Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft growths that often appear in areas of friction like the neck, underarms, eyelids, and groin. While they are completely benign and harmless, many people find them bothersome due to their appearance or discomfort during daily activities. A common question arises: can skin tags be permanently eliminated, or will they keep coming back? This is a particularly relevant concern for those considering Skin Tag Removal in Dubai, where climate, lifestyle, and clothing can often increase skin-on-skin friction, potentially contributing to skin tag formation. Understanding the root cause and treatment options is key to managing and possibly preventing future growths.
What Causes Skin Tags to Develop?
Before exploring permanence, it’s essential to understand what causes these growths in the first place. While the exact cause is still being studied, several contributing factors are known:
- Friction: Skin rubbing against skin or clothing, particularly in folds or tight areas.
- Hormonal changes: Common during pregnancy or in individuals with hormonal imbalances.
- Obesity: Increases skin folds and friction-prone areas.
- Genetics: A family history of skin tags can raise your risk.
- Insulin resistance and diabetes: Linked to a higher occurrence of skin tags.
Though skin tags can appear at any age, they are more common in adults and tend to increase with age.
Is Removal Permanent?
Removing an individual skin tag is a permanent solution for that particular tag. Once removed, it does not grow back. However, new skin tags may appear in other locations or even nearby the previously treated area over time.
So technically, you can permanently get rid of each skin tag, but that doesn’t guarantee that others won’t develop later.
Professional Removal Options
Several professional methods can remove skin tags safely and effectively. These include:
Laser Removal
A highly precise and non-invasive method using concentrated light energy to destroy the tag without affecting the surrounding skin. Ideal for facial areas and places prone to scarring.
Cryotherapy
Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the tag, which then falls off after a few days. It’s a quick and low-downtime procedure suitable for small to medium-sized tags.
Electrosurgery
A controlled electrical current burns the tag off. This technique ensures minimal bleeding and can be used on multiple tags in a single session.
Surgical Excision
Involves cutting the tag off using sterilized tools. This method is often used for larger tags and may include local anesthesia.
Ligation
A sterile string is tied around the base of the tag to cut off blood flow. This causes it to dry and drop off naturally after several days.
Each of these methods, when performed by a professional, offers permanent removal of the treated tag with little risk of recurrence in the same spot.
Can You Prevent New Skin Tags?
While you can’t always prevent skin tags entirely—especially if you’re genetically predisposed—there are lifestyle changes that may reduce their occurrence:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce skin folds and friction.
- Avoid tight clothing that causes rubbing in common skin tag areas.
- Use powders or anti-chafing creams in areas prone to sweating and friction.
- Manage blood sugar levels through diet and exercise, especially if you are insulin resistant.
- Maintain good skin hygiene and regularly moisturize to reduce irritation.
By reducing these contributing factors, you can lower the chances of developing new skin tags in the future.
Why Professional Treatment Is Better
Many over-the-counter remedies and home methods promise to “permanently” remove skin tags. However, these often lack the precision, cleanliness, and effectiveness of professional care. DIY removal carries risks such as infection, incomplete removal, and scarring. In a dermatological setting—especially in cities like Dubai where aesthetic care is top-notch—skin specialists use sterile equipment and customized treatment plans tailored to your skin type, ensuring permanent removal of each tag with minimal side effects.
What About Recurrence?
It’s important to note that while each tag can be permanently removed, recurrence in the form of new tags is possible. This isn’t a failure of the treatment but a reflection of your body’s tendency to form them. Some individuals may need periodic removal sessions over the years if they are prone to developing skin tags.
Final Thoughts
In summary, yes, you can permanently remove existing skin tags. However, because new ones may form due to genetics, lifestyle, or other factors, it’s not a one-time fix for everyone. With professional care, especially in advanced dermatology settings like those offering Skin Tag Removal each procedure ensures the treated tag is gone for good.