Skin tags are common benign skin growths that appear in areas of friction like the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, or under the breasts. Though harmless medically, they can be cosmetically bothersome or get irritated by clothing and jewelry. Professional removal is recommended if they cause discomfort or cosmetic concern. The two widely used clinical methods are Laser Removal and Cautery (Electrosurgical Burning). Choosing between them depends on your needs, pain tolerance, size and location of the tag, healing preferences, cost, and risk of scarring.
Overview of Treatment Options
Below are the two primary clinical methods most dermatologists, including advanced skincare clinics like Dermalinks, may recommend.
1) Laser Skin Tag Removal
How It Works
Laser skin tag removal uses a highly focused beam of light energy to vaporize the skin tag with precision. The laser targets the skin tag’s tissue without cutting, meaning it removes the tag while sealing small blood vessels, which reduces bleeding.
Pros
- Precision: Laser targets only the skin tag and minimizes impact on surrounding tissue.
- Minimal Scarring: Laser treatment generally results in little to no scarring.
- Quick and Convenient: Treatments are fast, often under 20 minutes for small tags, with immediate return to normal activities after the session.
- Comfort: Most patients report only mild sensations during treatment, especially with numbing creams applied.
- Ideal for Sensitive Areas: Because it’s so precise, laser is often preferred for delicate or highly visible spots like the face or eyelids.
Cons
- Cost: Laser treatments are typically more expensive than traditional cautery or simple excision.
- Potential Need for Multiple Sessions: Some stubborn or larger tags might require more than one appointment.
- Rare Side Effects: Mild redness, swelling, or temporary pigment changes may occur, especially in darker skin tones.
Ideal Candidates
Laser skin tag removal is often recommended for those who want minimal scarring, especially in visible areas like the face or neck, and for tags that are small to medium in size. It’s also suitable if you want a fast, outpatient procedure with rapid recovery.
2) Cautery (Electrosurgical) Removal
How It Works
Cautery uses an electrical current to heat and burn the skin tag off at its base. It simultaneously seals blood vessels, reducing bleeding during and immediately after the procedure.
Pros
- Effective and Precise: Cautery reliably removes skin tags by burning through the tissue and stopping blood flow instantly.
- Fewer Sessions: Many tags can be removed in a single session because cautery thoroughly destroys the tag’s tissue.
- Good for Vascular Tags: Tags with a rich blood supply often respond well to cautery because the heat seals vessels as it removes tissue.
- Quick Healing: Because cautery seals the wound immediately, healing can be fast if performed properly.
Cons
- Pain During Procedure: Some patients find cautery more uncomfortable than laser because of the heat involved, even with local numbing. Practice and numbing vary by provider.
- Slight Scarring Risk: There’s a somewhat higher chance of minor scarring or pigmentation changes, particularly on darker skin tones.
- Pigment Changes: Heat can cause darker or lighter spots around the treated area, especially in pigmented skin.
Ideal Candidates
Cautery is often chosen for thicker, larger, or more vascular skin tags and for patients who prefer a thorough removal in one session and don’t mind the minimal risk of slight scarring.
Comparing Laser and Cautery
| Feature | Laser Removal | Cautery Removal |
| Precision | High | Moderate |
| Scarring Risk | Low | Slightly higher |
| Pain Level | Mild | Moderate |
| Number of Sessions | 1–2 | Often 1 |
| Best for Sensitive Areas | Yes | Yes |
| Recovery Time | Quick | Quick |
| Cost | Higher | Lower to Moderate |
Note: Results can vary based on clinic expertise, laser type, and the specific size/location of the skin tags. Professional assessment by a dermatologist is crucial for the best outcome.
Post-Removal Care (Both Methods)
After either laser or cautery removal:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure until fully healed.
- Follow your dermatologist’s aftercare instructions to reduce infection and pigmentation changes risk.
Dermalinks – Professional Skin Treatments
Dermalinks is an advanced aesthetic and skincare clinic offering various dermatological and cosmetic procedures using modern technologies. Services include laser therapies and personalized skin treatments performed by experienced professionals with FDA-approved equipment.
While their online description doesn’t specifically list skin tag removal on their public services page, Dermalinks provides a range of advanced laser and skin procedures and can likely assess and offer the most suitable removal method (laser, cautery, or a combination) based on your needs.
Book Your Consultation
Ready to remove unwanted skin tags safely and effectively?
Schedule a consultation or appointment with Dermalinks today to discuss the best method (Laser vs Cautery) for your skin tags and determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your skin type and goals.