Skin tags are harmless, tiny skin growths that extend outward from the skin's surface. They frequently appear in areas such as armpits, neck, groyne folds and eyelids. Skin tags usually don't pose a medical threat, however they can be unsightly and can cause irritation or discomfort. 

So if you are curious about what causes skin tags, and how they can be removed by surgical CO2 laser, then let’s learn all about it from a renowned dermatologist, Dr. Rinky Kapoor.

Causes of Skin Tags

Several factors are believed to contribute to the development of skin tags on various body parts. These factors include:

1. Skin tags tend to increase with age. Middle-aged and elderly individuals are more prone to developing skin tags compared to younger individuals
2. Obese people have higher chances of developing skin tags. It is believed that the increased friction and skin folds in overweight individuals leads to the development of the skin tags
3. Genetics is also believed to play a role in the development of skin tags. If someone from your  family has skin tags, you may be more prone to developing them as well
4. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also contribute to the development of skin tags 

Surgical CO2 Laser Skin Tag Removal

There are various ways to remove skin tags, but one method that is growing in popularity is surgical CO2 laser removal. “This method is less invasive than traditional surgical excision and offers several benefits, including faster healing, less scarring, and reduced pain.” says Dr. Rinky.

According to Dr. Rinky, surgical CO2 laser is a gold standard FDA approved laser used for skin tag removal. 

Procedure

First the skin tag is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthesia. Afterwards, a CO2 laser is used to cut off the skin tag, with the laser light precisely targeting the affected area. The procedure usually takes around half an hour which depends on the number and size of the skin tags.

“One of the significant benefits of CO2 laser skin tag removal is that the laser seals blood vessels as it cuts, significantly reducing the risk of bleeding and infection,” explains Dr. Rinky. Moreover, the laser creates minimal damage to the surrounding skin, making it an ideal option for removing skin tags from delicate areas like the face.

Dermatologists advise that people experiencing any skin infections, allergic reactions, or other medical conditions should not opt for CO2 laser skin tag removal. Patients with a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring should also avoid this procedure. It's important to consult a dermatologist to determine if CO2 laser skin tag removal is the best treatment option for you.

Benefits of Surgical CO2 Laser Skin Tag Removal

Surgical CO2 laser skin tag removal offers several benefits over traditional surgical excision, including:

1. The laser light can accurately target the affected area, making it an ideal treatment for delicate skin areas like the face, eyelids, and neck
2. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the skin tag, so patients typically experience little to no pain during the procedure
3. The laser creates less damage to the surrounding tissue, resulting in minimal scarring after the procedure
4. After undergoing the procedure, individuals can typically resume their regular activities within one to two days. Although the treated area might exhibit temporary redness or swelling, these symptoms generally diminish within a few days
5. CO2 laser skin tag removal offers permanent removal, meaning there is no chance of the skin tag growing back in the same spot

Risks and Side Effects

Like any medical procedure, surgical CO2 laser skin tag removal has some risks and side effects, including:

1. During the surgical CO2 laser skin tag removal, it's still possible to develop an infection after the procedure. Hence it is necessary to  follow the dermatologist's post-treatment instructions
2. Bleeding can happen during the procedure, however the laser's ability to seal blood vessels significantly reduces this risk
3. Although the CO2 laser skin tag removal creates minimal damage to the surrounding tissue, there is still a small risk of scarring
4. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but this is typically minimised with local anaesthesia

Conclusion

Surgical CO2 laser removal is a highly effective and increasingly popular method for removing skin tags. However, it is crucial to consult with a dermatologist to determine if they are eligible for CO2 laser skin tag removal and to follow post-treatment instructions carefully. With proper care and guidance, surgical CO2 laser removal can provide an efficient and long-lasting solution for those seeking to remove bothersome skin tags.