Key takeaways:
Health insurance doesn’t cover skin tag removal unless it’s medically necessary.
If your insurer considers the procedure cosmetic, expect to pay 100% of the cost yourself.
Cosmetic removal is likely to cost you hundreds of dollars out of pocket. The exact price will depend on how many tags are taken off, what kind of facility you choose, and doctors’ market prices in your area.
Skin tags are benign (noncancerous) growths that may appear in areas where your skin folds, such as underarms, sides of the neck, eyelids, or groin. Also called acrochordons, these growths are small — usually less than a quarter-inch across. They’re also harmless. But they can be an annoyance if they frequently catch on clothing or jewelry or get irritated by rubbing against skin or fabric.
If you’re ready to get rid of your skin tags, see a dermatologist, as they have the necessary medical training to do the job right. A dermatologist can remove skin tags in various ways:
Cauterization: Burning them off with a heated wire or needle
Cryotherapy: Freezing them off with liquid nitrogen
Excision: Cutting them off with surgical scissors
People commonly have skin tags removed for cosmetic reasons. In those cases, they have to pay out of pocket, as health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures.
How much does it cost to remove skin tags?
The fees for skin tag removal are based on the number of skin tags removed by the doctor. The method of removal typically doesn’t affect the price, but the area where you live does.
According to the healthcare cost estimator FAIR Health Consumer, a patient in Columbus, Ohio, would be charged $156 for the cosmetic removal of up to 15 skin tags; each additional batch of 10 would add $53 to the bill.
FAIR Health Consumer reports that in New Orleans, the removal of up to 15 tags costs $603.
In Columbus, Healthcare Bluebook’s “fair price” for removing an unspecified number of skin tags is $208.
Other skin tag removal costs
In addition to paying for the removal, a patient also faces:
A fee for the doctor's office visit
A possible charge for a pathology examination of the tags after removal
(Video) Curology vs. Agency vs. Apostrophe vs. GoodRx vs. Dermatologist For Tretinoin- Which One Wins?A hospital or surgical facility fee
According to FAIR Health, the Columbus patient’s costs would be $144 for the doctor visit and $230 for the pathology services.
The choice of facility can make a big difference in the total bill. In the Ohio case, the hospital outpatient facility fee is $207, and the ambulatory surgical center (ASC) costs $3,732.
All told, the cosmetic removal of 15 skin tags would cost this Ohio patient $737 at a hospital or $4,262 at an ASC.
Is skin tag removal worth it?
Skin tags are usually benign, so getting rid of them is rarely urgent or even medically necessary. Still, removing them does have some benefits. It may help you feel better about your skin’s appearance and make you less self-conscious. Your skin may no longer get irritated when you wear certain clothes or jewelry.
Risks of the procedure include the possibility of scarring, or, in rare cases, nerve damage at the wound site. If you have concerns about risks related to your health history, consult with your doctor about any possible complications.
Does insurance cover skin tag removal?
Sometimes. If you’re having skin tags removed for cosmetic reasons, your health insurance won’t cover the cost. This is true whether you’re insured by a private job-based or marketplace plan, Medicare, or Medicaid. Expect to pay 100% out of pocket for cosmetic procedures.
On the other hand, insurance will cover the removal of skin tags if it’s medically necessary. If you have documentation showing that your skin tag is in a high-friction spot, causing regular irritation and bleeding, that could well meet your insurer’s requirements.
Your dermatologist may suspect a problem if a growth on your skin is:
Bleeding
Itching
Painful
Suddenly enlarged
Inflamed
Oozing
Swollen with fluid
Changing color
In that scenario, your dermatologist would snip off the tags and send them to a pathologist. That doctor would analyze the tissue, looking for skin cancer. All assessments and actions would be documented. If the medical record shows that the procedure was medically necessary, the insurance company will cover the removal cost.
Medicare and Medicaid coverage
Medicare and Medicaid won’t cover removal of skin tags unless they threaten your health or ability to function. Medicare specifically rules out coverage when the removal is based on:
Emotional distress
Makeup trapping
(Video) HOW TO SAVE 💰 ON TRETINOIN & MEDICATIONS @DrDrayzdayAnatomical location alone
When medically appropriate, though, Medicare and Medicaid do cover skin tag removal. Your dermatologist would clearly show the medical need by documenting certain symptoms related to the skin tags.
As with private insurance, qualifying symptoms may include:
Bleeding
Intense itching
Pain
Change in physical appearance
Recent enlargement of the tag
Increase in the number of tags
Physical evidence of inflammation or infection
Presence of pus
Oozing
Swelling due to fluid in the affected area
Redness or rashes
The tag obstructing or restricting an orifice, such as the eye
Clinical uncertainty, particularly if skin cancer is a realistic possibility
Paying out of pocket
When you’re having skin tags removed for cosmetic reasons, you’ll pay the full cost yourself. Your best move is to use savings, but if you can’t do that, there are other options.
You may be able to finance the procedure through your dermatologist's payment plan. Sometimes these payment plans are based on CareCredit, a credit card designed for medical expenses. But if you can get your doctor’s office to provide the financing directly, you may be able to negotiate better terms than CareCredit’s.
For that matter, you may find lower rates with a regular credit card or personal loan instead.
Another option for financing is a buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) short-term healthcare loan. You can access these credit offers yourself online or, sometimes, through your doctor's office.
BNPL loans may be appealing if your credit history is scant or spotty, since most of these lenders don’t require you to have good credit. They prequalify you with a “soft” credit check that doesn’t affect your credit score. You pay a down payment (usually 25% of your medical bill) when you get your bill. The rest of the cost is loaned to you, and you pay it back in a set number (usually four or fewer) of bi-weekly or monthly installments. Pay everything on time, and your loan can be interest-free.
Be aware that BNPL loans make it very easy to rack up lots of debt. Also, BNPL loans lack certain protections that credit cards are legally required to provide.
In choosing among your BNPL loan options — as with any loan — be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.
How long do the effects of skin tag removal last?
Forever. Removed skin tags don't grow back in the same place. However, you might develop new ones if you're prone to them. They’re more likely to appear if you have diabetes or a high BMI.
The bottom line
People often have benign skin tags removed for cosmetic purposes. The price of the procedure could be several hundred dollars. It depends on how many tags are taken off, plus facility fees and regional price variations.
As with all cosmetic procedures, insurance plans — including Medicare and Medicaid — won’t cover the removal. However, if you can show a documented medical necessity for removing the tags, your insurer is likely to pay.
References
Aetna. (2022). Cosmetic surgery and procedures. Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins.
Akeredolu, N., et al. (2021). Should you buy now and pay later? Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
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Alcazar, J., et al. (2021). The appeal and proliferation of Buy Now, Pay Later: Consumer and merchant perspectives. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d.) Skin tags.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. (2016). Payment policy: Benign skin lesion and viral infectious lesion removal.
CMS.gov. (2022). Removal of benign skin lesions. Medicare Coverage Database.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2021). Consumer Financial Protection Bureau opens inquiry into “buy now, pay later” credit.
FAIR Health. (n.d.). FAIR Health Consumer.
Healthcare Bluebook. (n.d.). Your guide to fair pricing for healthcare services.
Pandey, A., et al. (2022). Skin tags. StatPearls.
Penn Medicine. (n.d.) The skinny on skin tags: 6 questions and answers.
GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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FAQs
Is it expensive to have skin tags removed? ›
A dermatologist can remove skin tags during an in-office procedure that typically costs $150 out-of-pocket, as health insurance plans usually do not cover cosmetic procedures. Over-the-counter treatments and at-home remedies for skin tags usually cost up to $30.
What is the cheapest way to remove skin tags? ›Soak a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and place the cotton swab over the skin tag. Wrap the section in a bandage for 15 to 30 minutes, and then wash the skin. Repeat daily for a couple of weeks. The acidity of apple cider vinegar breaks down the tissue surrounding the skin tag, causing it to fall off.
Can a pharmacy remove a skin tag? ›How to remove skin tags. If your GP has told you it's safe to remove a skin tag yourself at home, you can visit your local pharmacy to browse available treatments.
Can a regular doctor cut off a skin tag? ›To avoid infection, scarring, and unnecessary pain, see your family doctor or a dermatologist. He or she can remove skin tags quickly and with very little discomfort right in the office. Your doctor might snip the tag off with sharp, sterile scissors or freeze or burn it with a special solution.
Do skin tags grow back? ›Will Skin Tags Grow Back After Being Removed? Skin tags do not grow back after removal. If you develop other skin tags in the same place after removal, you may just be prone to having them in that area.
Do OTC skin tag removers work? ›There are lots of over-the-counter products labeled as skin tag removers, but these “typically do not work,” Massick says. “OTC wart removers, such as liquid salicylic acid, likely will cause more skin irritation rather than effectively or consistently removing a skin tag.
What removes skin tags instantly? ›Dr. Scholl's® Freeze Away® Skin Tag Remover instantly freezes the skin tag, destroying the tissue. This will usually cause the skin tag to fall off with as little as 1 treatment.
What kills off skin tags? ›Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag and destroy it. As the cold energy kills off the cells of the skin tag, you can expect it to fall off within a few days of your treatment.
How do you get rid of skin tags ASAP? ›The right ways to remove skin tags
Dental floss works well because it's the right thickness. You could also snip off the skin tag at the bottom using a pair of scissors that have been sterilized by boiling them or wiping them off with rubbing alcohol.
It can be tempting to cut or clip off a skin tag with a sharp blade, nail clippers, or scissors. Only do this with the approval of a healthcare professional, and cleanse the skin and the tool thoroughly to prevent infection. Also, do not cut or clip off medium or large tags — doing so can cause bleeding.
Why am I getting skin tags all of a sudden? ›
Skin tags occur when extra cells grow in the top layers of the skin. They tend to develop when the skin rubs against itself, so are more common in people who are overweight and therefore have folds of skin. They grow both in men and women and are more common in older people and people living with type 2 diabetes.
What is the best skin tag removal over the counter? ›- Amarose Skin Tag Remover.
- DermaCorrect.
- CompoundW Fast Acting Liquid.
- Micro TagBand.
- Skincell Advanced.
- Skincell Pro.
- TagBand.
- Ulensy Skin Tag Remover.
Compound W, known best for its multiple warts removal treatments, also offers a popular over-the-counter topical skin tag remover. The brand's skin tag remover consists of a freeze-off liquid, formulated with dimethyl ether, a liquid nitrogen substitute that can help remove skin tags.
How do you get rid of skin tags in one night? ›While doctors may often remove smaller tags without numbing medication, bigger ones sometimes need a local anesthetic. Surgical skin tag removal is the answer for those curious about how to remove skin tags in one night or quickly.
How long does it take for skin tag removal to heal? ›After the skin tag removal treatment has been done, the fresh wound generally takes around 5-10 days to stop causing any discomfort, and then around 2 to 3 weeks to heal completely.
How long does it take for skin tags to fall off with floss? ›To do this, you should use cotton thread or dental floss to tie tightly around the base of the skin tag (then snip off the ends of the thread). This cuts off the blood supply to the skin tag and it should fall off within a couple of weeks.
Do skin tags mean diabetes? ›Skin tags. Many people have skin tags—skin growths that hang from a stalk. While harmless, having numerous skin tags may be a sign that you have too much insulin in your blood or type 2 diabetes.
Is apple cider vinegar good for removing skin tags? ›There's no scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar removes skin tags. In fact, recent studies suggest it may actually damage your skin.
How much does perfect 10 skin tag removal cost? ›The price of one Perfect10Skin Skin Tag Remover is about $80.37.
What do dermatologists spray on skin tags? ›Your doctor will swab or spray a small amount of super-cold liquid nitrogen on the skin tag. You might have a small blister where the skin tag was, but it will heal on its own.
Are home skin tag removal kits safe? ›
Don't do it, experts say. Dermatologists and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration both warn about the dangers of using unregulated products for do-it-yourself removal of moles, skin tags and another type of growth known as seborrheic keratoses.
Does hydrogen peroxide work on skin tags? ›Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
How long does it take for a skin tag to fall off using vinegar? ›Apple cider vinegar
Place a bandage over the cotton ball to keep it in place for 15-30 minutes. Remove and wash the area. Do this daily until the skin tag falls off. It may take a couple weeks for the acid in the vinegar to break down the skin tag tissue.
The bottom line. There's no medical research that supports removing a skin tag from your body using clear nail polish. It's always safer to have a doctor remove a skin tag that's bothering you. A sterilized environment and an experienced provider are both critical to successful skin tag removal.
How to avoid skin tags? ›...
What can I do to prevent future skin tags?
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Getting regular exercise.
- Avoiding jewelry and clothing that may rub against your skin.
Sometimes skin tags fall off on their own as they get pulled and irritated. When this happens, they dry out, which makes them fall off. If they bother you, your doctor can remove them by: Cutting them off in the office.
What are skin tags a warning for? ›In fact, people with a lot of skin tags may need to be tested for diabetes, as the tags can sometimes be a warning sign of underlying insulin issues. Skin tags can also be a warning sign of another underlying health issue – high cholesterol.
Do skin tags indicate health problems? ›ANSWER: Skin tags are common, and, as in your situation, they can become even more common as people age. It is not known what causes skin tags, but the good news is they are not cancerous and do not pose other health concerns. The technique for removing skin tags is simple and usually effective.
How much is tag free skin? ›The price of one Tag Free Skin - Skin Tag Remover is about $80.37. If you buy two Tag Free Skin - Skin Tag Remover bottles, you will get one for free which will cost one bottle only $71.65.
How long does it take for skin tags to fall off after frozen? ›Freezing. Doctors call this “cryotherapy.” They use super-cold liquid nitrogen to remove the skin tag. It will fall off about 10-14 days after the treatment. The downside is this method can irritate the skin around the tag.
Which vitamin deficiency causes skin tags? ›
Unexplained and nonresolving skin lesions can be a red flag for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Why did my skin tag turned black overnight? ›At times, a skin tag may turn purple or black. This is known as a clotted skin tag, or thrombosed skin tag. This occurs when the blood supply to the skin tag is inadequate. In most cases, these skin tags will fall off on their own within 3 to 10 days time.
What not to do after skin tag removal? ›Avoid using antibacterial soaps or any products with alcohol, peroxide, iodine, or other chemicals, as they can slow healing. Your provider may also suggest using petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infections.
Is skin tag removal surgery painful? ›Anal skin tag removal
For patients desiring excision of the tags - this is a quick in-office procedure. Anesthetic is used to numb the area so the excision is painless. Postoperative pain is generally bearable and worst for the first couple of days.
...
The list of harmful side effects and risks include:
- Skin injuries.
- Infection that requires antibiotics to treat.
- Scarring.
- Delaying a skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Skin tags can be taken off by a dermatologist. The most common way to remove skin tags is with a surgical scissor. Your dermatologist will numb the area, so you do not feel any discomfort. Other methods include shaving, cauterizing, or freezing the growth.
How long does skin tag removal last? ›Skin tag removal is a permanent treatment. This means that once the skin tag has been removed, there is absolutely no chance of it growing back again.
How long does it take for a doctor to remove a skin tag? ›Skin tag removal is a straightforward outpatient procedure that doctors can complete within minutes. However, like any medical procedure, patients should take certain precautions after having skin tags removed to ensure proper healing.
When should you not remove skin tags? ›When should you remove a skin tag? A skin tag that's infected or inflamed should come off, says Lamb. Otherwise, you don't need to remove it unless you don't like the way it looks or it's getting caught in your clothes or jewelry and irritating you.
Can you freeze skin tags off at home? ›Yes. You can use Dr. Scholl's® Freeze Away® Skin Tag Remover to treat skin tags located on any shade of skin.
What does skin look like after skin tag removal? ›
The treated area may look red afterwards. A blister will often form within a few hours. It may appear clear or have a red or purple color. You may have a little pain for up to 3 days.
What is considered a large skin tag? ›The lesions are skin-colored, brown, and even red ovoid growths that are often pedunculated and attached to a fleshy stalk. Skin tags are small, between 1 and 5 mm, but rarely can grow to be 1 to 2 centimeters in size. Acrochordons are not painful or tender but can be troublesome all the same.