Skin Tag Removal Phoenix is a safe, effective treatment that can be performed at home or in a professional setting. A physician can numb the area and snip off a small growth with surgical scissors or cauterize it to cut off blood supply.
Some people use natural remedies like apple cider vinegar or garlic to remove their skin tags at home. Others seek quick, definitive removal from a medical professional in a sterile environment.
Electrodesiccation is an effective method for removing skin lesions and growths. This treatment is especially helpful for removing basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. When left untreated, these growths can spread to other parts of the body. Early treatment can also prevent disfigurement and allow for more cosmetically pleasing skin.
A dermatologist will use an electric needle-shaped electrode to dehydrate and destroy lesions on the surface of your skin. The procedure is called “electrodesiccation and curettage” (ED & C) and has been used for decades. It is a more precise and less invasive alternative to surgical removal of a skin growth, such as Mohs surgery or excision.
During the ED & C process, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to numb the area around the skin growth. Once the area is numb, a surgical tool known as a curette is used to scrape away layers of the growth, starting with the top layer and working downwards. The electrical needle then destroys any cancerous or precancerous cells in the lesion. This removes the growth, leaving a scar that will usually heal on its own.
While ED & C is a highly effective treatment, it can be challenging to remove tumors that are deep in the skin. Therefore, the procedure is typically reserved for growths and lesions that have a shallow surface. This includes skin tags, angiomas, and horns caused by actinic keratoses.
The electrode is held 1-2 mm away from the skin to produce a spark or electric arc, which dehydrates and carbonises the epidermis over a wide area of the skin surface. The carbonised epidermis insulates the tissue and minimises further damage to underlying skin. Electrofulguration is a form of electrodesiccation that uses the same technique to destroy superficial lesions that are unlikely to bleed profusely, such as seborrhoeic keratoses and viral warts.
During this procedure, the dermatologist will apply an anesthetic cream or injectable lidocaine to reduce pain and discomfort. Afterward, the doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of your growth. Once the results are confirmed, a physician will discuss options for removal.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a method of removing skin tags by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. The procedure is quick, usually done during a single office visit. It is considered non-invasive and results in minimal scarring compared to other removal methods. The process is relatively painless, though some patients experience a brief burning sensation. It is also important to keep in mind that the skin tag may bleed during the cryotherapy procedure. The numbing effects from the treatment can last for several days.
This procedure can be performed by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional in a medical setting. It is typically less expensive than excision and other surgical procedures. It is also safer than trying to remove a skin tag at home, since it is easy to injure or damage blood vessels and veins that lead to bleeding.
Before a cryotherapy treatment, you will need to empty your bladder. You may have an enema or drink a laxative to achieve this. This reduces the chance of a painful bowel blockage during the procedure.
The procedure involves grasping the skin tag firmly with a pair of thumb forceps that have been soaked in liquid nitrogen for 10 to 20 seconds, long enough for frost to form. The forceps are then returned to the liquid nitrogen to rehydrate before attempting another freeze-thaw cycle. A total of three freeze-thaw cycles can be used on each skin tag. The ice crystals that form in the skin cause oxygen shortage and cell death, which ultimately leads to the collapse of the skin tag. The process is complete within a few minutes, and most people notice that the skin tag has disappeared within a few days.
Aside from the discomfort and possible bleeding during a cryotherapy treatment, there is not much else to expect. A scab will form over the skin lesion, and it may take several days to fully fall off. It is important to keep the area covered with antibiotic ointment, which will prevent infection. It is also advisable to see your dermatologist if the skin lesion changes in appearance or if it is painful or bleeds, as these symptoms could indicate a different type of health condition.
Excision
Skin tags are small growths that develop in areas where the skin’s natural folds create friction, such as the neck, armpits, and under the breasts. They have a core of fibres and ducts, nerve cells, fat cells, and a covering or epidermis. They are usually harmless, but can cause irritation and bleeding when they rub against clothing or jewellery. They may also grow larger and become inflamed or infected. While they are not dangerous, people often choose to have them removed for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons.
There are a few different treatment methods for removing skin tags, including electrodesiccation, cryotherapy, and excision. These methods are safe and effective, but patients should always seek medical care from an expert dermatologist. This ensures that the treatment is performed correctly, and that the skin tag is completely removed.
When performing a removal procedure, the doctor will sterilize and disinfect the area before treating it. They will then apply or inject a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort. After the anesthetic is administered, the doctor will snip or cut the skin tag off using a scalpel. Depending on the type of removal, the provider may additionally cauterize the area to prevent bleeding.
Once the skin tag has been removed, a small open wound will remain at the site of the removal. The wound should be washed and disinfected two to three times a day, and a topical antibiotic ointment like bacitracin ointment should be applied to the area to prevent infection. Patients should also keep the site covered with a bandage for one to three weeks.
While it is tempting to remove skin tags at home with over-the-counter freezing creams and tools, this is not recommended. Cutting or clipping off a skin tag without the approval of a dermatologist can result in bleeding, and may be dangerous for individuals who take blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. It is also important to be aware that skin tags can be mistaken for other types of growths, such as warts or moles, so it is best to have any new growths assessed by a dermatologist.
Snipping
In some cases, a physician may recommend skin tag removal to be done through snipping or cutting. During this treatment, the doctor will use a scalpel or medical-grade sterile scissors to clip off the small tags that are found on the surface of your skin. The doctor will usually numb the area with a local anesthesia to prevent pain and ensure you will feel comfortable during this process. This is the most common method of removing large or stubborn skin tags from areas such as under the armpits or breasts, around the neck and collarbone, or in the groin.
In addition to snipping, there are several home removal methods that are available for those who would rather avoid having to make an appointment with their dermatologist. While these options might seem appealing due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who can perform this procedure in a safe and sterile environment.
Some of the most popular home removal methods for skin tags include applying toothpaste, garlic or apple cider vinegar to the affected area. However, these home remedies can lead to infections and bleeding if they are not performed correctly. They are also known to take longer to produce results, as compared to surgical or cryotherapy removal.
Other home removal methods include tying or tying off the base of the skin tag to cut off the blood supply. This process is known as ligation, and it can be very effective in many patients. This is not a preferred treatment for most because it can be uncomfortable and can cause scarring.
In addition to the above techniques, some dermatologists also offer a non-surgical treatment called freezing. This treatment is an excellent option for those who are not comfortable with surgery or who have a sensitive skin type. During the procedure, your dermatologist will clean the treatment area and apply a controlled amount of liquid nitrogen to freeze the tag. This causes the cells inside the tag to die, and the tag will eventually fall off within a few days.