Skin tags are one of the most common things people ask us about, and one of the things they feel most awkward raising. They’re harmless, but they can catch on necklaces, bra straps and collars, get irritated when you shave, and simply make you feel self-conscious. If you’ve been looking into skin tag removal in Stirling, this guide explains what skin tags are, why they appear, and how we remove them safely at Estheva.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags (the medical name is acrochordons) are small, soft growths of skin that hang from the surface on a thin stalk. They’re usually skin-coloured or slightly darker, and range from the size of a grain of rice to a small pea.
They tend to appear where skin rubs against skin or clothing, so the most common places are:
- the neck and along necklace lines
- the underarms
- under the breasts and along the bra line
- the eyelids
- the groin and inner thighs
Skin tags are benign, which means they’re not cancerous and won’t turn into cancer. Most people who have them simply want them gone for comfort or confidence.
Why do skin tags appear?
Nobody knows the exact cause, but skin tags are more likely if you have:
- Friction from skin folds, jewellery or tight clothing
- Hormonal changes, which is why many women notice new ones during pregnancy or around the menopause
- Weight changes, as skin folds create more friction
- Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, which is linked to multiple skin tags
- A family history of skin tags
They also become more common as we get older. If you suddenly develop a lot of new skin tags, it’s worth mentioning to your GP, because it can occasionally be a sign of an underlying issue such as raised blood sugar.
Why you shouldn’t remove skin tags at home
Online you’ll find all sorts of home remedies, from tying off skin tags with thread to cutting them with nail scissors or using over-the-counter freezing kits. We’d strongly advise against all of them. Home removal can cause:
- Bleeding, because even small skin tags have their own blood supply
- Infection in an open wound
- Scarring or pigmentation, especially on the face and neck
- Missed diagnoses. Something you think is a skin tag could be a different kind of lesion that needs checking first
Having a professional look at it first means you get the right treatment, and a much neater result.
How we remove skin tags at Estheva
At Estheva we use cryosurgery with the CryoPen®, a precise and quick way to freeze away benign skin lesions such as skin tags, warts, verrucas and some types of pigmentation.
Your consultation
Every treatment begins with a consultation. We’ll look closely at each skin tag, ask about your medical history, and check that cryosurgery is the right option. If anything looks unusual, we’ll tell you honestly and recommend you see your GP before any treatment goes ahead.
The treatment
The CryoPen® releases a fine, controlled jet of nitrous oxide directly onto the skin tag. Because the applicator is held very close to the lesion, the cold is focused exactly where it’s needed and the surrounding skin is left alone. Each skin tag takes between a few seconds and around 30 seconds, depending on its size, and most appointments take around 15 minutes. Cryosurgery at Estheva starts from £75.
Most clients describe the feeling as a cold sting, a bit like an ice cube held against the skin. There are no needles and no cutting, and you can go straight back to your day afterwards.
After treatment
Over the next few days, the treated skin tag will darken and may form a small blister or scab. It then shrinks and falls away naturally, usually within one to three weeks depending on its size. Larger skin tags occasionally need a second treatment.
For the best result:
- Leave the area alone. Don’t pick at blisters or scabs.
- Keep it clean and dry for the first day or two.
- Avoid friction from tight straps or necklaces while it heals.
- Protect it from the sun with SPF if the area is exposed.
Is cryosurgery suitable for everyone?
Cryosurgery suits most skin tags and most people, but not all. Skin tags very close to the eye may need a different approach, and darker skin tones have a higher risk of pale marks after freezing, so we’ll talk this through with you at your consultation. Cryosurgery also isn’t suitable for some people with conditions affected by cold, such as cold urticaria or Raynaud’s affecting the treatment area.
Why now is a good time for skin tag removal
Autumn and winter are a great time to have skin tags removed. Your skin is usually covered and out of the sun while it heals, and if you book in November, any treated areas will normally have settled well before party season. If you’re planning to wear a strappy dress or a favourite necklace over Christmas, this is a good time to sort out the skin tag that always gets in the way.
Other skin concerns we can help with
If you have other lumps, bumps or marks you’d like looked at, we treat a wide range of skin concerns. Cryosurgery can also be used for warts, verrucas and age spots, and our face treatments and body treatments cover everything from pigmentation to thread veins. Our post on five common skin problems and their treatments is a good place to start, and if this is your first visit, read our questions to ask before aesthetic treatment.
Skin tag removal FAQs
Does skin tag removal hurt?
Most people feel a brief cold sting for a few seconds per skin tag. There’s no need for anaesthetic, and any tenderness afterwards usually settles within a day.
Will the skin tag grow back?
Once a skin tag has been removed it won’t come back in the same place. You may still develop new skin tags elsewhere over time, especially in areas of friction.
Can I get skin tags removed on the NHS?
The NHS doesn’t usually remove skin tags for cosmetic reasons. If a skin tag is causing you a medical problem, speak to your GP. For cosmetic removal, a private clinic like Estheva is the usual route.
How many skin tags can be removed in one appointment?
Usually several, depending on their size and where they are. We’ll confirm a treatment plan at your consultation, and you can see the latest prices on our price list.
Will it leave a scar?
Cryosurgery is very precise, so scarring is rare. Occasionally the treated skin can heal slightly lighter or darker than the skin around it, which usually fades with time.
Book skin tag removal in Stirling
If a skin tag has been bothering you for a while, there’s no need to put up with it. Book your cryosurgery appointment online, or contact our team if you’d like to ask a question first. We’re at 13-15 Craigleith Road in Stirling, a short drive from Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Alloa and Falkirk.
