What is a Skin Tag?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small growths found on the skin. The appearance of a skin tag can be smooth or irregular, skin coloured or slightly brown and movable to the touch. They are common, non-contagious and harmless. Skin tags are mainly found on the eyelids, neck, underarms, under the breasts, or around the groin area and can vary in size. They may occur individually or in clustered groups.
Some people may develop skin tags without noticing them. In some cases, they may rub off or fall off painlessly. In contrast, slightly larger ones may bleed when caught (e.g., when shaving or trapped underneath clothing, such as underwired garments) or placed under pressure. Skin tags often go unnoticed unless they are in a prominent place or are repeatedly rubbed or scratched by clothing, jewellery, or while shaving. This type of contact can irritate the skin and lead to the decision to have them removed.
Skin tags are a very common skin concern. Although their presence is not harmful, if they occur in a visible area, they can often lead to feelings of self-consciousness or become irritating over time if in an area of regular friction. Here at Eden Skin Clinic, we offer two highly effective skin tag treatments for their removal at our Kensington and Wimbledon clinics.
What Treatments are Available for Skin Tags?
We offer a choice of two effective treatments for skin tag removal. Why not book a consultation with one of our skincare specialists? We will examine your skin’s condition, answer any of your questions and recommend the best treatment for you.
Advanced Electrolysis
Advanced electrolysis is one of the most effective treatments to target and lessen the appearance of skin tags. The treatment uses an electric current and a fine needle to cauterise a skin imperfection.
This produces a heating effect that causes the structure and content of a skin tag to coagulate or dry up. After the treatment is complete, your skin begins its healing process. During this process, the treated lesion will crust over or form a scab, taking anywhere from 5-14 days to drop off.
CryoPen
CryoPen treatment is a safe and highly effective method of freezing benign skin lesions such as skin tags. During treatment, highly pressurised liquid nitrous oxide is used to target and break down a skin tag.
CryoPen treatment is relatively pain-free, with most patients experiencing a mild stinging sensation for only seconds. After the session, this area may appear darker, with scabs or crusting remaining for 10-30 days after. Total skin healing may take up to 3 months.
If you would like to treat your skin tags, please get in touch with us today. Here at Eden Skin Clinic, our treatments are available at both our clinics in Kensington and Wimbledon.
What Causes Skin Tags?
Skin tags or acrochordons occur when the body produces extra cells in the skin’s upper layers. These extra cells include loose collagen fibres, which build up and become encased in excess skin. Skin tags tend to form between folds in the skin and areas where regular natural movement causes the skin to rub against itself.
These areas include the eyelids, neck, armpits, under the breasts, between the thighs or in the groin area. Because of this, they commonly affect those with excess skin; for instance, individuals who may be elderly, overweight, or previously lost considerable weight. Pregnant women can also be prone to skin tags, believed to be due to changes in hormone levels.
While some factors can make an individual more susceptible, skin tags can occur on anyone, regardless of background or lifestyle, as the leading cause of skin tags is sustained friction. This may be when exercising, for instance, as repetitive motions and increased perspiration can contribute, or with certain items of clothing or jewellery, particularly high collars, necklaces, or underwear.
When you come in for a consultation at our Wimbledon or Kensington clinic, one of our specialists can explain further.
Skin Tag Treatment Costs
If you are interested in our advanced electrolysis and CryoPen treatments in London to target unwanted skin tags, please get in touch with Eden Skin Clinic today. We would be happy to assess your skin’s condition, working with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your skin concern.
Please fill out our online consultation form if you are ready to get booked in for our treatments. We will get back to you shortly to schedule an appointment.
For more information about our prices, please view our prices in Kensington and Wimbledon respectively.
You may also call us at either of our Central London clinics in Wimbledon or Kensington. Our expert team would be happy to answer your questions and help you find a treatment that suits your needs.