would also help to avoid wearing skin-tight clothing that constantly rubs the skin. If the patient is not genetically predisposed to developing type-1 diabetes, it would be advised to do everything they can to avoid getting type-2 diabetes.
Benefits of Medically Supervised Skin Tag Removal
Opting for professional removal by a dermatology expert is the safest and most effective way to address unwanted skin tags. At-home remedies can lead to incomplete removal, infection, or scarring.
Our clinical approach provides several key benefits:
- A Clearer, Smoother Appearance: Removal creates a more uniform skin surface.
- Reduced Irritation: Eliminates the discomfort caused by friction from clothing or jewelry.
- Safe and Sterile Procedure: To minimize risks, all treatments are performed in a clean, medical environment.
- Excellent Cosmetic Results: Our methods are designed to prevent scarring and provide the best possible outcome.
Solutions for Skin Tags
Skin tags are harmless; however, many people find them to be cosmetically unappealing and would like treatment.
If you want to remove one or more skin tags, Houck Dermatology offers the following options to remove them: liquid nitrogen (freezing), snipping, and burning. All of these methods are quite effective and usually require a single treatment for permanent skin-tag removal.
Freezing (Cryosurgery)
Freezing away a skin tag, also known as cryosurgery, involves the controlled use of liquid nitrogen. In this technique, liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin tag with the help of a cotton swab, spray, or other method.
Liquid nitrogen instantly lowers the temperature of the cells in the skin tag, freezing them. During treatment and afterwards, the patient feels a burning sensation in the skin. A blister and scab may form in the area. After about 10-14 days, the scab and the skin tag will fall away.
Snipping
In this method, the area of the skin with the skin tag is first numbed with a local anesthetic. Dr. Houck uses special sterile scissors to cut the tag off. Finally, a bandage is applied to the region.
Do not attempt to use this method at home, as it can lead to extreme pain, infections, excessive bleeding, and other complications.
Burning (Electrocauterization)
Burning, also known as electrocauterization, is a method of skin-tag removal that uses electric current. The current is generated using a medical instrument with a thin needle at one end, creating intense heat in the needle.
At the start of the treatment, the area with the skin tag is numbed using a local anesthetic, making the procedure more comfortable for the patient. After this, the needle is held against the skin tag, sending heat into it. This burns the cells in a careful and controlled manner. The cells are carefully removed, and a bandage is placed over the region.
Cost of Skin Tag Removal
The cost of skin tag removal is based on the number of tags being treated, as well as their size and specific location. Because the procedure is considered cosmetic, it is generally not covered by insurance. We provide a complete and transparent price estimate during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Why Choose Houck Dermatology?
At Houck Dermatology, our team of providers operates under a superior standard of care established by our board-certified and fellowship-trained leadership. This commitment to clinical excellence and patient safety is shared among all our skilled providers, ensuring you receive consistent, high-quality treatment at every visit.
Our team’s collective expertise is why our practice is consistently recognized for excellence, earning “Top Doctor” distinctions from both Castle Connolly and Gulfshore Life Magazine. We work together to make sure that every patient feels heard, respected, and confident in their personalized treatment plan. With convenient offices serving Naples, Estero, and Fort Myers, you can trust our dedicated team to provide the expert dermatological care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any risk of scarring?
When performed by a skilled dermatology professional, the risk of scarring is minimal. Our methods are precise and designed to target only the skin tag itself, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. After the procedure, a small scab will form and fall off, typically revealing healthy, new skin underneath with little to no visible mark.
Is skin tag removal painful?
Patients report little to no pain during the procedure. We apply a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area before the removal begins. You may feel a slight pinch during the injection, but the removal is comfortable.
Can skin tags grow back after being removed?
A skin tag that has been properly and completely removed will not grow back. However, new skin tags may appear in other areas over time if you are predisposed to developing them.
How long does the removal procedure take?
The in-office procedure is very quick. For a single skin tag, the entire process, including numbing the area, often takes less than 15 minutes. If you are having multiple skin tags removed, the appointment will be slightly longer, but it is still a fast and efficient treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation
It is advisable to see Dr. Gregory Houck at Houck Dermatology if you would like to get skin tags removed. Professional removal is the safest method available. Feel free to contact us and set up a consultation if you would like to talk about removing any skin tags that might be bothering you. We would be happy to discuss your options and will do everything we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible.