Laser Skin Tag Removal Sydney

What are skin tags?

A skin tag, medically known as an acrochordon, is a common, benign skin growth that appears as a small, soft protrusion attached to the skin by a narrow stalk. Typically flesh-colored or slightly darker, skin tags often develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts.

These growths range in size from 1 mm to 5 cm and can be smooth or slightly wrinkled, usually soft to the touch. Histologically, skin tags consist of a fibrovascular core, sometimes containing fat cells, covered by an unremarkable epidermis. They are generally asymptomatic but can become irritated or painful if subjected to friction, such as from clothing or jewellery.

Treatment Options For Skin Tag Removal

Several treatment options are available for skin tag removal, depending on the location, size and width of the skin tag base.

Laser Skin Tag Removal

Laser skin tag removal uses dual-laser technology to precisely treat medically assessed benign skin tags. The procedure can be performed on both the face and the body and is typically done without stitches.

During treatment, the laser removes the skin tags while simultaneously cauterising the small blood vessels. Usually, the treatment is relatively quick. There is minimal downtime depending on the size and number of skin tags being treated.

Most patients heal without issue. However, scarring or a pale mark may appear at the treatment site. Hearing outcomes vary from person to person.

Surgical Removal

Sometimes, practitioners use a surgical blade to remove skin tags. The skin tag is lifted with forceps, then a scalpel is used to cut it off at its base. Although this method can be effective, its suitability depends on the area being treated and the width of the skin tag’s base. Surgical removal does not cauterise the blood vessels, so bleeding and regrowth are more likely.

Radiofrequency (RF)

Radiofrequency uses heat energy to break down and remove tissue. Results vary depending on the amount of energy required and the size or width of the skin tag. Due to its reliance on heat, there is an increased risk of unwanted skin changes, including scarring or textural changes, depending on the healing process.

Combination Treatment

Sometimes a combination approach is preferred, depending on the skin tag’s size, base and location. Because laser treatment uses heat, there is a small chance the treated area may heal with a pale or slightly lighter mark. Therefore, the best method is determined on an individual basis.

At-Home Skin Tag Removal (Not Recommended)

Some individuals attempt to remove their skin tags on their own, using DIY methods such as cutting, tying a string around them, or pulling them off. This is not recommended, as DIY methods increase the risk of inflammation, infection, delayed healing and scarring.

Laser Skin Tag Removal: What to Expect

Your skin is first cleansed, and a topical anaesthetic may be applied to reduce discomfort. Sometimes, a local anaesthetic will also be used, depending on the location and number of skin tags being removed.

Using our laser device, the skin tags are removed. The device has a small pen tip head that allows us to target each lesion precisely while minimising impact on surrounding skin.

Treatment Time

We ask patients to allow approximately 30 to 60 minutes for their appointment. Although the laser treatment is quick, we require time for you to complete your patient registration form, undergo a consultation, discuss the procedure and its potential risks and receive after-care instructions.

How Many Treatments?

Most skin tags are removed immediately on the first treatment. Depending on the size and base of the skin tag, a touch-up session may be required. In rare cases, skin tags may regrow, requiring further treatment for removal.

Comfort During Treatment

Most people tolerate laser skin tag removal well. However, a topical or local anaesthetic can be administered before treatment to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Recovery

Healing time varies, depending on the individual and the areas treated. After treatment, it’s normal for patients to experience redness, some yellow oozing, mild swelling and bruising around the treated area for up to one to two weeks.

The area may feel tender for a few days.

As part of the natural healing process, the body will form a temporary scab. This typically falls off after 7 to 10 days. You must not scratch or pick at the scab this can increase inflammation and scarring.

After the scab has fallen off, the underlying skin may appear red due to newly formed capillaries. This redness will gradually fade over the following weeks to months.

NB: All patients are required to attend an in-clinic follow-up appointment within 4 days of treatment.

IMPORTANT: Before having your skin tags or any lesions removed, we recommend you have a skin cancer assessment.

Potential Risks

Potential risks of skin tag removal are uncommon. However, they may include delayed healing, infection, darkening or lightening of the skin in the treated area, blistering or crusting, recurrence of the lesion and scarring (including hypertrophic or keloid scarring).

For more detailed information, please refer to the Possible Risks and Complications page.

After-Care

Keep the area dry, avoid picking at the scab and allow it to fall off naturally. Avoid UV exposure for at least four weeks. Avoid active skincare products (e.g., bleaching agents, acids or retinol) for two weeks. You’ll be given a topical cream to apply several times a day until the area has healed.

Skin Tag Removal Cost

The cost of your skin tag removal will depend on the number of tags removed, the size and location and the treatment methods being used. A costing can be given after your in-person consultation.

Laser Skin Tag Removal FAQs

Can skin tags return after removal?

Many skin tags do not return after removal, but recurrence can occur in some individuals. If a skin tag does reappear, further treatment may be considered.

How many treatments will I need?

In many cases, a single treatment is sufficient. However, depending on the size and base of the skin tag, as well as individual healing response, a follow-up treatment may occasionally be required.

Is laser skin tag removal painful?

The procedure is generally well tolerated. Measures are taken to support comfort, which may include the use of topical anaesthetic. In some cases, local anaesthetic administered with a small needle may be used, particularly for larger skin tags or more sensitive areas.

What does healing involve?

A small scab typically forms at the site where the skin tag was removed. It is normal to experience redness, tenderness, mild swelling, or a small amount of clear or yellow fluid (exudate), which may persist for approximately 7–14 days. After the scab separates, the area may appear pink and will gradually continue to settle as the skin heals.

Will there be a scar?

Most individuals heal well; however, some degree of marking is always possible following skin tag removal, regardless of whether laser, surgical, or other techniques are used. In many cases, any residual mark appears as a small pale spot and is generally similar in size to the base of the original skin tag.

How much does laser skin tag removal cost?

Treatment costs are determined following an initial consultation. Several factors are considered, including the recommended treatment method, as well as the size, location and number of skin tags being treated.

Do I need a skin cancer check before removing a skin tag?

Yes. We recommend that all skin lesions be assessed by a qualified skin cancer doctor before undergoing laser treatment.