Everything you need to know about Skin tags and how to remove them.

Skin tags are very common, with 25% of adults experiencing growths, especially those over 50.  While they are harmless, many people choose to get them removed mostly due to aesthetic reasons. 

 If you’re thinking of getting rid of yours, it’s worth knowing what they are, what causes them and how to remove them. So, we asked Stella Zheleznyak from the Advanced Electrolysis Clinic, one of the leading electrologists in Ireland, to tell us everything you need to know about Skin Tags. 

What are skin tags?

“Skin tags are small flesh-coloured or brown benign growth that hang off the skin and look a bit like warts. They are commonly attached to the underlying skin by a thin stalk, or in the case of very small skin tags, they may look like raised bumps on the skin”, explains Stella.

What causes skin tags? 

“They typically occur at sites where clothing or jewellery rubs against the skin or where there is skin-to-skin friction.”

Skin tags are very common and usually found on the neck, in the armpits, around the groin or under the breasts. Sometimes they grow on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks.

There is a genetic predisposition to developing these benign growths, with about 25% of the adult population experiencing these tags at some stage in later life.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can stimulate the growth of skin tags, particularly during the second trimester, making it common for women to develop them while expecting. 

Are skin tags dangerous?

No, skin tags themselves are not dangerous but it’s important to have a trained professional look at it first to make sure it is actually a skin tag you have and not another type of growth. 

“There’s no need to book a skin tag consultation at the Advanced Electrolysis Clinic, we’ll know straight away if it’s a skin tag or not and don’t worry if it’s not a skin tag you won’t be charged, but you’ll have to seek guidance from your GP on how to remove your growth”, Stella explains

What’s involved in the removal process? 

“At the Advanced Electrolysis Clinic, we used Electrolysis to remove skin tags. It is is a very straight forward procedure and only takes a few minutes to do.” 

Heat is used to cauterise the skin tag and the results are instant. You will feel some quick heat sensation but there is no need for any local anaesthetic.  

“It takes a couple of weeks for the skin to heal completely and you may have a small scab for a few days, just let this be and it will fall off on its own when healed”, Stella advises.

How long will it take and how much will it cost?

“A 15-minute treatment is normally sufficient to remove all the skin tags you have, it’s unusual for clients to require longer than that.” 

15 minutes Skin Tag removal treatment costs €45 at the Advanced Electrolysis Clinic.

Advanced Electrolysis Clinic is located at 66 Ranelagh Village, Dublin 6.

To book an appointment visit www.advancedelectrolysisclinic.ie or telephone 01 498 2505