By: Cobb PR
Submitted: 2010-08-25 06:15:30 | Word Count: 632
Skin tags are small benign growths made up of a core of fibres and ducts. They also contain nerve cells, fat cells, and a covering or epidermis. The growths are usually harmless.
They are a common skin ailment among older people, but can be painlessly removed by radio wave technology.
The Wells Clinic has practices in Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Crawley and Hastings and has many years of expertise in skin tag removal.
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Who gets skin tags?
Skin tags generally occur in both men and women as they age. Skin tags are also more common in pregnant women, obese people, and people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. About 46% of people develop skin tags at some point in their lives.
Where do skin tags appear?
Skin tags can form in areas where the skin creases, and the most common location is the armpit. Women who shave their armpits should be careful not to accidentally shave or cut skin tags. Skin tags often form in groups. They can get stuck on jewellery and agitated by clothing. Other areas where skin tags are common are the neckline, the groin, the underside of the arms, beneath the breasts, and the eyelids.
What causes skin tags?
Although we do not know the exact cause of skin tags, the following are thought to be associated with their appearance:
Chaffing and irritation from the skin rubbing together
Hormones secreted during pregnancy or in cases of acromegaly (gigantism)
Insulin resistance caused by diabetes
Human papilloma virus
Illegal steroid use that interferes with the body and muscles. This causes collagen fibres in the skin to bond so that skin tags are formed
How are skin tags removed?
Skin tags can be removed for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons. The Wells Clinic uses the latest in radio wave technology for this procedure.
The radio waves are generated by a radio surgery unit, which creates a very high-frequency radio wave. The radio-surgical unit consists of an electrode, a ground plate and a transformer. The ground plate is placed under the patient and the electrode which looks like a small loop is used to remove the growth. The lesion will be touched with the tip of the electrode and this will be repeated until the growth is removed.
Does it hurt?
An anaesthetic cream is applied to the area before treatment, so the actual procedure should be painless. You may feel sight tugging sensations in the area during treatment as the growth is removed.
Are there any side effects?
The immediate area around the tag removal will be tender for a few days after treatment. There may be minor swelling, redness and bruising.
What should I do after the procedure?
For the first two or three days after treatment, keep the area clean and dry. A soothing gel or lotion, such as aloe vera, can be applied and make-up can be worn after 24 hours.
Who can be treated?
The treatment is fine for most people. The only exceptions are women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people fitted with a cardiac pacemaker.
How much does it cost?
Price depends on the size and quantity of growths. The Wells Clinic offers this treatment from £90.
Will I get the right expertise and care at The Wells Clinics?
Absolutely! We are established skin specialist experts with over 19 years of experience. Our lead doctor has undergone extensive training in cosmetic medicine, attending many anti-ageing conferences across Europe and America.
The Wells Clinic team is fully experienced in delivering nearly 40 different kinds of treatment, including Botox injections, Dermal fillers (wrinkle fillers), laser hair removal and facial peels.
Our team takes advantage of the latest training techniques and we are constantly introducing new procedures and services. You can visit our clinics in Tunbridge Wells, Crawley, Ashford and Hastings. Other very popular treatments include Driver medicals and the removal of skin tags, moles and thread veins.
