Skin Tags (Achrochorda, Fibroepithelial Polyps)

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas

Skin Tags:

  • Loose “tags” or “flaps”, often on a small stalk, which can develop anywhere on the skin’s surface
  • Are especially common over the sides of the neck, under the arms, in the groins and under the breasts
  • Are not cancerous and never develop into a skin cancer
  • May be tan, pink, brown or even black in colour
  • Are not due to diet or sun damage
  • Often appear as the skin matures
  • May be associated with pregnancy or weight gain
  • Are not contagious
  • May get gradually larger with time and do not disappear spontaneously
  • Small skin tags can be removed with a fine electrical instrument (electrocautery) which feels hot to the touch
    • The treatments sting and the tags will become crusted for about one week before they fall off
    • There is no bleeding
    • No stitches are required
    • Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the treated area for two weeks
    • You may bathe normally
    • A bandage is not necessary
  • For large skin tags, removal with a simple, small, surgical procedure produces the best results
    • The skin adjacent to the skin tag is injected with a local anesthetic to numb the area
    • The skin tag is removed and the base treated with electrocautery so that it does not bleed
    • Stitches are not necessary
    • The removal is not painful
    • After the procedure you may bathe normally
    • For two weeks after the procedure, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment
    • Bandages are only required for very large skin tags, and should be changed daily
    • After a skin tag has been removed a crust or scab will form
    • The crust will heal and leave a pink mark that will gradually fade
    • After the removal, there may be a residual white mark
    • There is a small chance that the skin tag could grow back
  • There is no way to prevent the growth of skin tags
  • Treatment of skin tags is not covered by OHIP or private health insurance
  • A referral from a doctor is necessary to make your first appointment

Skin Tag

Skin Tags – Eyelids

Skin Tags – Cheeks

Skin Tags – Common on the Neck, Underarms and Groins

What if you are interested to learn more?

If you would like to learn more please phone the aesthetic centre directly at (905) 549-7873 to book a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians or

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