Skin Growths & Lesions
Skin Tag Removal in Adelaide
What skin tags are, why they form, and how they are assessed and removed.
Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths of skin that typically appear where skin rubs against skin or clothing: the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin and under the breasts. They are harmless and are not contagious. They cannot be reliably removed at home, and any growth should be assessed in person before removal so that it can be confirmed as a skin tag rather than something requiring different management.
Skin tags (acrochordons) are one of the most common benign skin growths. Most people develop at least one during their lifetime, and they become more common with age.
They are harmless, but many people choose to have them removed because they catch on clothing and jewellery, become irritated when shaving, or simply sit somewhere visible.
At Babyskin, removal is only performed after assessment. That assessment is what separates a safe cosmetic procedure from a genuinely risky one.
Important
Not every small growth is a skin tag. Any lesion that is new, changing in size, shape or colour, bleeding, itching, irregularly bordered or multi-coloured must be assessed by a doctor before any cosmetic removal is considered. We do not remove lesions that have not been assessed, and where a lesion needs further investigation we will tell you and refer appropriately rather than treat it.
Why skin tags form
The exact cause is not fully understood, but friction is clearly involved. Skin tags overwhelmingly appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or against clothing.
- Friction in skin folds, which is why the neck, underarms and groin are the most common sites
- Age, with skin tags becoming considerably more common after 40
- Family history, as they often run in families
- Weight changes, which increase skin-on-skin contact
- Pregnancy and hormonal change
- Some metabolic conditions, which is worth mentioning to your doctor if you develop many suddenly
A sudden appearance of numerous skin tags is worth raising with your GP, as it is occasionally associated with underlying metabolic conditions.
Why home removal is a bad idea
Home removal kits, dental floss, nail clippers and over-the-counter freezing products are all widely discussed online. All of them share the same core problem: you cannot confirm what you are removing.
Beyond that, home removal risks bleeding that is difficult to stop, infection, incomplete removal, and scarring that is more visible than the original growth. Areas near the eyes are particularly unsuitable for any home attempt.
How removal works in clinic
Your appointment begins with an assessment of the growth to confirm what it is. Only then is a removal method selected, based on the size, location and number of growths involved.
The procedure itself is usually quick. Aftercare instructions are provided, and most people return to normal activity immediately.
Common questions
Are skin tags dangerous?+
Skin tags themselves are benign and harmless. The risk lies in assuming a growth is a skin tag when it is something else, which is why in-person assessment matters before any removal.
Will skin tags grow back?+
A properly removed skin tag does not usually return in the same spot, but people prone to them often develop new ones elsewhere over time, particularly in areas of friction.
Does skin tag removal hurt?+
Discomfort is generally minimal and brief. The approach to comfort depends on the size, number and location of the growths, and is discussed with you beforehand.
Will it leave a scar?+
Marking is usually minimal, though healing varies between individuals and depends on the size and site of the growth. This is covered at your assessment.
How much does skin tag removal cost in Adelaide?+
Cost depends on the number, size and location of the growths, so it is quoted after assessment rather than published as a single figure. The initial consultation is complimentary.
Other concerns
All treatments require an individual consultation and suitability assessment. Results vary between individuals. Information on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.