Skin tags are among the most common minor skin growths seen at our clinic in Satellite, Ahmedabad. They are entirely harmless and non-contagious, but they often cause irritation when they rub against clothing or jewellery, and many people prefer to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Removal is a simple, quick procedure when performed by an experienced doctor.
What Causes Skin Tags
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, benign growths made of collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin. They tend to develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, which explains their common locations: the neck, underarms, under the breasts, groin folds, and around the eyelids.
Friction is considered a key trigger. Skin tags are more common in people who are overweight, as there is more skin surface contact in body folds. They are also more frequently seen in middle-aged and older adults, and in people with diabetes. A genetic predisposition exists - if your parents had skin tags, you are more likely to develop them too.
Pregnancy, with its associated hormonal changes and weight gain, can trigger the development of new skin tags. Some evidence suggests that certain human papillomavirus (HPV) strains may play a role in some skin tags, though this does not mean they are contagious in a meaningful way.
Signs and Symptoms
Skin tags are small, flesh-coloured or slightly darker growths that hang from the skin on a thin stalk (peduncle). They range from a few millimetres to about a centimetre in diameter. They are soft to the touch and move freely. They do not cause pain unless irritated by friction or caught on clothing or jewellery.
On their own, skin tags are completely benign and do not need to be removed for health reasons. However, if a growth is changing in size or colour, bleeds, or looks unusual, it is important to have it assessed by a doctor before any removal is carried out.
Our Approach at Lavish Aesthetique Clinic
At Lavish Aesthetique Clinic in Satellite, Ahmedabad, skin tag removal is performed by our doctors using CO2 laser technology. The laser precisely vaporises the tag with minimal effect on surrounding skin, making it a clean and accurate method that leaves little to no scarring. Topical anaesthesia is applied beforehand to ensure the procedure is comfortable.
Before removal, our doctor will always examine the growth to confirm it is indeed a benign skin tag and not something that requires further investigation. Multiple skin tags can be treated in a single session, and recovery is typically very quick - most people return to normal activities the same day.
Related Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is skin tag removal painful? A: The procedure is well tolerated by most patients. We apply a topical numbing cream before treatment, and the laser removal itself takes only seconds per tag. Most people describe a brief, mild sensation during the procedure. Discomfort after the procedure is minimal.
Q: Will skin tags grow back after removal? A: The removed tag itself will not return. However, new skin tags can form elsewhere on the body, particularly in people who are prone to them. Maintaining a healthy weight and wearing non-friction clothing in areas where tags commonly develop may help slow the formation of new ones.
Q: Can I remove a skin tag at home? A: Home removal methods - including tying off, cutting, or applying chemicals - carry a real risk of infection, scarring, and bleeding. They also do not allow for proper examination of the growth before removal. Professional removal at our clinic in Satellite, Ahmedabad is quick, safe, and far more comfortable than any home approach.
To find out which treatment is right for you, book a consultation at our clinic in Satellite, Ahmedabad.