Skin Tag Removal
Skin Tag Removal Adelaide
Skin Tag Removal is the clinical process of safely excising or ablating a skin tag. Skin tags are harmless, small projections of skin tissue containing nerve cells, fat cells, and a core of fibres. Since they are not medically concerning, removal methods are chosen for efficacy, safety, and minimal scarring.
The most common and effective specialised removal methods include:
Excision/Snip Removal: The tag is surgically snipped at its base with sterile scissors or a scalpel. This is fast and effective for most tags.
Advanced Diathermy/Radiofrequency: A high-frequency electrical current is used to cauterise and ablate the tissue, which simultaneously seals the blood vessel, suitable for smaller tags.
Cryotherapy: Extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) is used to freeze and destroy the skin tag tissue, causing it to fall off after several days.
All forms of professional Skin Tag Removal require assessment to confirm the benign nature of the lesion.
At Advanced Cosmetic Medicine in Adelaide, the most appropriate removal technique is selected based on a thorough clinical assessment of each patient’s skin tags, their size, location, and number.
Skin Tag Removal is generally considered a lower risk non-surgical procedure when performed using advanced diathermy or excision. However, because it involves the controlled disruption of the skin’s surface, it carries minor risks and is an entirely elective procedure.
Skin Tag Removal is not medically necessary as skin tags are benign and present minimal to no medical risk. The decision to remove them is made purely for aesthetic/cosmetic reasons or due to chronic irritation (e.g., bleeding or pain from rubbing). The primary risks are minor and local to the treated area, including temporary redness, mild swelling, and the certainty of a small, minor mark or scar where the tag was attached. There is also a small risk of recurrence, as the underlying cause (friction, genetics) is not eliminated.
Skin tags are among the most common benign skin growths and can develop at any age, though they tend to become more frequent after 40. Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing skin tags:
Friction: Areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing are the most common sites. The neck, underarms, groin, under the breasts, and eyelids are particularly prone.
Genetics: A family history of skin tags can increase the likelihood of developing them.
Hormonal changes: Skin tags may appear or increase in number during pregnancy or other periods of hormonal fluctuation.
Body weight: Individuals who carry extra weight may be more prone to skin tags due to increased skin folds and friction.
Associated conditions: Skin tags are sometimes observed alongside insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, though having skin tags does not indicate a diagnosis of either condition.
In Adelaide’s warm climate, skin tags in friction-prone areas such as the neck and underarms can become more noticeable or irritating during warmer months. If you notice new or changing skin growths, a clinical assessment is recommended to confirm they are benign before considering removal.
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What to Expect
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Dr. Rahma Targett
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Dr. Targett is the founder of ACM and is committed to providing responsible cosmetic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skin Tag Removal requires a registered health practitioner to first accurately diagnose the lesion, ensuring it is a benign skin tag and not a more serious condition that requires a biopsy. Furthermore, professional removal ensures the use of specialised sterile tools and precise techniques to eliminate the tag completely while minimising the risk of infection, excessive bleeding, and scarring.
No, we cannot guarantee that new skin tags will not form. Ahpra guidelines prohibit us from creating unreasonable expectations regarding outcomes. Skin Tag Removal eliminates existing lesions, but it does not remove the underlying cause (like friction, genetics, or hormonal factors). New skin tags may form in the future, even in the treated areas.
A local anaesthetic may be used depending on the size and location of the skin tag to minimise discomfort during the procedure. Downtime is generally minimal. You should realistically expect small, temporary side effects, such as pinpoint redness or small scabs at the removal sites for a few days, which must be managed with provided aftercare.
Yes, a comprehensive consultation is essential and mandatory. It allows our registered health practitioner to confirm your diagnosis, assess suitability, and discuss all potential risks and realistic expectations regarding the outcome of Skin Tag Removal. The option for a cooling-off period will always be offered, particularly before the procedure itself.
The skin tag is either cleanly excised or ablated (vapourised). In most cases of small, benign skin tags, the tissue is simply discarded. If there is any clinical doubt about the nature of the lesion, your practitioner will advise that the tissue be sent for pathology testing to ensure the highest standard of patient safety and care.
Skin tags develop when clusters of collagen and blood vessels become trapped inside thicker areas of skin. The exact cause is not fully understood, but contributing factors may include friction from skin rubbing against skin or clothing, hormonal changes such as during pregnancy, genetics, and age. They are particularly common in areas like the neck, underarms, groin, and eyelids. Skin tags are not contagious and are almost always benign.
Attempting to remove skin tags at home carries risks including infection, excessive bleeding, scarring, and the possibility of misidentifying a lesion that may require further clinical investigation. Over-the-counter removal products are not clinically validated for safe removal. A registered health practitioner can accurately diagnose the lesion, rule out other skin conditions, and remove the tag using sterile techniques with minimal risk of complications.
Recovery after skin tag removal is typically straightforward. Most treated sites heal within one to two weeks, depending on the size and location of the removed tag and the method used. You may experience minor redness, small scabs, or slight tenderness in the first few days. Sun protection is important during the healing period to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation changes. Your practitioner at our Adelaide clinic will provide specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment.