Dr. de Clermont-TonnerrePlastic Surgeon

Paris 16 & Pontoise (95)

Skin Tags & Molluscum

Benign Lesion Removal — Paris 16 & Pontoise

Skin tags (acrochordons) and molluscum contagiosum are very common, entirely benign skin lesions. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre performs their quick, careful removal under local anaesthesia, as a day procedure, in Paris 16 and Pontoise.

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Soft Fibroma

Skin Tag (Acrochordon)

Small soft growths attached to the skin by a thin stalk, skin tags are entirely benign. They appear preferentially on the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts and on the eyelids. Their frequency increases with age and being overweight.

  • Benign — no risk of malignant transformation
  • Aesthetic or mechanical discomfort (friction, irritation)
  • Simple removal under local anaesthesia
  • Immediate result, virtually invisible scar

Benign Viral Infection

Molluscum Contagiosum

Caused by poxvirus, molluscum contagiosum presents as small umbilicated (centrally dimpled) translucent papules of 2 to 5 mm. Common in children, it can also affect adults. Transmission occurs by direct contact.

  • Benign — spontaneous resolution in 6 to 18 months
  • Treatment recommended to limit contagion
  • Curettage, cryotherapy or electrocautery
  • Single session in most cases

Procedure

01

Consultation

Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre examines the lesions, confirms their benign nature and selects the most appropriate technique (excision, cryotherapy, electrocautery). An estimate is provided.

02

Local Anaesthesia

EMLA anaesthetic cream is applied 45 to 60 minutes beforehand. A few drops of local anaesthetic are then injected to ensure complete comfort.

03

Removal

Lesions are removed in a few minutes by scissor excision, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy or electrocautery depending on their size and location.

04

Simple Recovery

Post-operative care is minimal. A slight crust appears at each site and falls off within 5 to 10 days. Immediate return to normal activities.

Practical Information

Anaesthesia
Local (EMLA cream + injection)
Duration
15 to 30 minutes
Hospitalisation
Day procedure — immediate return home
Time off work
Not required
Reimbursement
No (except functional indication)
Visible result
Immediate — healing in 5 to 10 days

Other Small Lesions Treated

Seborrhoeic Keratoses

Pigmented lesions with a rough surface, common after age 40. Removal by curettage or cryotherapy.

Xanthelasmas

Yellowish lipid deposits around the eyelids. Careful surgical removal to preserve the aesthetic result.

Milia

Small sub-epidermal white cysts, often periorbital. Simple extraction with a needle or scalpel.

Dermatofibromas

Firm benign nodules often on the lower limbs. Excision under local anaesthesia if bothersome.

Spider Angiomas

Small dilated star-shaped vessels, mainly on the face. Treatment by electrocautery.

Milia Cysts

Small whitish epidermal cysts. Easy drainage during a brief consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a skin tag and how does it differ from molluscum contagiosum?+
A skin tag (acrochordon or soft fibroma) is a small benign cutaneous outgrowth attached to the skin by a thin fibrous stalk. It is soft, flesh-coloured or slightly pigmented and carries no cancer risk. Molluscum contagiosum is of viral origin (poxvirus): it presents as small firm, translucent, umbilicated (centrally dimpled) papules that are contagious. The clinical distinction is important as treatment differs depending on the nature of the lesion.
What techniques are used for removal?+
Several techniques are available depending on size, number and location of the lesions: ligation at the base of the stalk (for pedunculated skin tags), fine scissor excision (fast and precise), liquid nitrogen cryotherapy (targeted freezing), or electrocautery (coagulation by electric current). For small skin tags, local anaesthesia is often not necessary. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre selects the technique best suited to each lesion.
Can most skin tags be treated in a single session?+
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Skin tags and molluscum contagiosum are treated in a single outpatient session of 15 to 30 minutes. Dozens of small lesions can be treated in one consultation. Only very numerous molluscum in children may require 2 to 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for complete and comfortable treatment.
How does skin tag removal proceed?+
The consultation begins with an examination of the lesions to confirm their benign nature and select the appropriate technique. EMLA anaesthetic cream may be applied 45 to 60 minutes beforehand for sensitive areas. The removal itself (excision, cryotherapy or electrocautery depending on the lesion) takes 15 to 30 minutes. You return home immediately with simple local care instructions.
Is skin tag removal covered by health insurance?+
Skin tag removal for purely cosmetic purposes is not covered by French national health insurance. However, if the lesions cause documented functional discomfort (chronic irritation, bleeding, repeated friction at the neck or armpits), partial reimbursement may be possible. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre provides a clear and transparent estimate during the consultation.
What is molluscum contagiosum and how is it treated?+
Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral infection (poxvirus) presenting as small umbilicated translucent papules of 2 to 5 mm. It is common in children and can also affect adults. Transmission occurs by direct contact. Treatment accelerates healing and limits contagion: curettage, cryotherapy or electrocautery depending on the lesions. In immunocompetent adults, spontaneous resolution is possible in 6 to 18 months.
Can lesions recur after treatment?+
Treated skin tags do not recur at the same site. However, new skin tags may appear in other areas over time, particularly in cases of genetic predisposition, being overweight or having diabetes. For molluscum, new contamination is possible if close contacts are carriers, which is why treating all visible lesions in a single session is advisable to interrupt the transmission cycle.
Do these lesions appear in particular areas of the body?+
Skin tags preferentially appear in friction and moisture-prone areas: neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts and eyelids. Their frequency increases with age, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Molluscum contagiosum can affect all skin areas, with a predilection for the trunk in children and genital areas in adults (possible sexual transmission).
Is there a scar after skin tag removal?+
For small skin tags treated by cryotherapy, electrocautery or base ligation, the scar is virtually invisible: a slight pink crust appears at each site and falls off within 5 to 10 days, leaving normal skin. For larger lesions treated by excision, a small linear scar may remain but fades quickly over several weeks.
Is anaesthesia necessary for small lesions?+
For small skin tags (less than 3 to 4 mm) treated by cryotherapy or electrocautery, local anaesthesia is generally not necessary: the sensation is comparable to a brief mild sting. For larger or more numerous lesions, prior application of EMLA anaesthetic cream (45 to 60 minutes before) and a few drops of local anaesthetic ensure complete comfort during the procedure.

See Also

Dermatology — all proceduresMelanomaSkin CarcinomaMoles (Naevi)Keloid ScarsCyst & LipomaFees & PricingBook an Appointment
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