Most benign lesions, skin tags on eyelids or around them can be assessed and removed by our Calgary based Orbit Eye Centre physicians in a quick in-office procedure.
A skin tag is a noncancerous, painless skin growth. They connect to the skin by a thin stalk called a peduncle. Both women and men get these, and they commonly occur after age fifty. Although skin tags can show up anywhere on the body, they are commonly found on the eyelids. It is quite normal for small skin tags to rub off from the body. However, skin tags on eyelids usually require doctors’ assistance to safely remove.
Besides skin tags, other skin lesions may occur on eyelids or around the eyes area. Most of these growths like warts or moles are usually be unsightly and can be removed in a quick in-office procedure.
However, at times those growths may carry a risk of cancer. An Orbit Eye Centre Physician will be able to do a proper assessment and advise if a biopsy should be done.
There are several ways to remove skin tags and benign lesions, depending on their location and size. The most appropriate removal option will be chosen after an assessment appointment. These include freezing (cryotherapy), electrosurgery (cauterizing), ligation (tying off), and surgical removal with a scalpel or scissors.
Skin tag removal does not always require an anesthetic to be used for the procedure.
Most lesion removal, however, will require doctors to administer numbing medication to perform the procedure with minimal discomfort to the patient.
Benign lesions and skin tag removal are considered an in-office procedure for which eating a meal or a snack beforehand is encouraged. Taking all routine medications is also allowed except for blood thinners like aspirin and warfarin.
We advise NOT to discontinue any medication without consulting this with a physician.
Stitches might be required depending on the size of the skin tag or lesion removed.
Although there are numerous “home remedies” for skin tags and lesions, some can cause infections and other side effects. Also, not all skin growths are benign; therefore, having an experienced professional look before removing such lesions is a better and safer approach.
Dr. Karim Punja, an Ophthalmologist at the Calgary Orbit Eye Centre, specializes in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery. He has extensive experience in blepharoplasty (droopy eyelids), Botox & fillers, lacrimal & orbital surgery, and cataract surgery.
Dr. Chirag Shah is a comprehensive Ophthalmologist in Calgary and retinal medical specialist. His practice areas focus on retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal detachments, retinopathy of prematurity (blinding retinal disease in premature babies), diabetic retinopathy, hereditary eye diseases, and hypertensive retinopathy.
Copyright © 2023 Orbit Eye Centre. All Rights Reserved.
