Skin tags: safe removal options can be debatable depending on their sizes and locations. Skin tags are small, painless benign growths on the skin that pose no health threat. They are sacs of extra collagen fibres and blood vessels that rise above the skin level. We develop skin tags more often than we realise, and they typically show up on areas with natural creases like our neck, armpit, groin and even eyelids.

The exact cause of skin tags is unknown, but it is likely a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. While skin tags are generally harmless and require no treatment, they can cause irritation and discomfort. This begs the question: is removing skin tags a safe and necessary procedure, or should we leave them be?

Friction is believed to play a role in skin tags’ growth. So ask yourself, can you prevent the skin tags from chafing against your clothing, necklaces, scarves, physical movements, etc? Are they increasing in size despite being left alone? Are they hindering your lifestyle in any way in terms of appearance or comfort? If so, it may be a good idea to look into how you can safely get rid of the skin tags.

Skin Tags on Face

Skin tags on face requires removal techniques that should prioritize minimal scarring. Bear in mind that scarring can give rise to hyperpigmentation at a later point. Given the cosmetic concerns, techniques like cryotherapy and electrocautery can be particularly beneficial. A dermatologist skin tag removal has to be done by a trained professional to identify and assess the nature of the facial skin tags, but also the surrounding tissue for signs of sensitivity, sun damage, or laxity. The doctors have to examine the underlying muscles, blood vessels and nerves to ensure that the chosen removal method doesn’t disrupt the vital structures of the skin.

Skin Tags on Neck Area

Skin tags on the neck area and around the nape can increase in size because they often rub against shirt collars, causing friction and irritation. Larger skin tags also tend to snag on hair or jewelry, which, if prolonged, can open the skin tags to bleeding and infection. Moreover, the sight of skin tags, especially if they are clustered on enlarged, around the face and neck often draws unwanted attention. The skin on our neck is delicate and a safe removal procedure by a dermatologist is recommended. Enlarged skin tags will warrant evaluation by healthcare professionals.

Skin Tags on Eyelids

The skin tags on eyelids can also grow in size because of our constant blinking, causing irritability of the eyelid folds. The friction of our eyelid movements may also lead to dilation of the blood vessels of the eye lid skin. This delivers more blood flow to the area and stimulate the growth of the skin tags. Enlarged skin tags on the eyelid can potentially interfere with blinking or vision, so it is best to safely remove them.

The small area of skin and intricate nature of eyelids requires extreme accuracy during the skin tag removal process. The skin of our eyelids is very fragile and thin, with our eyeballs just beneath them. Hence it may be difficult to gauge the exact depth of incisions. The eyelid area also has a rich blood supply. Therefore procedures like surgical excision (involving scalpels) and electrocautery are best avoided to minimise any invasiveness and bleeding. The best skin tag remover methods for skin tags on eyelids are Micropuncture and Radiofrquency Ablation (read more below).

Skin Tags Removal Options: How safe are they?

Why Cryotherapy is the best way to get rid of Neck & Facial Skin Tags

Cryotherapy involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tags, causing their tissue to die and sloughed off naturally. Dermatologists can precisely control the freezing depth, avoiding causing any damages to the nerves and minimises the risk of regrowth. The treatment process as well as the downtime are relatively quick. The skin tag removal process also causes little to no discomfort due to its minimal invasive nature. Cryotherapy also poses lower risk of complications compared to techniques like excision (surgical removal). Patients who underwent cryotherapy often experience full recovery within just a few weeks.

Why Electrocautery is the Best Method for Removing Enlarged Skin Tags on Face & Neck

Electrocautery uses a small electrical current to burn off the skin tags on the skin. This method offers good control and has a low risk of bleeding, making it suitable for thinner neck skin. However, do note that electrocautery carries a slightly higher probablity of scarring compared to cryotherapy. Any slight miscalculations with electrocautery could also lead to injuries to the delicate skin on the face and neck. As such, electrocautery treatment is better suited for sizeable skin tags where the there is a clearer view of the surgical field.

Why Micropuncture and Radiofrequency Ablation are best for Eyelid Skin Tag Removal

Micropuncture is a technique that utilises a tiny needle to cut off the skin tag’s blood supply by puncturing its base. This causes the skin tags to shrink in sizes and eventually fall off altogether. Micropuncture is a minimally-invasive and safe procedure for those with small to medium-sized skin tags on the eyelids. The affected skin area may be slightly swollen and scabbed for a couple of days, which is a normal aftercare side effect. Recovery is typically fast and healing would be completed in a week or two.

Radiofrequency Ablation is a non-surgical procedure that employs radio waves to generate heat and destroy the skin tag tissue. A small amount of radiofrequency energy is directed to the skin tags on the eyelid via a needle that is probed to the under base of the skin tags. The heat and the radiofrequency waves transmitted then coagulate the proteins in them, causing the cells to die. This treatment is ideal for eyelid skin tags as it is targetted at only the growth areas and leaves the surrounding tissue unharmed. Patients typically experience similar post-procedure scabs and swells to those who received cryotherapy. Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure, and full recovery takes about 1 to 2 weeks.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical/ dermatological advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare/ skincare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare/ skincare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained herein is intended to be used for dermatological/ medical diagnosis or treatment.