What are skin tags and moles?
Skin tags and moles are two common growths that can develop on your skin. At Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Surgery, Dr. Breadon can examine the growth in question and remove it if you would prefer it not to be there. Skin tags and moles are somewhat similar, but they have some key differences:
Moles
A mole is a spot on your skin that is darker than your natural skin tone. It can be either flat or raised, and it can evolve over time. Most moles develop within the first 25 years of your life, and some are even present when you’re born. The skin cells of a mole are melanocytes, which produce your skin’s pigment.
Skin tags
Skin tags are small flaps of skin hanging on by a stalk. They often form in areas where your skin rubs against itself, like your armpit or eyelid. Unlike moles, skin tags usually are the same color as the rest of your skin.
Are skin tags and moles harmful?
Skin tags and moles are usually benign. Moles, however, can be cancerous in some instances. You should talk to Dr. Breadon if you notice a mole that is new or changing in color, shape, size, or height. Similarly, you should have him check a mole that seems to bleed often.
If a mole seems suspicious, Dr. Breadon may take a biopsy to examine it closely in a lab.
Skin tags are never dangerous, but they can be irritating if they get caught on clothing or jewelry. You can also remove them purely for cosmetic reasons.
How are skin tags and moles removed?
Dr. Breadon can remove a skin tag or mole during a simple, in-office procedure at Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Surgery.
To remove a mole, he uses either a surgical excision or a surgical shave. These procedures involve a scalpel, which Dr. Breadon uses to cut the mole off of your skin. With a surgical excision, he may need to close the opening with stitches.
For a skin tag, Dr. Breadon uses several different approaches. He may snip the skin tag off with sterile scissors, or he might remove it by freezing or burning it off. If you choose to freeze off a skin tag, Dr. Breadon uses very cold liquid nitrogen. Over the course of 10-14 days, it dies before falling off.
While burning a skin tag, Dr. Breadon uses an electrode to send an electric current into it. Then, the skin tag falls off.
To discuss options for skin tag and mole removal, or to have Dr. Breadon examine a concerning mole, call Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Surgery, or book a visit online today.
