Dr Michael Sheill – Ten Things You Should Know About Skin Tags

What are skin tags?
Skin tags are small benign growths which are composed of a core of fibers and ducts. They also contain nerve cells, fat cells, and a covering or epidermis.

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 often form in areas where the skin creases, such as the neckline, the groin, the underside of the arms, the area beneath the breasts, and the eyelids. The most common location is the armpit. It is common for skin tags to appear in groups. They get stuck on jewellery, are shaved in error, and are agitated by clothing. Women who shave their armpits should be careful not to shave or cut skin tags that are located there.

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 is 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?
Since skin tags are generally harmless, they are usually removed for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons. Mr Sheill uses the latest in Radio wave technology to remove skin tags.

What happens during the 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?
The actual procedures are generally well tolerated as an anaesthetic cream is applied to the area before treatment. You may feel sight tugging sensations in the area during treatment as the growth is removed but you should not feel any pain.

Are there any side effects?
Expect minor swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness for a few days after treatment.

What should I do after the procedure?
You should keep the area clean and dry for 2-3 days after the treatment. A soothing gel or lotion such as aloe vera can be applied and make-up can be worn after 24 hours.

Can everyone have this treatment?
Pregnant or breastfeeding should not go for the radio waves. Patients fitted with a cardiac pacemaker should also not be treated with Radio surgery.

How much does it cost?
Price depends on the size and quantity of growths.

Dr. Micheal Sheill is an established skin specialist with over 19 years of experience. He has undergone extensive training in cosmetic medicine attending many Anti Ageing conferences across Europe and America. Michael is fully experienced in administrating over 37 different kinds of treatment with his expertise being in Botox injections, Dermal fillers (wrinkle fillers), laser hair removal and facial peels.

Dr Michael is innovated and constantly introduces new products to his clinics. Offering the best and latest technology from around the world. His clinics are based in Tunbridge Wells, Crawley, Ashford and Hastings and do not just cover cosmetic treatments. They also offer a range of other services such as Driver medicals and the removal of skin tags, moles and thread veins.

With cosmetic procedures no longer a luxury afforded by the rich and famous. Dr Michael’s offers value for money treatments that subtly disguise the signs of ageing for both men and women.