Skin Tags

Skin tags aren’t usually a medical emergency, but they can be bothersome and uncomfortable. At Integrated Dermatology of East Boca in Boca Raton, Florida, double board-certified dermatologist Alecia Folkes DO, FAAD, FAOCD, removes skin tags to stop them from rubbing against clothing or looking unattractive. Call today or use this website to schedule an appointment if you’re bothered by skin tags.

What are skin tags?

Skin tags are flesh-colored or brown growths that develop on your skin. These protruding growths contain fat cells, nerve cells, and core fibers. They aren’t cancerous. 

Skin tags can appear just about anywhere, including the:

• Neck
• Chest
• Eyelids
• Armpits
• Groin
• Under the breasts

Skin tags may maintain their size or grow over time. Skin tags don’t threaten your health, but they can rub uncomfortably against clothing or jewelry, be unattractive and embarrassing, and interfere with shaving. 

Why should I get skin tags removed?

If you have a skin tag that’s not bothersome, you don’t have to remove it. But, removal can afford the following benefits:

• Reduced skin irritation
• Easier shaving in certain areas
• Improved self-esteem
• Smoother, more evenly-toned skin

Dr. Folkes removes unsightly skin tags in the office. The procedure isn’t painful and doesn’t require any downtime. 

How do you diagnose skin tags?

Dr. Folkes performs a simple skin evaluation to diagnose your skin tag. If your skin tag looks more like a bump or other possible cancerous lesion, she may take a biopsy to be evaluated by a lab.  

How do you treat skin tags?

Dr. Folkes removes skin tags in one of several ways:

Snipping

After numbing the treatment area, Dr. Folkes snips off the skin tag using a special tool.

Electrodesiccation

With this procedure, Dr. Folkes uses a needle-like electrode to pass electric currents into skin tags. 

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze off skin tags. Once treated, the skin tags fall off in about 10-14 days.

Ligation

Ligation involves cutting off blood supply to the skin tags, so they can no longer survive and dry up. The procedure causes almost no pain.

Excision

After numbing your skin, Dr. Folkes uses a scalpel to cut off skin tags.

How do I know which skin tag treatment is right for me?

Dr. Folkes recommends a skin tag removal procedure according to the size of your skin tag, its location, and your preferences. All of these treatments are quick and nearly pain-free. They require no downtime afterward, either. 

If you have bothersome skin tags, contact Integrated Dermatology of East Boca to set up an appointment to have them removed. Call the office or use this website to book online.