Best results for mole removal to eliminate skin discoloration (photos) _

Question

I have a lot of skin tags all over my face and body (under my breast, neck, chest, abdominal & back). I had some removed with freezing method a couple years ago from my chest and neck. This left skin discoloration for a while. What can I do to avoid that especially in my facial area.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Curretting off the skin lesions leaves the least amount of discolorations and is quick and easy. You should consider a light chem peel about 2 weeks later to blend everything nicely.

Filiberto Cedeno Laurent, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sending pictures. Removing skin tags and the pigmented papules that you have on the face has to be done meticulously and with devices that minimize inflammation so that pigmentary changes of the skin can be avoided. Skin tags around the neck, under the breasts and arms are often times easily removed by snip technique. However, the lesions on your face (dermatosis papulosa nigra) are better removed with either gentle hyfrecation or with lasers with wave lengths between 532 nm and 595 nm. Alternatively light curettage can be attempted. Consult a doctor with experience managing patients with skin of color. Regards

Eric T. Carniol, MD · Answer

Unfortunately for many patients such as yourself, these skin tags can spring up and seem to multiply. These lesions have very little rate of ever causing an issue other than being an annoyance. Typically, removing them is very safe with easy recovery.  Unfortunately, removing them causes trauma to the skin, resulting in a scar and local reaction, which usually leaves the skin slightly lighter. Unfortunately, as we say, there is "no free lunch." There are ways potentially though to minimize the skin trauma. Excision can be useful as the surrounding tissue is not injured like in freezing. I would recommend seeing a facial plastic surgeon, general plastic surgeon who specializes in the face, or a dermatologist who feels comfortable with excision for a thorough evaluation. Certain ones may be treated more easily than others. The main thing that we think about for the skin and scars are line, contour, and color. If the contour is improved by making it flat instead of a skin tag, the color can always be improved with a good foundation. I wish you the best of luck!

Best results for mole removal to eliminate skin discoloration (photos) _

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