What is the Success Rate of Skin Tag Removal? A Guide by Dr. Vishal Purohit, Plastic Surgeon and Cosmetic Surgeon in Jaipur

Skin tags are common, harmless growths that can appear anywhere on the body, though they tend to pop up in areas with folds or friction. If you’ve ever wondered about the success rate of skin tag removal, you’ve come to the right place.

Dr. Vishal Purohit, an esteemed plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon practicing in Jaipur, is here to guide you through everything you need to know about skin tag removal success rates.

Understanding Skin Tags

Before we dive into success rates, let’s quickly cover what skin tags are. Skin tags, also known as acrochordons or fibroepithelial polyps, are:

• Soft, small growths
• Flesh-coloured or slightly darker
• Typically found in areas with skin folds or friction, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids
• harmless and non-cancerous

Why Skin Tags Are Removed: Understanding the Reasons Behind Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags are generally harmless and non-cancerous growths that appear on the skin, but there are several reasons why people choose to have them removed. Here are some of the most common motivations behind skin tag removal:

1. Aesthetic Concerns

One of the primary reasons people choose to remove skin tags is for cosmetic reasons. Skin tags can be unsightly and may make individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance, especially if the skin tags are in visible areas like the face, neck, or arms.

2. Discomfort and Irritation

Skin tags often appear in areas where the skin rubs against clothing or other skin, such as the neck, armpits, groin region, or under the breasts. Due to their location, skin tags can become irritated or uncomfortable, causing itching, pain, or even bleeding when they catch on clothing or jewelry.

3. Psychological Impact

The presence of skin tags can lead to feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, or even depression for some individuals. Removing the skin tags can help improve their overall well-being and boost their self-esteem.

4. Potential for Infection

Although skin tags are generally harmless, they can become infected if they are repeatedly scratched, irritated, or subjected to trauma. The removal of skin tags can help prevent potential infections and associated complications.

5. Ruling Out Other Skin Conditions

Sometimes, skin tags may resemble other skin growths, such as warts, moles, or even malignant skin lesions. In such cases, a healthcare professional may recommend removing the skin tag to ensure it isn’t a more serious skin condition that requires further treatment.

Removal Techniques

There are several methods for removing skin tags, including:

1. Cryotherapy: This technique involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off within a week or two.
2. Cauterization: This method uses heat to burn off the skin tag, effectively destroying the tissue.
3. Ligation: A small rubber band or suture is placed around the base of the skin tag, cutting off the blood supply and causing it to fall off.
4. Excision: A scalpel or surgical scissors are used to remove the skin tag at its base.
5. Over-the-counter treatments: Some topical creams and patches claim to remove skin tags, though their effectiveness can be limited.

Success Rate of Skin Tag Removal

Now that you understand the different methods available, let’s talk about the success rate of skin tag removal. The good news is that skin tag removal is generally very successful, with a success rate of over 95% when performed by a qualified professional like Dr. Vishal Purohit.

Factors that contribute to the success rate include:

• Proper diagnosis: not everything that looks like a skin tag will be a skin tag. Some skin infections and tumours may mimic skin tags. but a closer inspection by a trained professional can identify most of the lesions.
• Correct choice of removal method: The choice of skin tag removal depends on the size and location of the skin tag.
• Skill and experience of the practitioner
• Adherence to post-removal care instructions

Potential Complications and Side Effects

Skin tag removal is considered a safe procedure with minimal risks. However, potential complications and side effects can include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Pain or discomfort
• Allergic reaction to the topical anaesthesia

It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-removal care instructions to minimise these risks. Infection is controlled with anti-biotics. Bleeding may require revisiting the surgeons office. Pain and discomfort are easily managed with painkillers. The final scar of a skin tag removal depends upon a lot of factors such as the size and location of the skin tag, the method of removal, and the individual’s healing process.

In summary, the success rate of skin tag removal is quite high, especially when performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Vishal Purohit. If you’re considering skin tag removal, it’s essential to consult with a professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Remember that while skin tags are harmless, it’s crucial to have any new or changing growths evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out any potential issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Purohit’s clinic in Jaipur to schedule a consultation and discuss your options for skin tag removal.