Freezing a skin tag sounds like a quick fix—and often, it is. But once it’s treated with cryotherapy, you’re stuck in a waiting game: When exactly will it fall off? Days? Weeks?
Understanding the timeline and knowing what’s normal versus what’s not can help you avoid unnecessary worry—and unnecessary appointments. In this guide, we’ll break down what to expect after cryotherapy so you can stay informed and confident during the healing process.
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TLDR – Quick Guide
- Most skin tags fall off within 7 to 14 days after freezing.
- The area may blister or scab before the tag detaches.
- Healing time can vary depending on size and skin sensitivity.
- Avoid picking or pulling to reduce scarring and infection.
- If the tag hasn’t fallen off after 3 weeks, consult your provider.
Detailed Breakdown
What Happens When You Freeze a Skin Tag?
Freezing, or cryotherapy, works by applying liquid nitrogen to the skin tag, damaging the tissue through extreme cold. The process stops blood flow to the tag, leading it to die and eventually fall off.
Immediately after treatment, the area may turn white or blister. Over the next few days, it darkens and shrivels. Eventually, it detaches naturally—no pulling required.
Typical Timeline: When Will It Fall Off?
Here’s a general timeline:
- Day 1-3: Redness, slight swelling, possible blistering.
- Day 4-7: The tag starts drying out and darkening.
- Day 7-14: The tag typically falls off.
- Week 3: If it hasn’t fallen off yet, it should be close.
Larger tags or those in areas with friction (like underarms or neck) might take a bit longer.
What’s Normal—and What’s Not
Normal Signs:
- Redness or blistering immediately after treatment
- Scabbing or crusting around the base
- Skin tag shrinking or hardening before detaching
Not Normal:
- Persistent bleeding or oozing
- Intense pain or spreading redness
- No change at all after 2–3 weeks
If symptoms feel out of bounds, don’t guess—check with a provider.
Do’s and Don’ts During Recovery
Do:
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Apply antibiotic ointment if directed
- Let it fall off naturally
Don’t:
- Scratch, pick, or rub the area
- Cover with tight bandages for long periods
- Use additional treatments unless approved
Patience is your best tool here. Rushing the process can cause scarring or incomplete removal.
When to Follow Up
If your skin tag hasn’t fallen off after 3 weeks, or if it looks the same as it did on Day 1, it’s time to follow up. Sometimes, a second round of treatment is needed—especially for thick or stubborn tags.
Also, if the area becomes increasingly painful, red, or inflamed, don’t wait. Those could be signs of infection.
Key Takeaways
- Skin tags generally fall off within 7–14 days post-freezing.
- Mild redness, swelling, and blistering are expected in the first few days.
- Avoid touching or picking at the area.
- Healing time may vary based on size and location.
- If nothing has changed after 3 weeks, consult your provider.
FAQs
Can I speed up the process of a skin tag falling off?
No. Attempting to speed things up by pulling or picking can cause irritation or scarring. Let it detach naturally.
Is it normal for the area to blister after freezing?
Yes. Blistering is a common response to cryotherapy and usually resolves within a few days.
Will it leave a scar once the tag falls off?
Most cases heal without scarring, especially when you avoid disturbing the area. However, larger tags may leave slight discoloration.
What if the skin tag doesn’t fall off?
If it remains attached or unchanged after 3 weeks, you may need a follow-up treatment or evaluation.
Can I freeze a skin tag at home?
Over-the-counter freezing kits exist, but professional treatment is safer and more precise, especially for tags near sensitive areas.
