Skin tags are benign, noncancerous growths that can appear anywhere on the body, though most often in areas where skin folds and rubs against itself. Although skin tags don’t pose any adverse health risks, many patients consider them unsightly and choose to have them removed.
Skin tag removal is a straightforward outpatient procedure that doctors can complete within minutes. However, like any medical procedure, patients should take certain precautions after having skin tags removed to ensure proper healing.
This guide covers everything you need to know following skin tag removals, including the average healing time, proper aftercare practices, and when to contact a doctor if you experience any side effects following a removal.
Skin Tag Removal Healing Time
The average healing time for skin tag removals varies depending on the removal method used. Your doctor will use one of several different methods to remove skin tags depending on the size and location of the growths. The most common skin tag removal methods are cutting, freezing, or burning the skin growth off.
Cutting Skin Tags Off: Within a Few Weeks
To cut skin tags off, your doctor will use a scalpel or surgical scissors. This method may also require stitches to close any open wounds. If stitches are needed, your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment within a few weeks for their removal.
Cryotherapy For Skin Tags: 10-14 Days
Freezing, or cryotherapy, is another common skin tag removal method. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to target the affected area’s skin cells. Doing so causes skin tags to fall off within 10-14 days after the procedure. Patients who receive cryotherapy sometimes experience irritation or blistering around the treatment area, though this should resolve by itself within a week.
Burning Skin Tags Off: ~1 Week
Another removal method is to burn the skin tags off using electrocautery. For this method, your doctor will use a small wire with an electric current to burn off the top layers of the skin tag, causing it to fall off. The heat from electrocautery also effectively cauterizes the area to stop and prevent any bleeding. Patients who receive electrocautery treatment may experience some scabbing that typically heals within a week.
Skin Tag Removal Aftercare Best Practices
The best aftercare practices also vary depending on the method used to remove the skin tags. If your doctor cuts off your skin tags:
- Keeping the area around the removal site clean is vital to ensure proper healing.
- Your provider may recommend dressing the area with a bandage for up to two days following the procedure.
- Afterward, try cleaning the area with soap and water once or twice a day and gently patting it dry with a paper towel.
- Avoid using antibacterial soaps or any products with alcohol, peroxide, iodine, or other chemicals, as they can slow healing.
- Your provider may also suggest using petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infections.
If your skin tags were removed using cryotherapy:
- You might experience blistering after the procedure. Do not attempt to puncture or pop any blisters that appear, as this can cause infections and slow the healing process.
- Use adhesive bandages to cover any blisters and protect the area until it has healed. Because cryotherapy uses extreme cold as part of the treatment, patients may experience headaches or other body pain for several hours after the procedure.
- Any pain will often resolve naturally, but patients can take pain relief medication like acetaminophen to manage discomfort. Otherwise, cryotherapy patients should follow the same cleaning procedures mentioned above.
If you receive electrocautery treatment:
- Your doctor will apply a wound dressing to the treated area. Follow your doctor’s instructions for how long to leave the dressing on, and do not remove it before your doctor’s recommendation.
- After removing the dressing, a scab will form at the removal site. Do not pick at the scab, as this can reopen the wound and increase the chances of an infection.
- Gently wash the area once or twice a day, pat dry, and apply an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risks of an infection forming.
When to Contact a Doctor Following Skin Tag Removal
Although the vast majority of patients don’t experience any complications following skin tag removals, there is a slight chance that patients will experience side effects, particularly if proper aftercare guidelines aren’t followed. Contact your doctor or seek urgent care if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Pain or swelling at or around the removal site
- Pus coming from the removal site
- The wound at the removal site has split open or is bleeding
- A fever greater than 100°F
- Any stitches or staples come out on their own
Skin Tag Removal at AFC Willowbrook
If you’re interested in skin tag removal, you may be tempted to try an over-the-counter skin tag removal product. Unfortunately, although these products promote quick and easy skin tag removals from home, many aren’t proven effective at treating and removing skin tags and can even cause further complications if misused. You should also never attempt to cut off skin tags on your own, as there’s a greater risk of infection.
A safer and easier way to remove skin tags is to visit the healthcare professionals at AFC Willowbrook. Simply schedule an appointment online or walk in anytime during open hours to have your skin tags removed quickly and with care by our team of professionals. We treat patients for various skin conditions, including wart removal, abscess and cyst removal, skin rash treatments, and more, in addition to several other primary care and urgent care services.
