Skin tags (acrochordons) are common, benign skin growths that often appear in areas where the skin folds or experiences friction, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. They are typically small, soft, and flesh-colored projections of skin. When removal is desired, cryotherapy, or freezing, uses extreme cold, usually liquid nitrogen, to destroy the tissue. Understanding the visual progression after this procedure is important for managing expectations.
The Immediate Visual Changes
The skin tag and surrounding skin undergo noticeable changes immediately following the application of the freezing agent. Within the first few hours, the treatment site will typically exhibit mild redness (erythema) and slight swelling (edema). This localized inflammation is a normal and expected reaction as the body responds to the controlled cold injury.
The most significant immediate change is the formation of a blister at the base of the treated skin tag. This blister represents the separation of the damaged tissue from the healthy skin underneath and is a positive indicator that the freezing was effective. The fluid within the blister may be clear or hemorrhagic, meaning it contains blood and appears dark purple or black. It is important to leave this blister intact, as it acts as a natural protective barrier over the treated area.
Darkening and Scab Formation
The visual transformation progresses significantly within the first week after the procedure. Starting around the second day, the skin tag begins necrosis, where the frozen cells die due to the disruption of blood flow. As the dead tissue dries out, the entire skin tag will visibly darken, often turning a deep brown, purple, or even black.
This dramatic discoloration is the intended result of the treatment and signifies that the removal process is successfully underway. Simultaneously, the initial blister will flatten and harden, forming a protective, dark crust or scab over the site. The scab shields the regenerating skin beneath until the dead tissue is ready to detach. The drying and darkening process is necessary before the skin tag can completely separate from the body.
The Final Stage and Healing
The conclusion of the removal process involves the complete detachment of the dead tissue and the emergence of new skin. The hardened scab, which includes the destroyed skin tag, will typically fall off naturally within a timeframe of 7 to 14 days, though this can occasionally take longer depending on the size and location of the treated area. Once the scab detaches, the skin underneath will appear pink or reddish, indicating a fresh, delicate layer of regenerated skin.
This pink coloration is not scarring but rather a temporary sign of new tissue formation. In the following weeks, the new skin may display temporary changes in pigmentation. It may appear lighter than the surrounding skin (hypopigmentation), or sometimes darker (hyperpigmentation). These pigment changes are common after cryotherapy and usually fade over time, with permanent scarring being an uncommon outcome.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
While the progression of visual changes is usually straightforward, certain signs warrant immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. The most important indicator of a potential complication is the development of an infection at the treatment site. Signs of infection include increasing redness that spreads beyond the immediate area, excessive warmth, intense or worsening pain, or the presence of thick, yellow or green pus.
You should also seek medical advice if the skin tag shows no visible change, darkening, or scab formation after approximately two weeks. A lack of reaction may suggest the freezing was insufficient, and a follow-up treatment may be necessary. Finally, any instance of excessive or persistent bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 15 minutes is a reason to contact a professional.