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 an evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C. We welcome patients from Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac, and surrounding communities. Confirm your appointment location when scheduling.

Convenient Office-Based Removal and Prompt Appointments

We offer quick appointment availability for skin tag removal. Many skin tags can be removed during a brief office procedure using local anesthesia when needed, without a hospital visit or general anesthesia.

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: Usually minimal downtime with simple wound care
Results: Immediate removal of treated skin tags; healing continues afterward
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.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONCERN

What Are Skin Tags and Why Remove Them?

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, benign skin growths that typically hang from the skin by a narrow stalk. They may be flesh-colored, pink, or darker than the surrounding skin.

Skin tags commonly develop in areas where skin rubs against skin, clothing, or jewelry, including the neck, underarms, eyelids, beneath the breasts, and groin.

Although skin tags are not dangerous and generally do not require treatment, many patients choose to have them removed because of irritation, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns.

Common Reasons for Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags that catch on clothing or jewelry
Growths that become irritated during shaving
Skin tags in visible areas such as the face or neck
Multiple skin tags that are cosmetically bothersome
Growths that become twisted, tender, or occasionally bleed
Uncertainty about whether a growth is a skin tag or another skin condition

A professional evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. A changing, bleeding, unusually pigmented, or otherwise suspicious growth may require additional evaluation or biopsy.

YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS

How Are Skin Tags Removed?

At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, skin tag removal is tailored to the size, location, and characteristics of each growth. Our providers may recommend one of several office-based techniques.

Shave Removal

The skin tag is carefully removed at or near its base using an appropriate surgical instrument. Local anesthesia may be used for comfort, particularly for larger growths.

Electrocautery

Electrocautery uses controlled heat to treat selected skin tags and help control bleeding. It may be appropriate for certain small growths, depending on their location and appearance.

Surgical Removal

Larger skin tags or growths requiring further evaluation may be removed using a minor surgical technique. The provider determines whether the tissue should be submitted for pathology.

Laser Ablation

Laser treatment may be an option for selected benign skin growths. The choice of laser or another technique depends on the diagnosis, skin type, location, and treatment goals.

Not every method is appropriate for every lesion. Your provider will explain the recommended approach, expected healing, and potential risks before treatment.

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. 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 FVPS

Convenient office-based procedures
Quick appointment availability
Multiple removal techniques
Treatment of several skin tags during one appointment when appropriate
Discounted pricing for multiple eligible cosmetic removals
Professional evaluation of other bothersome skin growths
Clear aftercare instructions and follow-up guidance

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.

Does skin tag removal leave a scar?

Any skin procedure can leave a small scar or change in pigmentation. The likelihood depends on the size and location of the growth, the removal technique, skin characteristics, and healing. Scar-free results cannot be guaranteed.

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 cancerous?

Typical skin tags are benign and are not considered precancerous. However, some other skin growths can resemble skin tags. Any growth that changes, bleeds without clear irritation, or has an unusual appearance should be evaluated.

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.

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