Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags are small, soft growths that commonly develop in areas where the skin folds or experiences friction, such as the neck, underarms, beneath the breasts and around the groin.
While skin tags are generally harmless, some people choose to have them removed because of their appearance or because they become irritated by clothing, jewellery, shaving or everyday activities.
At Specialist Skin & Laser Clinics, skin tag removal is performed following an individual assessment to determine whether the lesion appears suitable for cosmetic treatment.
Where appropriate, skin tags may be treated using a diathermy device. If there is uncertainty about the nature of a lesion, or if it has unusual or concerning features, you may be advised to seek medical assessment before proceeding.
How it Works
Understanding Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags vary in size, shape and location, and not every raised skin lesion is a skin tag.
Before treatment, your clinician will assess the area to determine whether the lesion appears suitable for cosmetic removal and whether diathermy may be appropriate.
If the lesion cannot be confidently identified as suitable for cosmetic treatment, further medical assessment may be recommended.
Diathermy Treatment
Skin tag removal at Specialist Skin & Laser Clinics is performed using a diathermy device, which delivers controlled electrical energy to the targeted tissue.
During treatment, the device is applied precisely to the skin tag to cauterise and remove or reduce the targeted tissue while limiting unnecessary treatment of the surrounding skin.
The technique used will depend on the size, location and characteristics of the skin tag.
Your Treatment
Before proceeding, your clinician will explain the proposed treatment, what you may experience during the procedure, potential risks and expected healing.
Some skin tags may be treated in a single session, while others may require additional treatment or an alternative approach.
Aftercare & Follow-Up
Following treatment, you will receive individual instructions for caring for the treated area while it heals.
Your clinician will explain what you may expect during recovery and when follow-up or further assessment may be appropriate.
| Benefits |
|---|
| ✔ Targeted Treatment Diathermy allows individual skin tags to be treated with controlled application to the targeted tissue while limiting unnecessary treatment of the surrounding skin. |
| ✔ Suitable for Different Areas Skin tags commonly occur on areas such as the neck, underarms and other skin folds. Suitability for treatment will depend on the location and characteristics of each lesion. |
| ✔ Addresses Irritating Skin Tags Removal may be considered where a skin tag regularly catches on clothing or jewellery or becomes irritated during shaving or everyday activities. |
| ✔ Individual Assessment Each lesion is assessed before treatment to determine whether it appears suitable for diathermy and whether further medical assessment may be required. |
| ✔ Generally Limited Downtime Many people can return to their usual activities following treatment, although temporary redness, tenderness, crusting or other localised skin changes may occur while the area heals. |
| ✔ Individual Aftercare You will receive aftercare instructions based on the area treated and your individual circumstances. |
A consultation and skin assessment will be performed before treatment to determine whether the area appears suitable for skin tag removal.
Before your appointment:
- Avoid picking, scratching or attempting to remove the skin tag yourself.
- Avoid applying irritating or exfoliating skincare products directly to the treatment area in the days leading up to your appointment.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure or sunburn affecting the treatment area.
- Advise your clinician of any medications or supplements you are taking, medical conditions, allergies, history of abnormal scarring or recent procedures in the area.
- Tell your clinician if the lesion has recently changed in size, shape, colour or appearance, or if it has been bleeding, crusting or causing unexplained symptoms.
If the lesion cannot be confidently identified as appropriate for cosmetic treatment, you may be advised to have it assessed by a medical practitioner before proceeding.
Do not stop taking prescribed medication unless advised to do so by the healthcare professional responsible for your care.
Following treatment, the area may appear red or slightly swollen, and a small crust or scab may develop as part of the healing process.
After treatment:
- Keep the treated area clean and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your clinician.
- Avoid picking, scratching or removing any crust or scab that develops. Allow it to separate naturally.
- Avoid applying exfoliating products, retinoids, acids or other potentially irritating products until the area has adequately healed.
- Avoid swimming pools, spas and activities that may expose the area to excessive heat, friction or contamination until appropriately healed.
- Protect exposed treatment areas from excessive sun exposure and use SPF 50+ where appropriate.
- Contact the clinic if you experience unexpected or concerning symptoms following treatment.
Healing time varies depending on the size and location of the skin tag, the extent of treatment and your individual skin response.
Diathermy skin tag removal involves controlled treatment of skin tissue and carries potential risks and side effects.
These may include:
- temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or discomfort
- crusting or scab formation
- minor bleeding
- changes in skin colour, including hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
- infection
- delayed healing
- changes in skin texture
- scarring
- incomplete removal or the need for further treatment
The likelihood and extent of these effects can vary depending on the size and location of the lesion, your skin characteristics, medical history and individual healing response.
Importantly, not every raised or protruding skin lesion is a skin tag. Lesions that are unusual, changing, bleeding, symptomatic or cannot be confidently identified as appropriate for cosmetic treatment should be medically assessed before removal.
Skin tags may also develop in other areas over time. Removing an existing skin tag does not prevent new skin tags from forming.
Your clinician will discuss the risks and considerations relevant to your individual circumstances before treatment.
No particular cosmetic outcome or absence of scarring can be guaranteed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A skin tag is a small, soft growth of skin that is often attached to the surrounding skin by a narrow stalk or base.
They commonly develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, including the neck, underarms and other skin folds.
At Specialist Skin & Laser Clinics, suitable skin tags may be treated using a diathermy device.
The device delivers controlled electrical energy to the targeted tissue, allowing the clinician to cauterise and remove or reduce the skin tag.
The treatment method will depend on the size, location and characteristics of the individual lesion.
Your clinician will assess the lesion before treatment.
Not every skin growth that resembles a skin tag is appropriate for cosmetic removal.
If the lesion is unusual, has changed in appearance, is bleeding, causing unexplained symptoms or cannot be confidently identified as suitable for treatment, you may be advised to have it medically assessed.
Some discomfort may be experienced during treatment.
The sensation and level of discomfort can vary depending on the size, number and location of the skin tags being treated and your individual sensitivity.
Your clinician will explain what you may experience before treatment.
This varies according to the number, size, location and characteristics of the skin tags being treated.
Some skin tags may only require one treatment, while others may require additional treatment or an alternative approach.
Your clinician will provide more information following assessment.
Temporary redness, tenderness or swelling may occur.
A small crust or scab can also develop over the treated area and should be allowed to separate naturally.
Healing varies between individuals and according to the area and extent of treatment.
A treated skin tag may be successfully removed, although incomplete removal or recurrence can occur.
New skin tags can also develop in the same general area or elsewhere over time.
Removing existing skin tags does not prevent new ones from developing.
Multiple skin tags may be treated during an appointment where appropriate.
The number treated will depend on their size, location, the extent of treatment required and your individual assessment.
No.
Suitability depends on factors including the lesion's appearance, size and location, together with your skin and medical history.
Your clinician will assess the area before proceeding and may recommend medical assessment or an alternative approach where appropriate.
Downtime is generally limited, although the treated area requires time to heal.
Redness, tenderness, crusting or a small scab may occur following treatment.
Your clinician will provide individual aftercare instructions based on the area treated.
Tell your clinician if a lesion has changed in size, shape, colour or appearance, or has started bleeding, crusting or causing unexplained symptoms.
Further medical assessment may be recommended before cosmetic removal is considered.
Costs depend on the number, size and location of the skin tags being considered for treatment.
Any applicable costs will be explained following assessment and before you decide whether to proceed.
A $50 deposit is required when booking your consultation online. If you are assessed as unsuitable for treatment, the deposit is fully refundable.
Skin Tag Removal treatments are available at our Albury clinic.