Is Mole Removal Safe? Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve been looking into skin tag removal, you’ve probably seen two names come up again and again: electrocautery and cryotherapy. I use both at my private clinic in Stansted Mountfitchet, so I’m often asked which one is better.
The honest answer is that both work well, but they work in very different ways, and one is usually a better fit for you than the other. In this guide I’ll explain exactly how each method works, what it feels like, how your skin heals and how I decide which one to use.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags are small, soft, harmless growths that hang from the skin. They’re very common and tend to appear where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, under the breasts, the groin and along bra lines.
They aren’t dangerous, but they can catch on jewellery, necklaces and razors, bleed when snagged, or simply knock your confidence. Removing them is a quick cosmetic treatment, and most people tell me they wish they’d done it sooner.
Skin tag in the armpit, before and after just 1 treatment
How electrocautery works
Electrocautery uses a very fine probe that delivers a gentle, controlled electric current to the skin tag. This heats the tag precisely at its base and seals the skin at the same time.
Because it’s so precise, there’s very little bleeding, no cutting and no stitches. Most skin tags are dealt with in a single visit, and you leave the clinic with them already treated.
Why I prefer electrocautery for most clients:
- Usually just one treatment
- Very precise, even on small tags around the eyes and neck
- Little or no bleeding
- Lots of tags can be treated in one appointment
How CryoPen works
CryoPen is a type of cryotherapy. It releases a fine jet of nitrous oxide under high pressure to freeze the skin tag with millimetre precision. The frozen cells break down, and over the following days and weeks the tag darkens, dries and falls away.
When I use CryoPen instead:
- If your medical history means electrocautery isn’t suitable for you
- For children aged 10 and over (with parental consent), as CryoPen is the only method I use on children
Larger tags can sometimes need more than one CryoPen treatment, which is one of the reasons electrocautery is usually my first choice for adults.
Electrocautery vs CryoPen at a glance
Electrocautery
- How it works: gentle controlled heat
- Treatments needed: usually one
- Feels like: a quick warm sting
- Best for: most adults
CryoPen
- How it works: precise freezing
- Treatments needed: one or more
- Feels like: a sharp sting, similar to a nettle
- Best for: anyone not suitable for electrocautery, and children 10+
Does skin tag removal hurt?
Most people are surprised by how quick and tolerable it is. With electrocautery you’ll feel a brief warm, stinging sensation on each tag. With CryoPen the feeling is more like a stinging nettle, which can last a few minutes after treatment.
Small tags are over in seconds, which is why many clients have lots removed in one appointment.
Healing and aftercare
After electrocautery, each treated area forms a small scab that falls away naturally as the skin underneath heals. After CryoPen, the tag darkens and dries before dropping off. Either way, you can go straight back to work the same day.
I’ll give you clear aftercare advice, both verbally and in writing, so you know exactly how to look after your skin at home. Following it makes a real difference to how well you heal.
How I decide which method is right for you
I always take your medical history before you come to the clinic, so I already know which treatment suits you and nobody’s time is wasted. At your appointment I’ll look at the size, number and position of your skin tags and talk you through exactly what will happen before we start.
You’ll never be pushed into a treatment that isn’t right for you.
How much does skin tag removal cost?
I don’t charge per tag. Instead, you book treatment time, which is much fairer if you have lots of small tags:
- 14 minutes: £180 (roughly up to 10 small tags or 3 larger ones)
- 30 minutes: £280 for clients who’d like more done
The price is the same whichever method I use. Consultations are £25, either in clinic or by WhatsApp video call. The consultations fee of £25 comes off your treatment price if you go ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Will my skin tags grow back?
A treated skin tag shouldn’t come back, but new ones can appear in other areas over time, especially where skin rubs.
Can you remove skin tags near my eyes?
Yes. Both methods are very precise, and I regularly treat tags around the eyelids. I’ll check yours at your consultation.
Can I remove skin tags at home?
I’d always advise against it. Home kits and cutting tags yourself can cause bleeding, infection and scarring, and you won’t know for sure what you’re treating.
How many skin tags can you remove in one visit?
In a 14 minute appointment I can usually treat up to 10 small tags or 3 larger ones. If you’d like more done, I’ll price the extra time with you on the day before we go any further.
Book your skin tag removal near Bishop’s Stortford
My private clinic is in Stansted Mountfitchet, under 10 minutes from Bishop’s Stortford, with free parking right outside. Clients also visit from Saffron Walden, Great Dunmow, Takeley, Sawbridgeworth and Harlow.
You can find everything you need to know on my skin tag removal page, or book your appointment online. Not sure if you’re suitable? Message me on WhatsApp on 07546 096346 and I’ll be happy to help.
I also offer wart removal, verruca removal, children’s wart and verruca removal and cherry angioma and spider angioma removal.