Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, harmless growths of skin that commonly appear on the neck, underarms and groin areas. They are usually painless and do not require medical treatment. However, some people may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated or snagged by jewelry or clothing.
If you live in Toronto and are considering getting rid of these benign skin lesions, you may be wondering how much is skin tag removal. The cost varies depending on various factors.
This process involves numbing the area and using sterile surgical scissors or a blade to remove the skin tag. Afterward, a solution is applied to stop any potential bleeding. This method is often used for larger skin tags.
Cryotherapy involves freezing the skin tag off with liquid nitrogen. This method is quick and relatively painless. However, it may require multiple sessions before the skin tag falls off completely.
Cauterization involves the use of heat to remove skin tags. During this process, your healthcare professional applies a local anesthetic to numb the area around these benign growths and then uses an electrocautery tool to burn off the skin tag. The heat from the tool not only removes the skin tag but also seals the wound, minimizing bleeding and reducing the risk of infection.
This method is effective and often leaves minimal scarring. However, it's important to note that while cauterization can remove existing skin tags, it doesn't prevent new ones from forming. Therefore, individuals prone to skin tags may require additional treatments in the future.
This method of skin tag removal involves tying off the base of the skin tag with surgical thread or a suture to cut off its blood supply. Over time, typically a few days to a week, the skin tag withers and falls off due to lack of blood flow. This method is effective and usually causes minimal discomfort. The ligation process can be done in a healthcare provider's office and doesn't require any special preparation.
Laser therapy is a popular and effective method for removing skin tags. This procedure involves directing a focused beam of light onto the skin tag, which heats and subsequently destroys it. The laser takes multiple tiny bites per second off the skin tag, strategically removing it one thin layer at a time with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
One of the advantages of laser therapy is that it can also help remove any scars left behind by skin tags by targeting damaged skin cells. Laser treatments are considered a painless and minimally invasive procedure, and they offer a cosmetically friendly option for skin tag removal.
The cost of skin tag removal in Toronto varies depending on several factors. But on average, you can expect to pay between $20 to $500 per skin tag. It's important to note that these are just estimates. It's always best to talk to your surgeon for a more accurate quote.
The following are the factors that may affect the total cost of skin tag removal:
In Toronto, the removal of skin tags is usually not covered by insurance, as it's considered a cosmetic procedure. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover the cost of removal for non-cancerous skin lesions, such as skin tags unless it's medically necessary. Some private or work insurance plans may cover these procedures, but it often depends on the specific terms of the policy.
If the skin tag is assessed to be a potential health risk, for instance, if it's suspected to be cancerous, then OHIP would cover the procedure.
Consult your healthcare provider or insurance company to understand what is covered under your specific plan.
Skin tags are generally harmless and do not need to be removed for medical reasons. These skin growths might fall away on their own over time, or they may remain attached to your skin. However, some people choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons or because they become irritated or snag on clothing or jewelry.
While it's possible to remove skin tags at home using methods like tying a string around the base of the skin tag, professionals advise against this due to potential risks like infection and scarring. Instead, it's recommended to consult with a skin specialist who can safely remove the skin tag using surgical scissors, excision or laser treatment.
If a skin tag changes in appearance or becomes bothersome, it's a good idea to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. It's worth noting that once a skin tag is removed, it usually doesn't return.
The duration of the skin tag removal procedure can vary depending on the method used and the size and location of the skin tag. The procedure itself can be completed within a few minutes to half an hour.
Once a skin tag is removed, it does not typically re-grow in the same location. However, new skin tags may form in other areas of the skin. As for recovery time, the fresh wound from the skin tag removal generally takes around 5-10 days to stop. If a patient is using an at-home freezing kit, most skin tags will fall off in about two weeks.
Skin tag removal is generally not considered painful. Many patients report feeling very little discomfort during the procedure. In most cases, there's minimal pain involved with removing a skin tag. However, larger skin tags or those in more sensitive locations might cause some discomfort, and in such cases, an anesthetic may be used.
However, it's important to note that skin tag removal should be performed by a doctor to ensure safety and minimize pain and scarring. Trying to remove skin tags at home can cause injury or burns.
If pain is a concern during or after a skin tag removal, it's recommended to consult with your healthcare provider.
Preventing skin tags can be challenging because their exact cause is still not entirely understood. However, there are a few strategies that are generally agreed upon to help reduce the risk of developing this skin condition:
If you are considering skin tag removal, it's important to consult with a board-certified skin doctor who has experience in performing this procedure. They can assess your individual case and determine the best treatment plan for you.
At The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC), we have a team of board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in skin and hand pathology surgeries. We use the most advanced techniques and equipment for the safe, painless with minimal scarring removal of various skin issues. Most conditions don't need a referral, so you can have the procedure on the day of your consultation. We also accept OHIP coverage for medically necessary procedures so that you can have peace of mind when it comes to the cost.
If you have any concerns about skin tags or other skin issues, contact us today to schedule an appointment!
