Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths that protrude from the skin on a narrow stalk. They are non-cancerous and most often occur in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, and under the breasts.

Skin tags are frequently associated with:

• Friction in skin folds
• Advancing age
• Family history
• Metabolic factors such as obesity or insulin resistance

Although harmless, skin tags can become irritated, tender, or cosmetically undesirable, leading many individuals to seek professional removal. Because other growths can sometimes resemble skin tags, evaluation by a trained clinician is important before treatment.

At Peak Skin Center, treatment plans are individualized based on the number, size, and location of skin tags, with a focus on safety, precision, and cosmetic outcomes. Common in-office options include:

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery involves the controlled application of a very cold substance, typically liquid nitrogen, directly to the skin tag. The extreme cold causes the tissue to freeze and subsequently break down.

Key features of cryosurgery include:

• Rapid treatment of small to moderate-sized tags
• Minimal disruption of surrounding skin when properly targeted
• Gradual detachment of the treated tag over days to a couple of weeks

Mild stinging, temporary redness, or superficial blistering can occur, but these effects typically resolve as the area heals.

Snip Removal

Snip removal (also called scissor excision) is a precise, mechanical method in which the skin tag is carefully removed at its base using sterile, fine instruments under appropriate local anesthesia when needed.

Advantages of snip removal include:

• Immediate removal of the lesion
• Excellent control over the exact point of separation
• Ability to address larger or thicker skin tags in a single visit

Hemostasis is achieved during the procedure, and a small dressing or ointment may be applied afterward. This method is often preferred for tags in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the neck or underarms, where a clean result is desired.

In some cases, a combination of techniques may be used, depending on the characteristics of the growths and the treatment area.

Recovery after skin tag removal is typically straightforward and brief. Most individuals are able to resume normal daily activities immediately after the procedure, with only minor local care needed.

• After cryosurgery, the treated area may appear red or slightly swollen, and a small blister or scab may form before the tag ultimately falls away. Simple cleansing and avoidance of picking help support optimal healing.
• After snip removal, a small superficial wound is usually present, which may form a light scab as it heals. Gentle cleansing and any recommended topical ointment are generally sufficient.

In most cases, the skin heals with minimal to no noticeable mark, especially when aftercare instructions are followed appropriately. While removed skin tags do not grow back, new tags can develop over time, particularly in areas of friction. For this reason, periodic evaluation and, if desired, repeat removal can be incorporated into an ongoing skin care plan.