Safe, Physician-Guided Removal for Warts & Skin Tags—No Scars. No Downtime.
Warts and skin tags are common skin concerns that can cause discomfort, irritation, and cosmetic distress. At Spectrum Skin Clinic in Irvine, CA, we offer precise, physician-supervised removal options for both conditions using advanced aesthetic technologies. Whether you're dealing with a stubborn wart or cosmetic skin tags on the neck or underarms, our team ensures safe and effective outcomes tailored to your skin type.
What Are Warts and Skin Tags?
- Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread through skin contact or surfaces. They often appear on hands, feet, or knees and can be rough, raised, or flat.
- Skin tags are benign, flesh-colored growths that often develop in high-friction areas like the neck, armpits, eyelids, and groin. They are not contagious and are typically removed for cosmetic reasons.
Why Choose Spectrum Skin Clinic for Removal?
- Medical Oversight: All removals are performed or directly supervised by Dr. Sabeen Munib.
- Cosmetic Precision: Treatments are scar-conscious and tailored for darker skin tones and sensitive areas.
- Advanced Technology: We use fractional CO2 laser, radiofrequency ablation, and the Nordlys Nd:YAG and IPL systems.
- Minimal Downtime: Most patients resume daily activities immediately.
What Methods Do You Use?
Treatment is selected based on the type, size, and location of the lesion:
- Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation – Ideal for skin tags and superficial warts in delicate or visible areas. Minimal scarring and fast healing.
- CO2 Laser – Used for precise vaporization of raised or stubborn lesions, including skin tags and deeper warts.
- Nordlys Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) – Targets vascular supply to warts by coagulating blood vessels, leading to gradual wart destruction.
- Nordlys IPL SWT® – Used for pigmented and vascular skin tags, especially in sensitive facial or neck areas. Also effective for minimizing bleeding and sealing vessels.
- Shave Excision – Used for skin tag removal when appropriate, particularly on raised lesions or in curved skin folds.
Wart vs Skin Tag: How Are They Different?
| Feature | Warts | Skin Tags |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Viral (HPV-related) | Friction or skin folds |
| Contagious | Yes | No |
| Appearance | Rough, raised, cauliflower-like | Smooth, soft, flesh-colored |
| Common Locations | Hands, feet, knees | Neck, underarms, eyelids |
| Removal Method | Laser (Nd:YAG), CO2, RF | RF, CO2, Nordlys IPL, shave |
What to Expect During Treatment
Most removals take less than 15–30 minutes. A topical anesthetic may be applied to enhance comfort, especially for laser-based wart removal. The lesion is then treated using the appropriate method based on depth, location, and skin type. For warts treated with laser, a crust typically forms and resolves in 1–2 weeks.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Mild redness, pinpoint crusting, or superficial peeling may occur and typically resolves in 3–10 days.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and adhere to post-care for optimal healing.
- Results are permanent for treated lesions, though new growths may occur over time.
Who Should Not Be Treated?
We do not treat:
- Suspected skin cancers or pigmented lesions without prior dermoscopic clearance
- Genital or mucosal warts
- Patients with active skin infections in the treatment area
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’re here to help! Find out what we offer, how to book an appointment, where we’re located, and more. We treat all age groups and offer skincare products too.
