Skin tags, also called acrochordons, are very common skin growths. They are not cancerous and 25% of all adults have at least one skin tag! If someone in your family has skin tags, it’s likely that you will eventually develop them.
Skin tags are simply an outgrowth of normal skin. They are usually the same color as the rest of your skin, although they can be slightly lighter or darker. They usually occur under the arms, on the neck, or in the groin area. They may become irritated by clothing, friction, jewelry. Skin can become painful after any trauma such as being torn. Board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Rokhsar offers painless treatment for skin tags to NYC and Garden City patients.
Skin tags can be removed a few different ways. They can be snipped off with scissors or forceps. Cryosurgery is an option in which a liquid is sprayed or applied to the tag, causing it to freeze and fall off. Electrodessication is another option that sends electrical signals that destroy the skin tag cells. Once an existing tag is removed, it will not return. Skin tag removal is quick, with no recovery time, and provides you with immediate relief and better looking skin.
A skin tag, or acrochordon, is a benign growth that usually appears as a small, soft, flesh-colored, or slightly darker piece of skin that hangs from the surface by a stalk or base. They are most commonly found in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids. Skin tags are usually painless but may become irritated if they are rubbed or snagged by clothing or jewelry. Although skin tags are harmless, some people may choose to have them removed if they are bothersome or for cosmetic reasons.
One option for removal is surgical excision, which involves cutting the skin tag off with a scalpel or medical scissors after the area is numbed with a local anesthetic. Another option is cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag off. Your board-certified dermatologist will soak a pair of forceps in liquid nitrogen and then pinch the skin tag with the forceps to freeze it off. The frozen skin tag will eventually fall off within a week or two.
Cauterization is another option, which involves burning the skin tag off with a heated device. This method is effective but numbing cream or injections should be used to make the procedure comfortable. Electrosurgery is similar to cauterization but uses high-frequency electrical energy to burn off the skin tag.
While there are over-the-counter products available for skin tag removal, Dr. Rokhsar strongly advises against using them as they are irritating and can often lead to scars. These methods are not as effective as the ones mentioned above, and can potentially cause irritation or harm to the eyelid or other skin areas being treated. It’s best to seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist.
Skin tags are typically harmless and painless, they can become painful if they become irritated or twisted. This can occur due to excessive rubbing and friction of the skin or from repeated irritation from clothing or jewelry. Skin tags can also become infected, which can cause pain and discomfort.
If you notice sudden or severe pain, bleeding, or changes in the appearance of a skin tag, you should see a board-certified dermatologist to rule out any underlying conditions such as cancerous growths or other skin disorders.
Skin tag removal costs can vary depending on several factors, including the number of skin tags, the location of the skin tags, the method of removal, the expertise of the doctor, and the geographic location of the practice. Consult with a board-certified dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective treatment option for your specific case.
Upper East Side Manhattan Office
121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022
(212) 285-1110
Long Island Office
901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 512-7616
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
