DPN / Skin Tag Removal FAQ

DPN stands for Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra.
DPNs are small, raised, smooth, brown to dark-brown or black growths that commonly appear on the face and neck.
They are particularly common in people with darker skin tones and are generally benign. They usually do not require medical treatment, but many people choose removal for cosmetic reasons.

Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths that often develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing.
Common areas include:
Neck
Underarms
Chest
Groin
Skin folds
Eyelids
Other areas affected by friction
Skin tags can vary in size, shape and appearance.

Skin Tag & DPN Removal is a cosmetic treatment used to address suitable superficial skin growths.
Depending on the growth and treatment protocol, a controlled cautery/electrosurgical technique may be used to treat the targeted tissue.
The goal is to precisely treat the growth while minimizing unnecessary treatment to the surrounding skin.

After the area has been assessed and prepared, the targeted growth is treated using a controlled cautery or electrosurgical technique.
The thermal effect targets the superficial tissue of the growth, causing it to dry, shrink or detach as the area heals.
Electrosurgical techniques such as electrofulguration and electrodesiccation are used in dermatology for certain superficial lesions, including skin tags and DPNs.

Most clients tolerate the procedure well.
You may experience:
Mild heat
Tingling
Brief stinging
Pinching
Temporary sensitivity
A topical anesthetic may be used when appropriate to help improve comfort.
Everyone's sensitivity is different, so we never promise that treatment will be completely painless.

Depending on the treatment area and the number of growths being treated, a topical anesthetic may be used.
If numbing is required, additional time will be needed before the actual removal begins.
Your comfort is considered throughout the appointment.

Appointment length varies from client to client.
Factors include:
Number of growths
Size of growths
Location
Number of treatment areas
Numbing requirements
Treatment complexity
A small number of growths may be treated relatively quickly, while multiple areas may require a longer appointment.
Your estimated appointment time will be provided when booking.

Many small, suitable DPNs and skin tags can be treated during one appointment.
However, we do not guarantee that every growth will be completely removed in one session.
Some growths may require additional treatment once the skin has healed, depending on their size, depth, location and individual response.

A successfully treated growth may not return, but new DPNs or skin tags can develop over time.
DPN removal does not prevent new DPNs from appearing in the future.
Skin tags may also develop in other areas, particularly in areas exposed to friction.

You may notice that the treated growth has been reduced or removed immediately after treatment.
However, the skin itself still needs time to heal.
Immediately afterward, the area may appear:
Red
Darker
Slightly swollen
Crusted
Scabbed
The final appearance should be evaluated after the skin has fully healed, rather than immediately after treatment.

Healing varies depending on the size and location of the treated area and your individual skin response.
You may experience temporary:
Redness
Swelling
Sensitivity
Darkening
Crusting
Small scabs
The treated area should be allowed to heal naturally.
Do not pick, peel or scratch the area.

Our goal is to treat the growth as precisely and superficially as appropriate.
However, no skin-removal procedure can guarantee zero scarring.
Possible complications include:
Temporary pigmentation changes
Hyperpigmentation
Hypopigmentation
Textural changes
Scarring
Keloid or hypertrophic scarring in susceptible individuals
DPN treatments should be performed conservatively because darker skin can be more susceptible to unwanted pigmentation changes following skin injury.

YES.
DPNs are particularly common in darker skin tones, including Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI.
However, treatment must be approached carefully because post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can occur after treatment.
Your skin tone, treatment area, history of pigmentation and healing response will be considered when determining an appropriate treatment approach.

Depending on suitability, treatment may be performed on areas such as:
Face
Neck
Underarms
Chest
Back
Certain skin folds
Other appropriate body areas
The eye area requires additional caution because the skin is delicate and close to the eyes.
Every treatment area must be assessed before treatment.

Moles require special consideration.
Not every mole should be cosmetically removed.
A mole or pigmented lesion that is new, changing, irregular, bleeding, painful, rapidly growing or otherwise concerning should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional before cosmetic treatment.
We do not diagnose skin cancer or determine whether a suspicious lesion is medically safe to remove.
When in doubt, medical assessment comes first.

Depending on their appearance and suitability, certain superficial benign-appearing growths may be considered.
These may include:
Skin tags
DPNs
Certain seborrheic keratoses
Certain fibromas
Other suitable superficial growths
Not every lesion is appropriate for cosmetic removal.
If you are unsure what a growth is, medical assessment may be recommended before treatment.

Cherry angiomas are small vascular growths containing blood vessels.
Because vascular lesions can behave differently from DPNs and skin tags, they require appropriate assessment before treatment.
If a lesion is not appropriate for our treatment protocol, we will recommend that you seek medical assessment instead.

Temporary side effects may include:
Redness
Swelling
Warmth
Tenderness
Crusting
Scabbing
Temporary discoloration
Less common complications can include:
Hyperpigmentation
Hypopigmentation
Infection
Delayed healing
Scarring
Keloid formation
DPN treatment literature specifically identifies pigmentation changes and scarring as potential complications.

Treatment may need to be postponed or declined if you have:
Active skin infection
Open wounds
Active rash
Significant inflammation
Sunburn
A history of problematic scarring
Certain medical conditions affecting healing
Certain medications that may affect bleeding or healing
A lesion that has not been appropriately assessed
Any other contraindication identified during consultation

Please disclose:
Current medications
Blood-thinning medications
Supplements
Allergies
Skin conditions
Previous cosmetic procedures
Previous reactions to skin treatments
History of keloids or abnormal scarring
Healing complications
Recent tanning or sun exposure
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Any recent changes in the growth you want treated
Never stop a prescribed medication on your own.
If you are taking medication that may affect the procedure, speak with your prescribing healthcare professional.

Before your appointment:
Arrive with clean skin
Remove makeup from the treatment area
Avoid harsh exfoliation immediately before treatment
Avoid irritating active skincare products as instructed
Avoid excessive sun exposure
Do not arrive with sunburned or irritated skin
Inform us of any medication changes
Do not attempt to cut, burn or remove the growth yourself
Your personalized pre-care instructions will be provided before your appointment.

You may be instructed to temporarily pause irritating skincare products around the treatment area.
These may include:
Retinoids
AHA/BHA acids
Strong exfoliants
Other potentially irritating active ingredients
Follow the specific instructions provided for your treatment.

DO:
Keep the area clean
Follow your personalized wound-care instructions
Use only recommended products
Protect the area from unnecessary sun exposure
Allow scabs to fall away naturally
Keep your hands away from the treated area

AVOID:
Picking or scratching
Peeling scabs
Harsh exfoliation
Retinoids and acids until cleared
Excessive friction
Excessive sweating while the area is fresh
Swimming or soaking until appropriately healed
Direct sun exposure
Proper aftercare is especially important when treating darker skin because inflammation or injury can contribute to post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Can I wear makeup after treatment?
Avoid applying makeup directly over freshly treated areas until the skin has sufficiently healed.
Your personalized aftercare instructions will tell you when cosmetics can safely be resumed.

Avoid activities that cause significant sweating, heat or friction while the treated area is fresh and healing.
The appropriate timeframe depends on the area treated and your individual healing response

Sun protection is extremely important.
Freshly treated skin can be more susceptible to pigmentation changes.
Avoid unnecessary sun exposure while the area is healing and follow your recommended sun-protection instructions once the skin has healed sufficiently.
This is especially important for clients prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Healing time varies depending on:
Size of the growth
Number of growths treated
Treatment depth
Location
Your skin type
Your individual healing response
The visible crusting or scabbing may resolve relatively quickly, but the skin's pigmentation and texture can continue changing for weeks or longer.
For darker skin tones, pigmentation changes may take longer to settle.

Yes, when appropriate.
Multiple growths may be treated during the same appointment depending on:
Number of growths
Total treatment area
Location
Skin response
Treatment safety
Your appointment may take longer when treating multiple areas.

Certain small growths around the eye may require special consideration.
Because eyelid and eye-area skin is delicate and the eyes are highly sensitive, not every growth in this area will be suitable for treatment.
An assessment is required before determining whether treatment can safely be performed.

YOUR SKIN IS NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT.
We believe skin-growth removal should never be rushed.
Our approach focuses on:
PRECISION
We focus on the individual growth rather than unnecessarily treating surrounding skin.
SKIN-TONE AWARENESS
We consider your natural skin tone and your risk of pigmentation changes.
PERSONALIZED ASSESSMENT
Not every growth is the same, and not every growth should be treated.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
We don't promise perfect skin or guarantee that new DPNs or skin tags will never appear.
SAFETY FIRST
If a growth appears unsuitable or requires medical assessment, we will prioritize your safety over performing a cosmetic procedure.