Skin Tag / Lesion / Mole Removal

Skin tags are small, harmless, flesh-coloured growths that often hang from a stalk and can develop anywhere on the body, but are especially common in areas like the neck, armpits, groin, under breasts, and around eyes where skin tends to rub together. The exact cause is unknown, but friction likely plays a role. Factors like age, weight, pregnancy, family history, and insulin resistance can increase your risk of developing them. While skin tags don’t cause any pain or problems, they can be removed by a trained professional if they become irritating or are aesthetically unwanted.

Moles, also known as nevi, are those pigmented spots on your skin that can be brown, black, tan, or even pink. Unlike skin tags, moles are caused by clusters of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) growing together instead of being spread throughout the skin. Most moles are completely harmless and appear throughout your lifetime, with some even present at birth. Sun exposure can darken existing moles and even lead to the development of new ones.

Skin lesions are any abnormal areas of your skin that look different from the surrounding tissue. They can come in many shapes and sizes, raised or flat, smooth or textured, and vary in colour from red and inflamed to brown and discoloured. Some lesions may itch or cause pain, while others might not be noticeable at all.

There are two main categories of skin lesions: primary and secondary. Primary lesions develop on their own, like moles, acne, or blisters. Secondary lesions arise from a reaction to a primary lesion, such as a scab forming after scratching a pimple or a darkened area left behind after a sunburn heals.

Skin lesions are incredibly common and can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Injury or irritation from sun exposure, friction, bug bites, or allergic reactions
• Infections like bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
• Underlying medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or autoimmune diseases

While electrosurgery offers a safe and effective approach for removing skin tags, moles, and lesions, it’s important to be aware of some potential risks, even if they are unlikely. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

• Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there’s a slight risk of infection following electrosurgery. Proper sterile technique and following aftercare instructions diligently can significantly minimize this risk.
• Scarring: Although electrosurgery generally promotes minimal scarring, there’s always a possibility of scarring, especially if the lesion being removed is large or located on a sensitive area like the face. Consulting with our team beforehand about your risk factors for scarring can help manage expectations.
• Hypo or Hyperpigmentation: In some cases, the treated area may develop lighter or darker pigmentation compared to the surrounding skin. This is more common with certain skin tones and sun exposure. Sunscreen use and proper aftercare instructions can help reduce this risk.
• Bleeding: While uncommon, minor bleeding might occur during or after the procedure. Applying gentle pressure to the area usually resolves this.
• Recurrence: There’s a slight chance that the mole, skin tag, or lesion may recur, especially if it wasn’t entirely removed during the procedure. If this happens, Dr Amy and our team will carefully examine the growth and choose the appropriate treatment approach to minimize this risk.

After your electrosurgery procedure, keep the area clean by gently washing it with mild soap and water once or twice daily. We may recommend a bandage and antibiotic ointment for the first day or two, and it is likely that a small scab will form. It is important that you let it heal and disappear on its own so you don’t make the scar worse. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used for discomfort. Avoid harsh skincare products, hot water, and saunas initially, and always protect the area from the sun with sunscreen and hats. If there are any additional instructions you need to follow, we will make sure to provide those to you as soon as possible.

While moles, skin tags, and most skin lesions are benign, there are some warning signs to watch out for that could indicate something more serious like cancer. Remember the “ABCDE” rule for moles specifically:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other in shape.
• Border: The edges are uneven, blurred, ragged, or notched.
• Colour: There are multiple colours within the mole, like brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue.
• Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimetres (about the size of a pencil eraser) or has grown noticeably.
• Evolving: The mole has changed in size, shape, colour, or has a new symptom like bleeding, itching, or crusting.

For any mole, skin tag, or lesion, be on the lookout for these general changes:

• Changes in size, shape, or colour: This is a big red flag, especially if the change happens quickly.
• Bleeding: Any mole, tag, or lesion that bleeds for no reason should be checked by a doctor.
• Itching or tenderness: While some skin lesions can itch, a new or persistent itch can be a warning sign.
• Oozing or crusting: If a lesion develops a persistent crust or starts oozing pus, it warrants a doctor’s visit.

Remember, early detection is key for successful skin cancer treatment. During your consultation, we will thoroughly examine the blemish and let you know if you should consider having a biopsy performed.