Laser for skin tags

A skin tag is a soft, flesh-colored growth that often hangs from a narrow stalk. It may occur where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarm, groin, or eyelid. A typical skin tag is harmless, but a firm, dark, bleeding, painful, or rapidly changing growth may be something else and needs examination before removal.

A clinician may use electrosurgery to heat and detach the tag, cryotherapy to freeze it, or a small removal procedure to cut it away. Laser is considered only when its expected control and healing suit the lesion and the surrounding skin. Do not tie off, cut, or burn a tag at home. After removal, keep the site clean, avoid friction, and follow instructions about dressing and sun protection.

Arrange an assessment if the growth changes, bleeds without rubbing, becomes painful, or fails to look like your other tags. After removal, seek advice for spreading redness, pus, fever, worsening pain, or bleeding that will not settle with gentle pressure.

Ask whether the growth is clearly a skin tag, which method best fits its stalk and site, whether a sample is needed, how long the wound may take to heal, and how to reduce irritation or a visible mark.