Spot / Skin Tag Removal

what is skin tag removal?

People use the term “skin tag” to refer to lots of things on the skin that they simply want removed. For any of these lesions, you need to first have them evaluated by an expert to make sure they are benign, meaning not cancer or any kind of precursor to cancer. If there is any chance the skin lesion is cancer then it needs to be removed carefully by a surgeon to make sure the entire lesion is evaluated, removed and treated properly. However, if a lesion is a classic benign finding, then it can often be removed simply and safely without surgery. 

how are skin tags removed?

Many skin tags are what we call “pedunculated.” This means they are hanging off the skin from a thin stalk. People often get these little tags around the armpits. If the skin tag is flesh colored and hanging from a stalk, there are several ways to remove it. You can do this with a sterile scissors or scalpel, followed by a topical treatment to stop any bleeding. Alternatively, many offices can remove these with a cautery device. This is convenient because this can also be used to prevent or stop any bleeding. There is no need for a laser for this kind of skin tag.

what kind of spots can be removed?

As mentioned above, lots of people use the terms “spot” or “skin tag”, and they might be referring to many different things on the skin. The following are some lesions we can easily treat without surgery:

sun/brown spots

A sun spot is a dark, slightly raised area on the skin that is usually caused by sun exposure. Facial sun spots are particularly common on the cheeks, forehead, nose and chin – areas of the face that are most exposed to the sun. Sun spots can also occur on other parts of the body that are regularly exposed to sunlight, such as the arms, chest and legs.

sun spots

spider veins & telangiectasias (dilated blood vessels)

Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are small dilated blood vessels that occur close to the surface of the skin. They are usually red, blue or purple in color and are most commonly found on the legs and face. Spider veins are generally harmless but can be cosmetically displeasing. In some cases, they may also cause pain or other symptoms.

spider veins on face

cherry hemangiomas (cherry angiomas)

Cherry angiomas, also known as cherry hemangiomas, are small, bright red growths that occur on the skin. They are made up of a cluster of dilated blood vessels and usually appear on the trunk, face, neck or scalp. Cherry angiomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths that do not usually cause any symptoms. However, they may be cosmetically undesirable for some people. In rare cases, they may bleed or become irritated.

cherry hemangiomas

milia

Milia are small, white bumps that typically appear on the face. They are most common in newborns and young children, but can also occur in adults. Milia are benign (non-cancerous) growths that do not usually have any symptoms. Milia typically disappear on their own within a few weeks to a few months. In rare cases, they may require treatment.

milia

pedunculated skin tags

Pedunculated skins typically have a small stalk or “peduncle” that attaches them to the skin. They are very common and typically harmless growths. However, they can sometimes become irritated or caught on clothing or jewelry, which may cause them to bleed.

pedunculated skin tags

sebaceous hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia are small, yellowish bumps that commonly occur on the face. They are caused by an overgrowth of sebaceous glands, which are the glands that produce oil. Sebaceous hyperplasia are not harmful and do not typically cause any symptoms.

sebaceous hyperplasia

cholesterol deposits

Cholesterol deposits are small, white bumps that can form on the skin. They are made up of cholesterol and other fats that accumulate under the skin. Cholesterol deposits are not harmful and do not typically cause any symptoms. However, they can sometimes become irritated or infected.

cholesterol deposits on face

what lasers and devices do we use?

Thermo-Lo

For many of these lesions, the safest and simplest (and least expensive!) way to remove them is with a low-level cautery device. At Glow Medispa, we use the Thermo-Lo (also called Thermo-Clear) device.

Thermo-Lo is a device that generates radiofrequency current that is attracted to the water in various skin conditions. It uses a tiny probe on or just under the surface of the skin to dehydrate the problem area, causing the body (over a few days) to exfoliate the dried skin that removes and clears the skin of the condition. Thermo-Lo technology stays on the top layers of skin, the epidermis. The procedure is minimally invasive, is virtually painless and requires very little down time.

 Clarity II Laser

For some lesions, we use the Clarity II Laser. The Clarity II is a powerful dual-wavelength laser that can be used to target sun spots, cherry angiomas, dilated vessels (telangiectasias) and many more types of lesions. Learn more about the clarity II laser here.

What are the benefits of skin tag removal?

Many benign skin lesions can be safely removed without surgery. Often people don't know these skin tags can be removed and have been living with them (and not enjoying it!) for a long time. When a skin tag or other lesion is in an obvious area on the face, or in an uncomfortable area on the body (like where a buckle or bra strap lands) it can be embarrassing or down right painful. Usually the removal of benign lesions is not covered by insurance, so many doctors will not offer to remove them. Getting rid of them is often simple, easy and not very expensive to do. 

how much does skin tag removal cost?

The cost for removing a skin tag has a really wide range. The cost for surgical excision is usually many thousands of dollars, just for the surgery– not including the pathology and other facilities fees. The cost in a doctor’s office or medical spa usually runs from $150 to $500 per treatment. Some lesions require more than one treatment to remove them. At Glow Medispa, if we can easily treat a lesion with the Thermo-Lo, it will be $50-150 per treatment. Treatment with the Clarity II laser ranges from $200 (for most lesions) - $400 (for a large area).

what to expect after skin tag removal?

Most lesions can be removed with minimal healing time. There is often a scab that needs to heal like any other cut in the skin. Small pedunculated skin tags often leave a tiny scab after removal. The scab will fall off and heal on its own over a few days to a week.

what is the aftercare following skin tag removal?

In addition to scabbing, the skin treated may be red and swollen on the day of treatment. Keep the treated areas clean. Neosporin can be used to protect the skin from infection but this is usually not necessary for small lesions. Caladryl or topical benedryl can be used if there is any itching. The healing process will take anywhere from 1-3 weeks. It could take as long as 1-3 months in some rare cases. Do not scratch the scabs, as that can cause scarring and prolong the healing time. Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher before and after treatment to protect your skin.

can i remove a skin tag at home?

Skin tag removal is best done by a professional. Skin tags and other lesions tend to bleed, and this can be hard to control at home. Also, it is important to use sterile equipment to prevent infection. Don’t use your kitchen scissors!

want to find out more?

Spot / skin tag removal is available at both our West Seattle and Kirkland / Eastside locations. You can book a consultation online or call us for fill out our contact form here and we will contact you.

contact us
Glow Medispa logo horizontal
© 2024 Glow Medispa™ All Rights Reserved
 | 
Privacy Policy
 | 
Terms of Service

Web design and development by Thrive Design

chevron-down