Skin Tag Removal: Safe, Effective Methods at a Professional Skin Clinic
Skin Tag Removal: Safe, Effective Methods at a Professional Skin Clinic
Date: February 26, 2026 Author: Stef Ovadia
Skin tags are one of the most common skin concerns that patients bring to Radiant Secrets—yet they’re also one of the most misunderstood. While completely harmless, skin tags can be irritating, unsightly, and a source of self-consciousness. If you’ve been searching for “skin tag removal clinic near me,” this guide explains everything you need to know about what skin tags are, why they appear, and the safest ways to remove them.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags (medically known as acrochordons) are small, soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker growths that hang off the skin. They’re made up of collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin, and they typically appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing.
Common locations include:
- The neck
- Under the arms
- Under the breasts
- Eyelids
- Groin folds
- Upper chest
Skin tags range in size from a tiny pinhead to about the size of a grape, though most are small. They are benign (non-cancerous) and generally painless unless they catch on jewellery, clothing, or become twisted.
What Causes Skin Tags?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but several factors increase your likelihood of developing skin tags:
Friction
Skin-on-skin rubbing is the most common trigger. This is why skin tags often appear in folds and creases where skin meets skin, particularly in people who carry extra weight or have looser skin.
Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are associated with an increased number of skin tags. Elevated growth factors during pregnancy can stimulate their formation.
Ageing
Skin tags become more common with age. They’re most frequently seen in people over 40, though they can appear at any age.
Genetics
If your parents or family members have skin tags, you’re more likely to develop them too. There appears to be a hereditary component.
Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Factors
Research has shown a link between skin tags and insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Multiple skin tags can sometimes be a marker that warrants further investigation by a medical professional.
Should You Remove Skin Tags?
Skin tags are harmless and don’t require removal for medical reasons. However, many people choose to have them removed because:
- They’re cosmetically bothersome, especially on the face and neck
- They catch on clothing, jewellery, or seatbelts and become irritated
- They bleed when accidentally pulled or snagged
- They affect confidence, particularly when visible
Important: Never attempt to remove skin tags at home by cutting, tying off, or using unverified over-the-counter products. DIY removal carries risks of infection, scarring, and excessive bleeding—especially near the eyes or in sensitive areas.
Professional Skin Tag Removal Methods
At a professional skin clinic, skin tags can be removed safely and quickly using several methods. Your practitioner will recommend the best option based on the tag’s size, location, and your skin type.
Cauterisation (Electrosurgery)
A small electrical current heats and burns the skin tag at its base, effectively removing it and sealing the wound simultaneously. This method is quick, precise, and suitable for most skin tags.
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the skin tag, causing it to fall off within a few days. Cryotherapy is effective for small to medium-sized tags and requires no anaesthesia for most patients.
Excision (Surgical Removal)
For larger skin tags or those in sensitive areas, excision involves numbing the area with local anaesthetic and cutting the tag away with a sterile scalpel or surgical scissors. This provides immediate results with minimal scarring when performed by a skilled practitioner.
Ligation
A sterile thread is tied tightly around the base of the skin tag, cutting off its blood supply. The tag dries out and falls off within 7–10 days. This method is used less frequently but can be appropriate for certain skin tags.
What to Expect During and After Removal
Professional skin tag removal is typically a straightforward procedure:
During: Most removals take just a few minutes per tag. Depending on the method, you may feel a slight sting or warmth, but discomfort is minimal. Anaesthetic cream or local numbing may be used for sensitive areas or larger tags.
After: The treated area may be slightly red or tender for a day or two. Your practitioner will provide aftercare instructions, which typically include keeping the area clean and dry and applying an antiseptic cream. Most patients return to normal activities immediately.
Healing: Small tags heal within a few days. Larger removal sites may take 1–2 weeks to heal completely. Scarring is rare when removal is performed by a trained professional.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most skin tags are harmless, you should consult a medical professional if:
- A growth changes colour, shape, or size rapidly
- A tag becomes painful, bleeds spontaneously, or appears inflamed
- You develop many skin tags suddenly—this may warrant a metabolic health check
- You’re unsure whether a growth is a skin tag or something else
At Radiant Secrets, we always assess any growth carefully before removal to ensure it’s safe to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Tag Removal
Is skin tag removal painful? Most patients experience minimal discomfort—a slight sting or warm sensation depending on the method used. For sensitive areas or larger tags, a topical anaesthetic or local numbing agent is applied beforehand. The procedure is over quickly, and most people are surprised by how comfortable it is.
Can skin tags grow back after removal? A removed skin tag will not grow back in the same spot. However, if you’re prone to skin tags due to friction, hormones, or genetics, new tags may develop in other areas over time. Regular check-ups at a skin clinic can address new growths early.
How much does skin tag removal cost? The cost depends on the number of tags, their size, the removal method, and the clinic. At Radiant Secrets, we’ll provide a clear quote during your consultation so there are no surprises. Contact us for pricing information.
Can I remove skin tags at home? We strongly advise against home removal. DIY methods like cutting, freezing kits, or tying off skin tags carry risks of infection, scarring, and incomplete removal. Some growths that look like skin tags may actually be something else that requires proper medical assessment.
How do I know if a growth is a skin tag or something more serious? Skin tags are soft, flexible, and hang from the skin on a narrow stalk. If a growth is firm, irregularly shaped, rapidly changing, or different in colour from your surrounding skin, it should be evaluated by a medical professional. At Radiant Secrets, we assess every growth before recommending removal.
Safe Removal, Expert Hands
Skin tags are nothing to worry about—but they’re also nothing you have to live with. At Radiant Secrets in Illovo, Johannesburg, we offer safe, professional skin tag removal in a clean, comfortable, doctor-led environment. Whether it’s one tag or twenty, we’ll take care of it with precision and care.
Be The Glow You Forgot.
Tired of that annoying skin tag? Meet our team and book a quick consultation to have it safely assessed and removed.
Stef Ovadia is the founder of Radiant Secrets SA, a doctor-led skincare and aesthetic clinic in Illovo, Gauteng, dedicated to helping you achieve healthy, radiant skin with care, expertise, and kindness.
