SKIN TAG REMOVAL
Skin tags are a skin lesion which, like many others, is completely benign and doesn’t need to be removed for any medical reasons. However, they are an unsightly blemish on the skin and can often catch onto clothing and become irritated. For both of these reasons, removal of skin tags is something that’s regularly requested and here at Kovac Medical Center we can help.
We can treat your skin tags here at Kovac Medical Center in our Chicago clinic, delivering the very best results and a flawless patient experience. If you know which type of treatment you want to have you can go right ahead and book an appointment to see us right now. However, if you want a little more information, we’ve put together a handy guide with all you need to know about skin tags.
WHAT ARE SKIN TAGS?
A skin tag is exactly what it sounds like: a small, soft piece of hanging skin that looks like a miniature tag. The medical names for skin tags include cutaneous papilloma, acrochordon, fibroepithelial polyp and fibroma molluscum, to name just a few, but they are normally referred by doctors and patients alike simply as “skin tags”.
Skin tags can appear anywhere on the human body but there are some places where they are more commonly seen, such as the armpits, eyelids, groin, under the breasts, chest and neck. You might not even notice if you have a skin tag unless it starts to become irritated, enlarges or rubs against your clothing. Both men and women can get skin tags and they more often appear after someone reaches their 40s, but they can occur at any age.
Should I Worry About Skin Tags?
With all the focus on skin cancer and being health-conscious, it’s normal to be concerned about any changes to your skin. The good news is that skin tags are completely benign which means they aren’t cancerous, and won’t become cancerous even if you leave them. Of course, it’s always a good idea to get skin tags checked out to get the diagnosis confirmed, just like any other change to your skin.
There’s nothing wrong with deciding to leave your skin tags alone, and very occasionally they might even rub off by themselves eventually. The majority of skin tags don’t disappear however, and remain where they are, sometimes getting larger.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Browse work performed on current and past Kovak patients.
Can I Get Skin Tags Removed?
Kovak Cosmetic Center in Chicago provides the choice of surgical removal or cryosurgery, two fast, painless and rapid options to removing your skin tags. Although skin tags aren’t anything to worry about, some individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance. For others, the location of skin tags may mean they are constantly snagging. It’s possible to make skin tags bleed and while this shouldn’t be any cause for concern, it can increase the risk of infection. If you have had enough of skin tags irritating your body, or you simply don’t like how they look; Contact Kovak Cosmetic Center to book an appointment.
Surgical Skin Tag Removal in Chicago
The traditional treatment for skin tags is to remove them surgery. This is also known as excision. You won’t need to visit a hospital as it’s a minor procedure which can be carried out quickly and easily.
What Happens During Surgical Removal?
Any type of surgery, no matter how minor, requires a sterile set-up. Your physician will therefore ensure all the necessary preparations are made before he commences the procedure. This may include some preparation of your skin. We use a topical anesthetic on your skin before we remove the skin tag to minimize any discomfort you might otherwise feel. You won’t be unconscious and just a small area around the skin tag will feel numb to the touch temporarily.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, we will remove the skin tag using a sharp, sterile surgical instrument such as a scalpel or special surgical scissors. The process should be very quick as skin tags are only superficially attached to the body. However, there may be some bleeding after removal which is nothing to worry about.
The majority of skin tags can be easily removed with a simple excision but if they are larger, or are within a deeper fold of skin you may need a couple of stitches.
What Happens After Surgical Removal?
You may have a small scab over the incision area which will need time to heal. The size of this will depend on how large the skin tag was. If you have stitches you will need to keep the area dry for 24-48 hours after excision. We will provide you with a detailed list of instructions after you leave our Chicago medical center. You may be given antibiotics to take after surgical removal to prevent the risk of infection.
Do I Need to Take Time Off Work After Surgical Removal?
The area where your skin tag was removed may feel slightly sore after the numbing effects of the anesthetic wears off, but over the counter painkillers will be all you need. Many people don’t even require painkillers as the discomfort is slight. You shouldn’t need to take any time off work for your skin tag excision and can return to normal activities. If stitches have been inserted, you will need to take extra care not to catch or burst them.
What are the Benefits of Surgical Removal?
Surgical removal is the traditional approach to dealing with skin tags but can still be the best option for some individuals. The benefits of excision include:
- Easier to remove skin tags in folds of skin or difficult positions
- Large skin tags can be removed easily
- Skin tags can be removed in a single session
What is Cryosurgery?
Cryosurgery, sometimes known as cryotherapy, is an alternative to conventional surgery. For small lesions such as skin tags, it’s possible to choose to have them removed by cryosurgery rather than being excised.
Kovak Cosmetic Center have a proven track record of removing skin tags using cryosurgery, as well as treating other conditions such as warts. Cryosurgery is quick and effective and carries fewer risks than more traditional types of treatment, such as excision.
What Happens During Cryosurgery?
Preparation for cryosurgery is quick compared to full surgery as the area is simply cleaned and dried. Once we’re ready to begin, the skin tag is sprayed with liquid nitrogen. We use a special spray gun for this which directly targets the skin tag and minimizes any effect on the surrounding skin.
After the application of the liquid nitrogen, your skin tag will turn white before slowly turning back to its usual color as it thaws out. This process typically takes 1-2 minutes. Depending on the size and position of the skin tag, we may need to apply another dose of liquid nitrogen after the first dose has thawed. You won’t need a local anesthetic as all you’ll feel is a few seconds of very mild discomfort.
What Happens After my Cryosurgery Treatment?
You will be provided with detailed instructions by us after you’ve had your cryosurgery treatment in Chicago. You can expect your skin tag to scab over after a few days, although it will leak fluid at first. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Once it scabs over it’s important not to pick it, and let the scab fall off naturally. This helps to promote healing and prevent any unwanted scarring. It will take around 2-6 weeks to heal from cryosurgery to the head or neck, and slightly longer for skin tags treated elsewhere on the body.
Do I Need to Take Time Off Work After Cryosurgery?
Cryosurgery is fast and efficient and once complete, you can return to normal activities right away. There’s no reason to avoid any of your normal daily activities but if your skin tag is in an area which is prone to being knocked, you might find it’s a good idea to cover it with a plaster.
What are the Benefits of Cryosurgery?
Cryosurgery is a very modern approach to removing skin tags and for many, it’s a preferred option. Some of the benefits of cryosurgery include:
- Fast and efficient
- No need for numbing anesthetic
- Antibiotics not required
- Minimal recovery time
- No scarring
- Low risk
- Few, if any, side effects
Contact Kovak Cosmetic Center
At Kovak Cosmetic Center provides both surgical removal and cryosurgery for the removal of skin tags, giving you a beautiful result and smoother skin. Removing skin tags can offer much greater comfort, with no need to worry about continuing to catch your skin tags on your clothing, or with your nails.
With years of expertise in our Chicago clinic, Kovak Cosmetic Center wants you to have the very best possible experience. Whether you’re an existing patient or have never visited us before, get in touch today to have a no-obligation discussion about the removal of your skin tags.
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