Do you have a small, fleshy growth on your skin that you’ve been wondering about? It’s possible that you have a skin tag. If you’re looking for Stockbridge, GA skin tag removal dermatological services, you likely have some questions about your condition. Skin tags are common, benign growths that appear on the skin for a variety of reasons. In this article, we will answer all of your questions about skin tags! What are they? What do they look like? Why do they form? Are they harmful? Can they be removed safely and easily? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about skin tags!
What Is a Skin Tag?
Also called “acrochordons,” skin tags are a type of noncancerous growth that are generally not physically harmful. Typically, skin tags are the same color as the bulk of your body, but they may sometimes appear darker, much like a mole.
Can Skin Tags Be Cancerous?
Not to worry—if you have a skin tag, it is composed of collagen, not cancerous cells. However, cancerous growths can appear like a harmless skin tag at times, so if you have a skin tag, it’s best to have a dermatologist examine it and make sure it is an acrochordon and not a cancerous growth.
Why Do Skin Tags Appear?
Skin tags are the result of friction from skin rubbing against itself. This causes the body to produce an excess of cells on the top layer of dermis in order to protect it from the friction. Because of this, skin tags tend to occur in areas of the body that are prone to movement, like eyelids, thighs, armpits, neck, or any areas where skin touches skin on the body such as under breasts or around male genitals.
Do Skin Tags Hurt?
A typical skin tag is considered benign and will not hurt—but it may snag on clothing or jewelry and cause brief discomfort. Also, for some patients the appearance of a skin tag is emotionally distressing, especially if they are in a visible area as they alter the appearance of the skin.
Do Skin Tags Have to Be Removed?
The answer to this question is a matter of personal preference. Because skin tags are not cancerous, they do not strictly speaking have to be removed. However, because they are protruding growths on the surface of the skin, some people who experience skin tags prefer to have them removed by a professional dermatologist.
How Are Skin Tags Removed?
Skin tags can be removed through a number of methods, though it is recommended that you see a qualified dermatologist for skin tag removal. The most common methods for removing skin tags include:
- Excision, or cutting the skin tag away using a scalpel or scissors
- Cryotherapy, or freezing the skin tag off using liquid nitrogen
- Electrocautery, which burns the skin tag off using an electric probe
Will Skin Tags Grow Back?
The same skin tag will not grow back once it has been removed—but if you are prone to developing skin tags, you may end up with another skin tag in the same area of your body later in life.
Am I Likely to Develop a Skin Tag?
There are certain factors that may make certain individuals more likely to develop skin tags over the course of their life. Some of these risk factors include:
- Becoming pregnant or having an abundance of growth hormones
- Having a history of skin tags in the family
- Certain health problems, ranging in scope from skin disorders, diabetes, obesity, or Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
Is Skin Tag Removal Covered By Insurance?
Because skin tags are considered harmless and their removal is generally thought of as cosmetic by insurance companies, most will not cover the cost of the procedure. However, if you are experiencing significant discomfort due to the presence of your skin tag, it’s worth contacting your insurance representative or going over your plan to see if you might be covered for the procedure, or at least partially covered.
Stockbridge GA Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags can be a nuisance that some dermatology patients find irritating or distressing, as they may draw unwanted attention or catch on jewelry or clothing. This is why some people opt to have their skin tags removed by a professional dermatologist in Stockbridge, GA. Skin tag removal fortunately is a very nearly painless process, especially if the skin tag is small—patients may feel nothing more than a pinch, especially if the dermatologist is experienced. Even if your skin tag does not cause you upset, it is generally a good idea to have a dermatologist examine to make sure they are benign acrochordons and not cancerous. (For even more information on skin tags, click here.)
Are you looking for a qualified dermatologist in Stockbridge, GA for skin tag removal? Contact National HealthCare Center today for bookings and availability!
