Skin Tags
They are at least 8 medical names for these overgrowths of skin or benign tumours, but thankfully they are in the vast majority of cases of no medical concern. Skin tags can grow anywhere on the body, but are most common in areas such as the armpits, neck, around the eyes, under the breasts of larger women and the genital areas.
What Causes Skin Tags?
It isn’t clear exactly what causes skin tags, but it may happen when clusters of collagen and blood vessels become trapped inside thicker pieces of skin. Also, they are more common in skin creases or folds and so are more likely to be caused by friction of either skin-to-skin, or necklaces, chains collars etc to skin. Genetics also have a part to play and I often hear clients mention that a parent or sibling also suffers from these unsightly growths. If you have a lot of skin tags, it could be a sign that you have too much insulin in your blood or type 2 diabetes. A simple blood test with your GP would confirm either way.
Will they grow back?
No. But new ones may appear in the same areas if you are prone to them. The ones I remove never come back.
Skin Tags Treatment
Their removal is based around 3 things:
How big they are – bigger can sometimes mean they take a little longer to remove.
Where they are – how easy they are to get to.
How they’re attached to the body – this is more important than the first 2 above. Some have wide attachments, whilst others are thin making them easier and quicker to treat by removing them straight away.
The treatment itself is very simple and involves using a small needle the size of an eyelash. The needle is blunt at the tip and releases heat at a controlled rate. This in turn cauterises the overgrowth of tissue and it is usually removed in one piece. A scab will then form to protect the tissue whilst it regenerates naturally. After 7-10 days the scabs drop off revealing smooth skin. Gradually over the coming weeks, the skin regenerates further. Those that are unable to be removed immediately drop off after a few days.
Just to confirm, there are no…
Injections
Freezing
Chemicals
Lasers
Blood – although the bigger ones can sometimes bleed due to their larger blood supply
Please note: This treatment is not suitable for those with pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear ear implants, or women who are, or, could be pregnant. Asian and darker skin types are not treated due to the increased risk of scarring.
Costs
As an example, I can usually treat around 40 or so in the armpit area in approximately 15 minutes.
Free consultations
5 minutes - £50.00
15 minutes - £100.00
30 minutes - £150.00
45 minutes - £175.00
60 minutes - £190.00
Prices are fixed to reflect the actual treatment time taken. For example: If you have a 30-minute consultation and during that time you have a treatment to remove a couple of blemishes which takes 5 minutes or under, the cost is just £50. You are only charged for the hands-on time taken for the treatment itself.