Are breast implants safe?

The FDA’s longstanding position is that implants are safe as long as women understand they can have complications, including scarring, pain, swelling and implant rupture. However, the FDA has been grappling with how to manage a recently confirmed link to a rare cancer. FDA regulators said it is “impossible” for them to determine how frequently the cancer — a form of lymphoma — occurs because the U.S. does not track the total number of implants on the market. Estimates of the frequency of the disease range from 1 in 3,000 women to 1 in 50,000+. As of July 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan voluntarily recall certain breast implants and tissue expanders from the market. Get more information about breast implant removal here. Most confirmed cases of the disease, known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), have involved a particular brand of textured implant that we do not use. The disease is not breast cancer, but a form of cancer that attacks the immune system and usually forms in the scar tissue surrounding implants. It grows slowly. Doctors can successfully treat this disease by removing the implants.

What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?

Smoking, vaping and nicotine use increase the risk of complications after any surgery, including breast augmentation. As such, we strongly urge discontinuing the use of tobacco products one to two months prior to surgery, and one month after surgery, to ensure optimal healing and results. Some of the possible complications associated with breast augmentation include: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Blood clots Asymmetry Infection Changes in nipple or breast sensation Unfavorable scarring Wrong or faulty position of the implant Implant leakage or rupture The formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture) Fluid accumulation (seroma) Wrinkling of the skin over the implant Pain, which may persist Possibility of revision

Do you offer financing or special pricing?

At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, we offer multiple discounts for cosmetic procedures: 15% off the surgeon’s fee for your second cosmetic procedure, and 30% off the surgeon’s fee for the third procedure. We also discount the operating room fee 50% for your second procedure and any that come after, while anesthesia charges by time. We also partner with reputable companies like CareCredit® and Alphaeon® Credit, which offer low or zero-interest financing to make your transformation more manageable. If you have any questions about payment or financing, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Our team will be happy to guide you through the available options to help you get the look you want with convenient monthly payments that fit your budget.

When can I return to work after my breast augmentation?

The ability to return to work depends on whether the implant was placed under or over the pectoral muscle, and the patient’s pain tolerance and motivation. If your implants are placed over the muscle (subglandular), you can expect to take two to three days off before returning to desk work. If your implants are placed under the muscle (submuscular), you should plan to take off five to seven days, by which time you can comfortably discontinue the use of pain killers. Lifting is absolutely forbidden for the first seven to 10 days, so an early return to work is not advised for patients with active jobs. Avoid strenuous activity for the first two weeks, and do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds before for the first six weeks (this includes small children and pets). While it is important to rest frequently during the first week, we recommend walking 15-20 minutes four times a day to help prevent blood clots from forming.

Are breast implants right for me?

Breast implants can help you achieve a fuller, more proportional figure, but there are several things to consider before undergoing breast augmentation, such as: Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime, and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants Pregnancy, weight loss, and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime Breast augmentation patients require regular examinations to ensure the health of their breasts and the condition of their implants Patients who are considering implants should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of breast augmentation and make the decision that is right for them. Download booklets from the Patient Forms page to learn more. Specifically, please read at least one of these booklets: Mentor® Breast Implants Patient Education or Sientra® Breast Implants Patient Education.

Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags are common, harmless skin growths that can become bothersome when they catch on clothing, jewelry, or during shaving. Fox Valley Plastic Surgery offers professional skin tag evaluation and removal with attention to comfort, appearance, and healing. Schedule a prompt evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C. We welcome patients from Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac, and surrounding communities.

Have several skin tags? Multiple growths can often be removed during the same appointment, with discounted pricing available for eligible cosmetic removals.

Request your consultation

Skin Tag Removal: Key Details

Procedure Time: Often just minutes for individual skin tags; longer for multiple growths
Anesthesia: Local numbing when needed, depending on the removal technique
Recovery: Immediate return to normal activities
Results: Immediate removal with a week of healing
Combination procedures: Multiple skin tags or other appropriate benign growths may be removed during one visit
Approximate cost: Cosmetic consult fee of $100 plus cost of the actual procedure(s). $100 for the removal of 1-5 skin tags. Consult fee is waived if tag removal is done the same day by a PA.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONCERN

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, noncancerous skin growths that commonly develop in areas where skin rubs against skin, clothing, or jewelry. They are made up of loose collagen fibers, blood vessels, and skin tissue.

Skin tags often hang from the skin by a narrow stalk and may be flesh-colored, pink, brown, or slightly darker than the surrounding skin. They can appear individually or in clusters and typically grow slowly. Common locations include the neck, underarms, eyelids, beneath the breasts, groin, and other areas where skin folds occur. Although skin tags are harmless and do not require treatment, many patients choose to have them removed because of irritation, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns.

What Causes Skin Tags to Form?

The exact cause of skin tags is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to their development:

Skin friction: Repeated rubbing between skin folds or against clothing and jewelry may contribute to skin tag formation.
Genetics: Skin tags sometimes run in families, making certain individuals more likely to develop them.
Age: Skin tags become more common with age, particularly during adulthood.
Weight and skin folds: Individuals who are overweight or have more prominent skin folds may develop additional skin tags because of increased friction.
Hormonal changes: Skin tags may develop or become more noticeable during pregnancy.
Insulin resistance: Skin tags are more common in people with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Having skin tags does not necessarily mean you have diabetes or another medical condition. However, developing numerous skin tags may warrant a discussion with your healthcare provider about possible underlying risk factors.

Can Skin Tags Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent skin tags because genetics, aging, and hormonal changes can influence their development.

However, certain measures may help reduce skin irritation and potentially lower the likelihood of developing additional skin tags:

Reduce friction: Wear comfortable clothing that does not repeatedly rub against the skin.
Maintain a healthy weight: Weight management may reduce skin folds and friction in areas where skin tags commonly develop.
Manage underlying health conditions: Appropriate management of diabetes and insulin resistance supports overall skin and metabolic health.
Avoid unnecessary irritation: Be cautious when shaving around skin folds or existing skin tags.

These measures may help reduce contributing factors, but they have not been proven to prevent skin tags.

When Should a Skin Tag Be Removed?

Most skin tags are harmless and can be left untreated. However, removal may be appropriate when a skin tag:

Frequently catches on clothing, jewelry, or razors.
Becomes irritated, tender, or repeatedly bleeds from friction.
Is located in a sensitive area, such as the eyelid, neck, or groin.
Creates an unwanted cosmetic appearance.
Interferes with shaving, grooming, or daily activities.
Is one of several skin growths the patient would like removed during the same appointment.

Skin growths that change rapidly, bleed without irritation, develop unusual pigmentation, or have an uncertain diagnosis should be medically evaluated before removal.

At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, we evaluate skin growths and recommend treatment based on their appearance, location, symptoms, and your individual concerns.

Email us for a consultation

YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS

How Are Skin Tags Removed?

Skin tag removal is generally a quick, minimally invasive procedure performed in the office. Our providers select the most appropriate removal technique based on the size, number, location, and appearance of the skin growths.

Shave or Snip Removal

Small skin tags can often be removed by carefully cutting them at their base using sterile surgical instruments. Local anesthesia may be used for comfort, particularly with larger growths.

Electrocautery

Electrocautery uses controlled heat to remove or treat selected skin tags while helping control bleeding. This technique may be appropriate for certain small, superficial growths.

Surgical Excision

Larger skin tags or growths with a broad base may require minor surgical excision. Depending on the size and location, stitches may occasionally be needed for proper closure.

Laser Ablation

Laser treatment may be appropriate for selected benign skin growths. The choice of treatment depends on the diagnosis, skin characteristics, location, and desired outcome.

Different removal techniques may be combined when appropriate. Not every method is appropriate for every skin tag.

WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR VISIT?

Simple, Convenient Skin Tag Removal

1. Evaluate

Your provider examines the skin growths, confirms whether they appear consistent with benign skin tags, and reviews your medical history.

2. Discuss

We explain the recommended removal technique, expected healing, and estimated cost. If you have multiple skin tags, we can discuss whether they can be treated together and whether discounted pricing applies.

3. Treat

When appropriate, skin tags may be removed during the appointment. The area is cleaned, local anesthesia is used when needed, and the selected removal technique is performed.

4. Recover

You receive instructions for caring for the treated areas. Most patients can return to normal daily activities promptly, although certain activities may need to be modified while the skin heals.

Tell your provider about blood thinners, allergies, previous healing problems, and any skin growths that have recently changed.

AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

Recovery & Healing

Skin tag removal is generally a minor procedure with a relatively short recovery period.

Depending on the technique used, a small superficial wound or scab may remain where the skin tag was removed. Healing time varies with the size, number, and location of the treated growths.

What to Expect After Treatment

Mild tenderness, redness, or swelling may occur
A small scab may develop and naturally separate as the area heals
Simple cleansing and wound care may be recommended
Most patients can resume routine activities promptly
Temporary skin discoloration or a small scar is possible

Avoid picking at healing areas and follow your provider’s specific wound care instructions. Although removal eliminates the treated skin tag, new skin tags can develop elsewhere over time. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, pigment changes, and recurrence or incomplete removal.

PLANNING OTHER CARE

Can Skin Tag Removal Be Combined With Other Skin Procedures?

Patients may also have other benign skin growths they would like evaluated or removed. Depending on the findings, skin tag removal may be combined with treatment of:

Benign moles
Seborrheic keratoses
Other benign superficial skin growths
Additional skin tags in different areas

Different lesions may require different removal techniques. Suspicious growths should receive appropriate diagnostic evaluation rather than cosmetic destruction.

Ask about our Multiple Skin Growth Removal options when scheduling your consultation.

INSURANCE & SELF-PAY OPTIONS

Know your costs before treatment

We accept many insurance plans and offer self-pay options. Your insurance estimate depends on the evaluation, procedure, and size and location of the growth. Pathology fees, when applicable, are billed separately.

Medically necessary treatment may be covered, subject to your plan’s terms, deductible, copay and any authorization requirements. Cosmetic removal may not be covered. Verify your provider’s network status with your insurer.

Consultation Fees & Insurance

Whether a consultation is considered medically necessary or cosmetic depends on the condition being evaluated and applicable insurance coverage.

Insurance-Based Consultations

For medically necessary conditions that may be covered by insurance, your consultation will be billed to your insurance provider. Applicable copays, deductibles, and coinsurance are the patient’s responsibility, based on their individual insurance plan.

Cosmetic Consultations

For cosmetic or elective procedures not covered by insurance, a $100 consultation fee is required. Consultation fees are non-refundable and are not applied toward the cost of treatment or procedures.

Cosmetic Fees

Performed by a Physician Assistant, small tag removal starts at $100 for the first 5 skin tags, $175 for first 10 tags, or $250 for the first 15 tags, removed at the same appointment. Additional charges may apply for face, neck, head, and hand. If removal is performed on the same day of consultation with a PA, the consultation fee may be applied to the cost of skin tag removal. Prices assume uncomplicated office-based procedures under local anesthesia.

WHY FOX VALLEY PLASTIC SURGERY?

Professional Skin Tag Removal With Attention to Appearance

Fox Valley Plastic Surgery combines experience in minor surgical procedures with an understanding of the cosmetic concerns that bring patients to our practice.

Our goal is to provide an appropriate, comfortable treatment experience while paying careful attention to healing and the appearance of treated areas.

Why Patients Choose Us

Insurance & Self-Pay Options
No Referral Usually Needed
Same-Day Appointments Often Available
Surgical & Non-Surgical Options
Pathology Services Available
Convenient In-Office Procedures
Multiple removal techniques
Treatment of several skin lesions during one appointment when appropriate
Discounted pricing for multiple eligible cosmetic removals

Schedule a skin tag evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C, and learn which removal options may be appropriate for you.

Jay combines nearly two decades of surgical and emergency medicine experience with a personalized approach to minor skin procedures. Since 2022, he has worked alongside our plastic surgeons, assisting in surgery and managing postoperative recovery. Special interests: Skin growth removal, cysts, lipomas, wound care, and surgical healing.

Schedule a skin tag evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is skin tag removal painful?

Most patients tolerate skin tag removal well, with minimal discomfort. Depending on the size, location, and removal technique, local anesthesia may be used to numb the area. Patients may feel a brief pinch during numbing or mild discomfort during treatment. Some tenderness or redness may occur afterward, but this typically improves within a few days.

Will skin tags grow back after removal?

A completely removed skin tag generally does not grow back in the same location. However, new skin tags may develop nearby or elsewhere on the body.

Can I remove skin tags myself?

At-home cutting, tying off, burning, or using unapproved skin tag removal products can cause bleeding, infection, scarring, or injury to surrounding skin. Professional evaluation also helps distinguish benign skin tags from other lesions that may require medical attention.

Are skin tags a sign of diabetes or another health condition?

Skin tags are common and usually harmless. However, multiple skin tags are sometimes associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Having skin tags does not necessarily indicate an underlying medical condition.

Can skin tags be removed from the eyelids?

Some eyelid skin tags can be removed, but treatment requires special care because of their proximity to the eye. Your provider will determine whether removal at FVPS is appropriate or whether referral to an eye specialist is advisable.

Does insurance cover skin tag removal?

Cosmetic skin tag removal is generally not covered by insurance. Coverage for symptomatic or medically necessary removal varies by insurance plan and documentation. Our team can discuss self-pay options and provide an estimate.

Other Surgical Dermatology Treatments

Fox Valley Plastic Surgery provides surgical dermatology services for patients throughout Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac, and surrounding Fox Valley communities without a long wait time for appointment availability. Our experienced medical team evaluates and treats a wide range of skin conditions, from bothersome benign growths to lesions that may require testing for skin cancer. Many procedures can be performed conveniently in our office using local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home shortly after treatment.

Start Your journey today

Let’s discuss your next step. Get your questions answered and understand your treatment options. Call 920-233-1540.

Book a Consultation