Skin Tags & Milia Seeds

A skin tag, also known as acrochordon or fibroepithelial polyp, is a small, benign growth of skin that typically appears in areas where the skin creases or rubs against clothing or jewelry, such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, or under the breasts. Skin tags are usually flesh-colored or slightly darker and can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They are typically harmless and painless, but can be unsightly or irritating, especially if they get caught on clothing or jewelry.

Milia, also known as milk spots or oil seeds, are small, white or yellowish, keratin-filled cysts that appear on the surface of the skin, typically around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead. They are formed when dead skin cells and oil become trapped beneath the skin’s surface, creating a small, hard bump.

In adults, milia can occur due to skin damage, sun exposure, or use of heavy cosmetics or skin care products. They are generally harmless and do not require treatment, but some people may want to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

It is not always possible to prevent skin tags, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Skin tags are more common in people who are overweight.
2. Avoid tight clothing, especially around the neck, as it can increase friction and lead to the development of skin tags.
3. Keep your skin clean and dry.
4. Avoid excessive sun exposure.
5. Moisturise your skin to prevent irritation from dry skin.

Keep in mind that some people are simply more prone to developing them due to genetics or other factors.

Ablative lasers such as the CO2 laser or Erbium:YAG laser can remove both milia seeds, skin tags and other skin growths effectively in a few minutes or even seconds, depending on the number and size.

Erbium:YAG laser is the preferred choice over CO2 when it comes to milia seeds removal as it allows for more precise removal of milia seeds, especially around delicate regions such as the eyes, with no post-treatment scarring or pigmentation. 

For most, one session of laser treatment is sufficient to remove skin tags and milia seeds completely and permanently. Deeper skin lesions may require more sessions for complete removal.