How Much Does a Skin Tag Removal Cost Without Insurance?

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Skin tags are common, but they can be extremely annoying. You can get them removed by a doctor, but how much does it cost to remove a skin tag if you don’t have insurance?

Removing a skin tag without insurance costs an average of $150. The cost can vary depending on the location of removal, the tools used, and if there are any complications during the procedure. If the skin tag needs to be tested to determine if it is cancerous, the cost will increase.

To learn more about how much it will cost to have a skin tag removed if you don’t have insurance, keep reading.

Cost of Skin Tag Removal Without Insurance

On average, it costs $150 to remove a skin tag. The price can sometimes get as low as $100 and as high as $200. This price varies depending on the way the skin tag is removed, the number of doctors used, the location of removal, and the tools and equipment used to remove the skin tag.

What Goes Into Those Costs

There are a few different things that can go into the total cost of skin tag removal. Take a look at the expenses below to see the possible charges you can expect to pay after this procedure.

Type of Procedure	What it Is	Cost on Average
Cryotherapy	Freezing off the skin tag with liquid nitrogen	$60 – $100
Electrocautery	A surgery that burns off the skin tag with an electric probe	$600
Snipping	Snipping off the skin tag with scissors or a scalpel	$150

Additional Costs

There are some additional costs that may come up when getting a skin tag removed. The costs for these items are based on where you are getting the skin tag removed from. Speak with your doctor and their office to determine how much these things will cost if you need them.

• Medicine or creams for infection
• Extra doctors
• Additional scissors and other tools
• Anesthesia
• Numbing
• Doctor office fees

When a doctor suspects that a skin tag might be cancerous, they may recommend further testing to determine if it’s cancerous or benign. The most common test used to diagnose skin cancer is a biopsy, which involves removing a small piece of the skin tag or surrounding tissue for analysis. There are different types of biopsies, such as shave biopsy, punch biopsy, or excision biopsy. The type of biopsy recommended will depend on the location, size, and suspected type of cancer.

The cost of a biopsy can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of biopsy performed, the location of the clinic, and the amount of tissue removed. On average, the cost of a biopsy without insurance ranges from $150 to $1,500. If the biopsy results indicate that the skin tag is cancerous, additional tests such as a pathology test may be required.

Pathology tests involve analyzing the biopsy sample under a microscope to determine the type of cancer present and how aggressive it is. The cost of a pathology test can vary depending on the location of the clinic and the complexity of the analysis required. On average, a pathology test costs between $80 to $1,000.

Do I Have To Get it Removed?

After knowing these costs, you may be wondering if you even have to get your skin tag removed in the first place or if you can just leave it alone. The answer to this question is no. You do not necessarily have to get skin tags removed. Many people choose to get skin tags removed because they do not like the look of them, they are larger skin tags, or the skin tags are in weird places (like eyelids).

This means you do not have to get skin tags removed unless you want to or they might be cancerous. It is really up to your own preference and depends on if you can or cannot afford the removal if you do not have insurance. I know people with skin tags who have never gotten them removed and do not plan to!

Is it Worth it to Get a Skin Tag Removed?

Now that you know that in most cases it is not necessary to get a skin tag removed, you may be wondering if it is even worth it. Skin tags often can make people self-conscious because of how they look, how big they are, or if they are in certain locations. If you tend to be self-conscious about your skin tag and how it looks, removing the skin tag is probably worth it. If you do not care about your skin tag and are not bothered by it, you might not want to spend the money to remove it.

Skin tags seem pretty easy to remove in most cases and you can even do it at home if you are careful. You should always know that there is a possibility that skin tags will just grow back in new locations after one is removed. This is something that may deter you away from getting it removed if there is a chance that it will just grow back anyways. Make sure to take this into consideration when deciding if you should get your skin tag removed.

When to Get Skin Tags Removed

Skin tags are usually harmless and painless growths that occur on the skin, but they can be annoying or unsightly. In rare cases, skin tags can be cancerous, so it’s important to keep an eye on them and get them checked by a dermatologist if they change or concern you,

If a skin tag is causing pain or irritation because it is rubbing against clothing or jewelry, or if it’s located in an area that’s prone to friction, it may need to be removed. Additionally, if a skin tag is growing rapidly, changes in color or shape, or bleeds or itches, it might be cancerous and require immediate medical attention.

To determine if a skin tag might be cancerous, it’s important to look out for any changes in color, size, or texture. If a skin tag has irregular borders or is a different color than the surrounding skin, it could be a sign of skin cancer. Additionally, if a skin tag is growing rapidly or is different from other skin tags, get it checked by a dermatologist.

How to Decrease The Cost of Skin Tag Removal

Skin tag removal can be expensive, but there are several ways to decrease the cost.

• Use home remedies: Some people choose to remove skin tags at home using home remedies, such as tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar. While these remedies are not backed by scientific research, they can be a low-cost option.
• Shop around: Different dermatologists may charge different prices for skin tag removal. Call dermatologists in your area to compare prices.
• Consider a payment plan: Some dermatology practices offer payment plans or financing options that will make the cost of skin tag removal more affordable.
• Wait for a promotion: Some dermatology practices offer promotions or discounts for skin tag removal during certain times of the year.

Keep in mind that removing skin tags at home or without medical supervision can be risky and may result in an infection or scarring. It’s best to consult with a dermatologist to determine the safest and most effective course of action for skin tag removal.

Can You Remove a Skin Tag Yourself To Cut Down Costs?

Skin tag removal can get expensive, so you may be wondering if you can remove a skin tag without going to a professional to cut down the costs. It is possible to remove skin tags on your own at home, but dermatologists do not suggest doing this. This is because skin tags are known to bleed a lot when being removed, and if you remove them the wrong way, you could cause scarring, complications, or infections.

How to Remove Skin Tag Safely at Home

There are a couple of safer ways to remove skin tags at home. Just be very careful while doing so and be prepared to go to the doctor if there are complications, a lot of bleeding, or if the site becomes infected.

1. To remove a skin tag at home, take a cotton ball and wet it with apple cider vinegar. Put it on the skin tag and wrap the skin tag in a bandage for up to 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take the bandage and cotton ball off and rinse the skin tag with water. The apple cider vinegar will help break down the tissue around the skin tag, which will allow the skin tag to fall off.
2. To remove a skin tag at home, take dental floss and wrap the skin tag tightly. Leave it on there for a bit and repeat if necessary. This cuts off circulation to the skin tag and eventually allows the skin tag to fall off. Dermatologists do not suggest this method because it may cause the skin tag to bleed a lot and may be painful.
3. The last way to remove skin tags safely at home is to purchase a skin tag removal kit. Things like freeze-off and skin tag removal liquids are perfect for your needs. Doing so will hopefully cause less bleeding and pain than the other two options listed above.

Positives to Removing Skin Tags At Home

If you do not have insurance, removing a skin tag at home will be significantly less expensive than if you were to go to a professional to get it done. Removing skin tags at home will typically not cost more than $30. All you need is the materials listed above, and any bandages or gauze you may need.

Negatives to Removing Skin Tags at Home

While it may be tempting to remove skin tags at home to save money, there are several potential risks and drawbacks to consider.

1. Infection: If the tools used to remove the skin tag are not sterilized properly, there is a risk of infection.
2. Bleeding: Skin tags can bleed if they are not removed properly, leading to pain and discomfort.
3. Scarring: Removing skin tags at home can result in scarring, which can be more noticeable than the original skin tag.
4. Misdiagnosis: Without proper medical training, it can be difficult to differentiate between a benign skin tag and a potentially cancerous growth. Attempting to remove a cancerous growth at home can lead to delayed treatment and potentially dangerous consequences.
5. Ineffectiveness: Home remedies such as tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar may not be effective.

It’s always best to consult with a dermatologist before removing a skin tag at home. A dermatologist can help determine the best course of action for your individual case, including whether removal is necessary and the safest and most effective method for doing so.

What If I Need Help Paying But Don’t Have Insurance?

If you need to get a skin tag removed but don’t have health insurance, there are a few things that you can do to make the procedure more affordable.

Local Health Department or Doctor’s Office Assistance

Reach out to your local health department or doctor’s office for assistance in paying for the skin tag removal. In some situations, local health offices and departments may be able to help you find assistance with paying for procedures. They might direct you to local charities or organizations that can help you pay for the procedure.

However, many charities and organizations don’t give a lot of money to people who need a skin tag removed because the procedure is oftentimes considered optional rather than necessary.

Hospital Patient Services Department

Talk to your hospital’s patient services department, as they might be able to make the procedure more affordable. You may even be able to negotiate the cost of the procedure through them.

Now that you know how much it costs to have a skin tag removed when you don’t have health insurance, it is up to you whether or not you have a potentially bothersome skin tag removed. Luckily, skin tag removal is a relatively affordable procedure.

No Insurance? 

When it comes to your healthcare, most people think that their only options are to pay for expensive Health Insurance or try out your luck being uninsured.

The great news is that you have a third option; You can join a Health Share plan that is affordable and meets your needs! Health Sharing programs are one of the most effective and affordable alternatives to Health Insurance. 

If you don’t know what a Health Share is, you can start here to learn how it works and why it’s a great alternative to health insurance. If you are looking for affordable healthcare, I highly recommend checking out my article about the Best Health Share Plans.