Laser Skin Tag Removal

What are skin tags?

Skin tags are a common skin growth in which a short, narrow stalk that sits above the skin surface. Skin tags can appear anywhere on the body and commonly appear on the neck, upper chest, underarms and eyelids.

What can I expect in the treatment?

Prior to treatment you skin will be cleansed and if required, topical anaesthetic will be applied to the treated area(s). The skin tag(s) will then be removed within minutes thanks to our laser device which is designed with a small pen-tip head, shaped to specifically target the individual skin tags, one-by-one, without affecting the surrounding skin.

Benefits of laser skin tag removal

Skin tags can be removed within minutes from the face and body. By using our laser procedure, there is no need for surgical intervention. While some minor scarring can occur post laser removal of skin tags, this is usually seen as a pale white colour, typically no larger than the skin tag itself.

How long does the laser skin tag procedure take?

The skin tag removal procedure takes about 30 minutes. However, we schedule 60 minutes for your appointment as this will allow time to complete your Patient Registration Form, receive a consultation and discuss the procedure and post-care instructions.

How many treatments will I require?

Our laser technology facilitates the removal of skin tags immediately at the time of treatment – therefore no further treatments are required for the skin tags that are removed. However, in very rare cases, a touch-up treatment may be required.

Is laser skin tag removal painful?

Topical and or local anaesthetic is usually administered prior to your treatment to ensure you are comfortable.

Post-Treatment results

Following your treatment, the treated area(s) will be red, swollen and yellow oozing will likely occur. Within 24-48 hours, a scab will form.

The scab will allow for new skin to form in the treated areas and the redness, skin crusting, and scabbing will continue for at least a couple of weeks, throughout the healing process.

For several weeks your treated areas will continue to heal, and the scab will eventually fall off, leaving a red mark. This red mark is due to increased blood vessels that form to heal and repair the skin. In time, the redness will dissipate and the skin will heal. In some rare cases, the skin can become lighter or darker in the treatment area(s) – please refer to our ‘Potential Risks’ for more information.

Potential Risks

Even though skin tags are very rarely cancerous, there is still a risk of skin cancer being present within the skin tags. 

The laser ablates (burns) away the skin tag, meaning that the skin tag is not available to be sent away for pathology for further testing, so you need to be aware that pathology testing is NOT possible with this treatment.  

If you are concerned about the potential risk of your skin tag(s) being cancerous, we recommend that you consult with your skin cancer practitioner, prior to attending your appointment at Bella Plastic Surgery.

Although the potential risks associated with laser skin tag removal are extremely uncommon, one or more of the following may occur: 

• Lightening or darkening of the skin in the treated areas – (Hypopigmentation or Hyperpigmentation)
• Skin crusting or blistering  
• Infection  
• Scarring – which includes Hypertrophic or Keloid Scarring  

As part of your post-treatment care plan, you will be provided with verbal and written post-treatment instructions.

Post-Procedure Care

Following your laser treatment, you may notice redness, bleeding, bruising, swelling and weeping at the site of treatment, which can last for several days to weeks.   

It is normal for the treated area to feel a little sore and tender, for a few days post treatment.  You will keep the treated area dry and intact following your treatment. We will provide you with a topical cream to be used 3-4 times a day to the treated area, until the area has healed. 

• Please refrain from getting the treated area wet until scab has fully fallen-off the treated area.  
• Avoid exposing the treated area to the sun for a minimum of 4 weeks following treatment.
• Do not pick as scabbing can lead to scarring. 
• Makeup can be used over the treatment area so long as there is no extended redness, blistering or scabbing (mineral make-up is the best option).  
• Avoid skin irritants such as hydroquinone, bleaching creams, tretinoin, retinol creams, benzoyl peroxide, chemical peels, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid for at least 2 weeks after the procedure.  
• Avoid any rubbing or friction movements on the treated area for three days post treatment.

You will be requested to send an image of the treated area(s) 4 days post treatment via email. 

Our clinic can be contacted contact on 1300 373 662 if you experience any inflammatory reaction and/or side effect.  If necessary, additional treatments, medications and/or surgery may be necessary. If out of hours, please attend your local medical centre or emergency department.  

We will arrange a follow-up appointment for six weeks post-treatment at our clinic. If at any time you have questions or concerns, you should contact our clinic to arrange a face-to-face appointment.  

If required, you will be provided with topical cream, designed to be used post skin injury, that will provide nutrients to accelerate the skin healing process. In addition, we also offer Ligh Emitting Diode Treatment (LED) to accelerate the healing process.