Skin Tag Assessment & Removal | Copeland MD Aesthetics

SKIN TAGS

A skin tag is a small, soft, flesh-coloured growth that protrudes from the skin. Skin tags typically hang from the skin by a narrow stalk (known as a peduncle) and can develop on many areas of the body. They range from pinhead-size to a few millimeters, occasionally larger.

While harmless, skin tags can rub, snag, or bleed, and may darken if their stalk twists and the blood supply is interrupted . They’re frequently associated with pregnancy, weight gain, insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome, and family history. Typical tags are diagnosed clinically; atypical, pigmented, or rapidly changing lesions warrant closer evaluation.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS

Common in adults: Skin tags are more frequently seen in adults over the age of 50, though they can occur at any age.
Appearance and texture: They may be smooth and round or wrinkled and asymmetrical.
Size: Most are only a few millimetres in size, but some can grow larger over time.
Colour: Typically flesh-coloured, though they may darken or turn black if twisted or irritated.
Location: Skin tags commonly develop in areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts.

All skin lesions should be professionally assessed prior to treatment to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the most appropriate management approach.

CAUSES & PREVENTION

Why they occur: Repeated friction, minor trauma, and local micro-inflammation promote outgrowths in predisposed skin. Risk increases with age, pregnancy (hormonal changes), overweight/obesity, and insulin resistance. Some people have a genetic tendency.
Prevention: There’s no guaranteed prevention. Helpful steps include minimizing friction (well-fitting clothing), maintaining a healthy weight, and addressing metabolic health with your primary care provider when appropriate. Even with excellent habits, new tags can still form.

TREATMENT & PROCEDURE

Do all skin tags need removal?

No. Removal is optional and typically for irritation, bleeding, cosmetic reasons, or diagnostic uncertainty (atypical lesions).

What does the procedure involve, and is it painful?

In-clinic options include snip excision, electrocautery, or cryotherapy, chosen by size and location (eyelids require special care). We use topical anesthetic or a tiny local injection; most patients feel brief pressure or heat but no sharp pain once numbed. Procedures are quick and usually suture-free.

RISKS, RECOVERY & AFTERCARE

What are the risks?

Generally low: minor bleeding, superficial infection, temporary color change (lighter or darker), and tiny skin marks/scars. Recurrence at the same spot is uncommon if the stalk base is fully treated, though new tags may form nearby over time.

What is recommended for aftercare?

Goal: prevent infection, support neat healing, and minimize scarring.

Do:

Keep the site clean and dry; change any small dressing as instructed.
Use prescribed/approved topicals (e.g., petrolatum, antibiotic ointment) exactly as directed.
Resume normal activity, avoiding rubbing on the area until healed; follow any return-to-exercise guidance.
Protect from sun once closed to reduce pigment change (clothing or approved sunscreen).

Don’t:

Don’t pick or scratch the site or remove any small scab early.
Don’t shave or exfoliate directly over the area until healed.
Don’t perform home cutting/burning; it increases infection/scarring risk.
Don’t wear tight gear that pulls on the treated area during early healing.

Estimate your cost for skin tag removal

Pricing starts at $250

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For an accurate assessment and pricing, please book a consultation.