Acrochordon removal (soft fibromas)

Small soft neoplasms on the face and body often do not cause pain or other discomfort, so people may not pay attention to them for a long time. However, over time they may increase, become traumatized, or create noticeable aesthetic discomfort.

Quite often such formations are acrochordons, or soft fibromas. These are benign skin changes, however, by appearance they are difficult to distinguish from other neoplasms. That is why it is important that a doctor examine them and determine whether the formation can be safely removed.

At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, removal of acrochordons is performed using modern minimally traumatic methods — laser, radio wave impact and cryotherapy, and in more complex cases — surgically. During the appointment, the doctor assesses the formation and selects the optimal method of removal, which allows it to be carefully removed and reduces the risk of unwanted marks on the skin.

An acrochordon — is a benign soft skin neoplasm that forms from elements of connective tissue and is covered with epidermis. Simply put, it is a soft fibroma of the skin that looks like a small growth on a thin stalk or a wider base. Such formations may be flesh-colored, pink, or light brown and differ in size — from 1–2 to 5–10 mm, sometimes more. Usually they do not hurt and grow slowly.

Most often, an acrochordon appears in areas where the skin is subjected to constant friction:

• on the neck;
• in the armpits;
• in the groin area;
• under the mammary glands;
• on the eyelids.

Such formations are not dangerous in themselves, however they may become traumatized, inflamed, or change under the influence of external factors. In addition, they may resemble other skin neoplasms, so before removal it is important to correctly assess their nature.

The exact reason why an acrochordon appears has not been fully determined. It is believed that this is the result of local overgrowth of connective tissue in response to mechanical irritation or other internal factors. In most cases, the formations arise gradually and may appear in different areas of the skin.

Most often, the development of such formations is associated with several factors:

• constant friction of the skin — for example, in folds or in places of contact with clothing;
• hereditary predisposition;
• excess body weight;
• hormonal changes;
• metabolic disorders, in particular insulin resistance.

According to NCBI Bookshelf (a resource of the United States National Center for Biotechnology Information, which summarizes the results of scientific studies), acrochordons are more common in people with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or metabolic syndrome. It has also been noted that soft fibromas appear more often in adulthood, especially after 30–40 years, and may gradually increase in number.

Acrochordons may differ in appearance, size, and location. In dermatology, such formations are assessed according to clinical characteristics, which allows the doctor to determine the optimal method of removal and reduce the risk of traumatization.

Most often, a soft fibroma has the following features:

• by shape — a formation on a thin stalk or with a wider base;
• by size — from 1–2 mm to 5–10 mm and more;
• by color — flesh-colored, pink, light brown, or darker;
• by number — single or multiple.

Localization is taken into account separately. Most often, an acrochordon appears on the neck, in the armpits, in the groin area, under the mammary glands, and on the eyelids. It is in these areas that the skin is more often subjected to friction, so the formations may increase or become traumatized more quickly.

Before the procedure, the doctor performs an examination of the skin, and if necessary — dermatoscopy, which allows the structure of the tissues to be assessed in more detail and an acrochordon to be distinguished from other neoplasms.

Specialists of «Oxford Medical» emphasize that even benign formations can change under the influence of external factors, so when new ones appear or already existing ones change, it is better not to postpone a consultation with a doctor.

The only effective way to get rid of an acrochordon — is its removal. After the examination, the doctor selects the method depending on the size of the formation, its location, number, and skin characteristics. Modern technologies allow removal to be performed precisely, with minimal tissue damage and a good cosmetic result.

Therefore, if an acrochordon is concerning, removal can be performed using the following methods:

• Laser removal — one of the most commonly used methods for small acrochordons. The laser acts precisely, vaporizes the tissues of the formation and simultaneously coagulates the vessels, which reduces the risk of bleeding.
• Radio wave removal — involves dissection of tissues with high-frequency waves with simultaneous coagulation. The method allows the formation to be carefully removed with minimal impact on the surrounding tissues.
• Electrocoagulation — removal using electric current, which destroys the tissues of the formation and simultaneously «seals» the vessels. It is used mainly for small elements.
• Cryotherapy — a method of exposure to low temperatures, which can be used for separate small formations, however cryotherapy requires caution in delicate areas.
• Surgical excision — is used less often, usually in cases of larger or atypical formations, when it is important to completely remove the tissues and, if necessary, perform a histological examination.

According to NCBI Bookshelf, acrochordons are benign formations, and their removal is usually performed for cosmetic reasons or in cases of traumatization. For this, methods of physical impact are used, in particular electrocoagulation, cryotherapy, or surgical removal, depending on the clinical situation.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not removing such formations independently. Without a preliminary examination, it is difficult to accurately determine their type, and attempts at mechanical or chemical impact may lead to bleeding, infection, or the formation of a noticeable scar.

After removal of acrochordons, a small wound forms on the skin, which gradually heals. The duration of recovery depends on the method of removal, the size of the formation and its localization, but usually this process takes from several days to 1–2 weeks.

In order for healing to proceed correctly and without complications, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations:

• not to traumatize the removal area and not to tear off the crust;
• to treat the skin only with prescribed products;
• to avoid friction with clothing or accessories;
• to temporarily refrain from visiting the swimming pool, sauna, solarium;
• to limit sun exposure and use sunscreen products after healing.

In most cases, the skin recovers without noticeable traces. However, if the recommendations are violated, prolongation of the healing period or the appearance of pigmentation is possible.

Our doctors recommend that in case of pronounced redness, swelling, pain or discharge, you should not self-medicate, but contact a specialist. This allows the condition of the skin to be assessed in a timely manner and, if necessary, care to be adjusted.

The price of removal of acrochordons depends on several factors: the size of the formation, their number, localization, and the chosen method. You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices for medical services here. The doctor will orient you in more detail regarding possible methods of removal of a soft fibroma and the cost during the initial consultation. 

At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, you can choose a convenient location for the visit. If you need a dermatologist in Osokorky, Pozniaky, Obolon, Pechersk, near the Zhytomyrska metro station or in another district of Kyiv, you can undergo a consultation and removal of formations in a place convenient for you. To make an appointment at a convenient time for you, contact the contact center or use the online appointment form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• NCBI Bookshelf
• DermNet
• PubMed