How to get rid of skin tags?
If you’re considering skin tag removal, Radiofrequency (RF) removal is a widely used cosmetic method aiming to safely and effectively remove skin tags. RF technology works by precisely applying high-frequency energy, gently removing skin tags while aiming to minimise discomfort and reduce the risk of visible scarring.
Other common methods include:
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Cryotherapy (Freezing): While effective, cryotherapy typically results in visible scarring, as the freezing process can damage surrounding healthy skin.
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Electrocautery (Burning): This approach effectively removes skin tags but also frequently leads to noticeable scarring due to heat-induced tissue damage.
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Surgical Excision: Surgical removal is largely unnecessary for skin tags and carries a 100% risk of scarring. It’s typically reserved for larger or suspicious growths.
Can You Remove a skin tag without a Scar?
Anytime the skins barrier is cut, there is a risk of scarring. Avoiding scarring requires precise delivery of radiofrequency energy to shave skin tags in a manner aiming to cause less scarring than traditional methods.
The risk of scarring following skin tag removal depends on various factors, including the location of the treated skin tag, your skin type, previous scarring history, and how closely you follow aftercare guidelines.
An audit of over 10,000 skin tags removed at Contour Clinics reveals visible scarring to be as low as 2–5%. Scars can be a whitish barely noticeable patch, through to a red, raised scar (generally a 1 in 1000 risk).
Initially, the treated area might appear slightly pink or red. Generally this fades in most patients over several weeks. During your consultation at Contour Clinics, your cosmetic doctor will assess your individual risk factors, clearly explaining any possible outcomes and giving personalised aftercare recommendations to ensure optimal healing.
How Many Treatments Are Needed to Remove a Skin Tag?
At Contour Clinics, our skin tag removal protocols are designed to remove tags in one treatment session.
Uncommonly, (approximately 2%), a skin tag may regrow in the same area. Should this occur, we stand by our commitment to exceptional patient care and will provide a follow-up treatment to remove the skin tag again, free of charge.
Any regrowth or new or changing skin tag in the treated area must be reviewed by a doctor. Please inform us if you notice regrowth immediately to ensure prompt assessment of the lesion.
What Causes Skin Tags?
Skin tags are small, benign growths that develop due to repeated friction or rubbing of the skin, often appearing in folds or areas prone to irritation. Common triggers include excess body weight, hormonal fluctuations (such as pregnancy), genetics, ageing, and conditions like diabetes. While completely harmless, skin tags can be annoying or uncomfortable, leading many to seek effective skin tag removal treatments.
Can Skin Tags Come Back?
Skin tags generally do not regrow in the exact spot once they’ve been professionally removed. However, it’s not uncommon for new skin tags to develop in surrounding or other friction-prone areas over time. Factors such as ongoing friction, hormonal changes, or genetics can continue to trigger new skin tag formation.
How Can You Prevent Skin Tags?
While there’s no guaranteed method to completely prevent skin tags, reducing friction on areas of the skin where they commonly appear can significantly lower your risk.
Consider these helpful tips to minimise skin tag development:
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Reduce friction:
Limit irritation from jewellery (such as necklaces on the neck) or tight clothing. Opt for softer, looser-fitting garments around sensitive areas.
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Use friction-reducing products:
Applying friction-reducing powders, deodorants, or barrier creams, especially under the arms, thighs, or other skin folds, can help reduce irritation and the likelihood of skin tags forming.
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Maintain a healthy weight:
Excess weight increases friction and skin-to-skin rubbing, particularly in folds. Keeping a healthy body weight can reduce friction and prevent skin tags.
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Manage blood sugar levels:
Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels through a healthy diet and lifestyle can be particularly beneficial, as those with diabetes are known to be more prone to developing skin tags.
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Stay hydrated and moisturise your skin:
Hydrated, supple skin is less prone to irritation and friction-related issues. Regularly moisturising your skin can help minimise the formation of skin tags.
Are Skin Tags Contagious?
No, true skin tags are not contagious.
How to remove skin tags at home?
Attempting to remove skin tags at home is generally not advisable. Although various DIY methods, creams, or natural remedies are often suggested online, these techniques carry significant risks, including infection, bleeding, pain, and permanent scarring.
Skin tags should ideally be assessed and removed by a qualified medical professional.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, benign (non-cancerous) skin growths composed primarily of collagen fibres, blood vessels, fat cells, and loose connective tissue, all covered by normal skin. Scientifically, they’re categorised as fibroepithelial polyps.
Skin tags form when clusters of collagen and blood vessels become trapped within thicker regions of skin, often due to repeated friction or irritation. The rubbing or friction prompts an overgrowth of cells in the upper layers of skin (epidermis and dermis), leading these excess cells to protrude outward, forming small, soft growths attached to the skin by a thin stalk (peduncle).
Common areas for skin tag development include the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts—areas frequently subjected to friction or rubbing. Skin tags are usually harmless, but their presence often motivates individuals to seek removal for cosmetic or comfort reasons.
