Do you have annoying or unsightly skin tags that you want removed? Our skin cancer doctors offer stitch free skin tag removal at Chevron Advanced Medical using cryotherapy or shave removal and diathermy to remove unwanted skin tags. There are many options for skin tag removal, and most can be removed simply with minimal down time.
Please read the FAQs below and then email us for a quote.
HOW ARE SKIN TAGS REMOVED?
Our skin cancer doctors, Dr Andrew Thant and Dr Mae Tun, use two main methods for removing skin tags: “cryotherapy" or “shave excision”.
WHAT IS CRYOTHERAPY?
Smaller skin tags can generally be removed using cryotherapy. This is minimally invasive, and removes the skin tag by applying extremely cold temperatures to the tag. It can take up to 3 weeks for the tag to fall off with cryotherapy. Following cryotherapy, you can still do your normal activities without interruption (eg. swimming, running, etc.). For larger tags, repeated cryotherapy may be needed.
WHAT IS SHAVE EXCISION?
This is the preferred method to remove larger skin tags. Local anaesthetic is applied under the skin tag, which is then shaved off down to just below the skin surface. Afterwards there is a small graze area left which heals over quickly. The base is cauterised using a diathermy tool to stop bleeding and prevent recurrence.
WHAT IF THE SKIN LESION MIGHT BE A CANCER?
The doctor will examine your moles or skin tags, prior to removal, for the possibility of cancer. If a skin cancer is suspected, then a biopsy is performed and the lesion will be sent off to the pathology lab for analysis.
CAN YOU REMOVE TAGS FROM ANYWHERE ON THE BODY?
Generally, yes. Exceptions include: eyelids and female genital areas. You may be referred to an ophthalmologist or a gynaecologist for those areas.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF SHAVE REMOVAL?
There is a possibility of leaving a mark at the site of the skin tag, that is lighter in colour than your surrounding skin. Usually such scars are not noticeable. Occasionally after shave excision, the mole recurs and needs repeat treatment.
Very rarely a lumpy or keloid scar may occur (higher risk in young people on the chest, shoulders and back). This can be treated with steroid injections.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
If you have Medicare, the fee is $100 baseline plus $20 per tag that needs shave removal. You will get $41 back from Medicare for the consult. If you only need cryotherapy, the fee will be lower. If you need an excision with stitches for a suspected cancer, the fee will be higher. If you don't have Medicare, the fee will also be higher.
CAN I GET AN EXACT QUOTE?
You can get an exact quote with the doctor when you book in for a skin cancer check. Alternatively, please email us to get an exact quote. We will need the following details:
- Name:
- Age:
- Do you have Medicare?
- Allergies:
- Any history of keloid scarring in the past?
- Any medical history of immune compromise, transplant surgery, blood thinners, or other relevant history?
- Number of tags to be removed:
- Photos of the tags to be removed.
- Is there anything that you are specifically worried or concerned about?
HOW CAN I MAKE A BOOKING?
If you want a full skin check, you can book online here with Dr Andrew Thant or Dr Mae Tun. Cryotherapy of small skin tags can be done during the skin check. If you want large tags removed, we will need to make more time for you, so please send an email with the required details above and we will let you know how much time to book.