How long does electrosurgery take to work for skin tags?

The heat is applied to the tissue selected by the clinician. The tag may look darker, dry or crusted before it separates or flattens. The time to a settled appearance varies with its size, attachment, location and the depth of treatment. Skin folds can stay irritated from friction or moisture, so the area may look inflamed for longer than a protected spot.

Wash gently, pat dry and use only the ointment or dressing recommended for that site. Avoid pulling at the tag or crust, rubbing it with clothing, and applying fragrance or exfoliating products. If the area is exposed, use sun protection once the surface has healed. Do not try to remove a new growth at home; a clinician should confirm that it is a skin tag before treatment.

Report worsening pain, pus-like drainage, increasing warmth, spreading redness or swelling, or bleeding that continues after firm gentle pressure. Arrange an examination if the spot does not heal, returns quickly, or was pigmented, firm or irregular before treatment. A spot resembling a skin tag can have another cause and may require a different evaluation.

Ask how to protect the treated fold or neck area from friction, when bathing and exercise are acceptable, and what appearance would justify a follow-up visit.