Skin tag removal at MD Laser and Cosmetics is a quick in-office procedure for benign skin tags, performed personally by Dr. Susan Lin, M.D., at 448 N San Mateo Drive in San Mateo. Removal is often completed in a single session, and topical or injectable anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable.
What Is a Skin Tag?
As general background, a skin tag is a small, soft, benign growth of skin, often attached by a thin stalk. Skin tags tend to appear where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, under the breasts and the groin.
Skin tags are generally harmless. People often ask about removal because a tag catches on jewelry or clothing, or because they would rather not see it. Not every small bump is a skin tag, though, which is why a physician should look at a growth before anything is done to it.
Skin Tag Removal at MD Laser and Cosmetics
MD Laser and Cosmetics treats benign skin tags as part of its physician-led skin care services. Here is what the practice tells patients about the procedure:
- Comfort: most patients feel only brief, mild discomfort. Dr. Lin uses topical or injectable anesthesia to minimize it.
- Method: Dr. Lin removes skin tags by sharp excision or with a hyfrecator, a small instrument that uses a fine electrical current to cauterize the tag. She chooses the method for each tag.
- Time: the procedure itself is quick.
- Number of visits: removal is often completed in a single session. How many tags can be treated in one visit depends on their size, whether each is on a narrow stalk or has a wide base, where they are, and the condition of the surrounding skin. Dr. Lin decides this with you at the visit.
- Downtime: typically minimal. Some patients notice mild redness or sensitivity afterward.
- Aftercare: a topical silver gel is applied to the treated spots to reduce the risk of infection, and Dr. Lin explains how to continue using it at home.
- Healing: a small scab forms and usually comes off within about a week. The skin underneath can stay pink for a while; normal skin color typically returns in two to six weeks, depending on where the tag was.
If you have other skin concerns, the practice also offers acne treatment and chemical peels in San Mateo and IPL photofacial treatment for brown spots and redness.
Looking for Mole Removal in San Mateo?
MD Laser and Cosmetics does not remove moles. A mole is a different kind of growth from a skin tag, and it should be evaluated by a dermatologist. The same is true of any growth that is changing in size, shape or color, bleeding, painful, or that you are simply unsure about: please have it examined by a physician rather than treated cosmetically.
If a growth is not a benign skin tag, or it is uncertain what it is, Dr. Lin will advise you to have it evaluated by a dermatologist. Benign skin tags can be removed here.
How a Visit Works and Who Treats You
New patients begin with a consultation, in person or by video. The consultation is educational: Dr. Lin reviews your medical history, asks what bothers you, examines the area, and explains your options and what removal will and will not do. You receive a written treatment plan with itemized pricing, and the decision is yours. A new-patient consultation fee applies and is credited toward a service performed the same day (it does not apply to products).
Treatment on the day of your consultation is often possible, and there is no pressure to decide that day. If you are considering same-day removal, check that your work and social calendar allows for it. Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
Dr. Lin personally performs every treatment at the practice; there are no other treating clinicians. She has practiced medicine since 1991 and founded MD Laser and Cosmetics in 2006. In a physician-led setting, the person treating you is also the person who can tell you a growth should be evaluated elsewhere first. Dr. Lin sees patients in English and Mandarin. You can book a skin tag removal appointment online or call the office.
Skin Tag Removal FAQ
Does skin tag removal hurt?
At MD Laser and Cosmetics in San Mateo, most patients feel only brief, mild discomfort during skin tag removal. The procedure is quick, and Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. uses topical or injectable anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Dr. Lin explains how the area will be numbed before she starts, and any questions about comfort can be raised at the consultation.
How many visits does skin tag removal take?
Skin tag removal at MD Laser and Cosmetics is often completed in a single session. How many tags Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. removes in one visit depends on their size, whether each is on a narrow stalk or has a wide base, their location, and the condition of the surrounding skin. New patients start with a consultation, and treatment the same day is often possible.
Is there downtime after skin tag removal?
Downtime after skin tag removal at MD Laser and Cosmetics is typically minimal. A topical silver gel is applied to reduce the risk of infection, a small scab usually comes off within about a week, and normal skin color returns in two to six weeks depending on the location. If anything worries you afterward, call the office at (650) 340-7546.
Does MD Laser and Cosmetics remove moles?
No. MD Laser and Cosmetics in San Mateo removes benign skin tags but does not remove moles. Moles, and any growth that is changing, bleeding, painful or uncertain, should be evaluated by a dermatologist. If a growth is not a benign skin tag, Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. will advise you to have it evaluated by a dermatologist.
How much does skin tag removal cost in San Mateo?
MD Laser and Cosmetics reviews pricing at the consultation, because the cost depends on what Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. finds when she examines the area. You receive a written treatment plan with itemized pricing before anything is done. A new-patient consultation fee applies and is credited toward a service performed the same day. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by health insurance.
Visit MD Laser and Cosmetics in San Mateo
The office is on North San Mateo Drive, with free on-site parking and a ground-level, wheelchair-accessible entrance. Patients come from San Mateo and nearby communities including Burlingame, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos and Redwood City. More general answers are on the practice FAQ page, and directions and a message form are on the location and contact page.
MD Laser and Cosmetics
448 N San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone: (650) 340-7546
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, by appointment
Parking: free, on site
Consultations: in person or by video