What are skin tags?
Skin
Tags are outer growths of the skin. There are many
different types of skin tags and benign skin lesions
that are cosmetically bothersome. Skin tags can take
many shapes, sizes and colors, but generally they are
brownish color, round and slightly asymmetrical.
Small skin tags that are black or brownish in
color are called dermatosa papulosa nigra, and often
occur on the face and neck of asians and
african-americans. Skin tags that are large fleshy
tumor-like outgrowths of the skin are called
acrochordons. Large, flat, wartlike growths of
variable color are called seborrheic keratosis.
How are they removed?
People usually request removal for cosmetic reasons.
There are many ways to remove them, but at
Medispa Institute, we use a method that has very
little pain and leaves virtually no scarring. We use a
state-of-the-art dual radiofrequency device that is
FDA approved for quick, painless removal of these
lesions.
How many treatments will I need?
Most
people require only 1-2 treatments for complete
removal.
Will they grow back?
The answer is yes
and no. Once
we have removed the lesion, that specific lesion is
gone. However, these types of lesions usually grow in
clusters and numerous quantity. So if you are prone to
skin tags, then you will probably get them again
sometime in the future, perhaps in the same area or
other areas as well.
Will there be any scarring?
The procedure
itself does not cause scarring. How your body responds
to the treatment determines whether you will scar.
This means that if you normally scar easily, then yes,
scarring may be an issue. Most people heal without any
adverse consequence and we have not seen any scarring
in our clinic.
How long will it take to heal?
Again, the time it
takes to heal depends on your skin’s natural healing
ability. Normal, healthy tissue typically heals within
3-5 days, while older, less healthy tissue can take up
to two weeks to fully heal.
Is there anything special I have to do after the procedure?
You will be given
a triple antibiotic cream to apply to the area. You
may wash the area gently but pat dry immediately. Keep
the treated area dry to avoid infection. If
a scab develops, do not pick at the scab; let it fall
off naturally. If the treated area is normally covered
by clothing, please wear loose cotton clothing to
prevent irritation of the area while it heals. Avoid the sun by wearing sunblock or a hat.
Can I go back
to work after the procedure?
Yes, but the
treated area may appear raw and red. We recommend that you take an afternoon off
after this procedure. You can go back to work the
following day.
Can I apply
makeup after the procedure?
You can apply
makeup around the treated area but not directly on the
treated area.
Need additional
information?
For additional information, please contact our office
at 832-300-5593, email us at questions@medispainstitute.com,
or visit our website at www.medispainstitute.com.