Test / Diagnostic Procedure: Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags are harmless growths that hang off your skin. They can be the same colour as your skin or slightly darker. Skin tags also range in size, with some growing quite large.

Skin tags are commonplace and easy to remove. They often occur in areas where your skin rubs, such as your neck, under your arms, on your eyelids, under your breasts and near your bottom (anal skin tags).

We don’t know the exact cause of skin tags but some things can increase your risk of developing them.

Risk factors for skin tags may include:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Age

• Being overweight

• Wearing tight, restrictive clothing that rubs in the creases of your skin

At OneWelbeck, we remove skin tags using advanced techniques. Our highly experienced dermatologists ensure you receive the most effective removal.

We remove skin tags by cryotherapy or surgery. These techniques remove your skin tag completely. However, there is a small chance of it coming back.

We can remove skin tags anywhere on your body, including eyelid and anal skin tags. We’ll tailor your treatment based on your skin tag’s location and size to ensure the results exceed your expectations.

Although skin tags are typically harmless, you may want them removed for several reasons.

Why you might need private skin tag removal:

• A skin tag that’s grown and is more visible

• Lower self-esteem because of your skin tag

• The skin tag catches on clothing and jewellery

• An irritated or bleeding skin tag

• Impacted vision from a skin tag on your eyelid

• The skin tag becomes painful

Skin tag removal is not routinely offered on the NHS, as it is considered cosmetic surgery (though some GP services may be able to offer it). However, you can opt for private skin tag removal with OneWelbeck and overcome the problems your skin tags have had on your physical and emotional wellbeing.

You’ll have a thorough consultation with one of our expert dermatologists before having your skin tag removed. They will determine the best type of skin tag removal for your unique needs.

Cryotherapy freezes your skin tag with liquid nitrogen to form a scab. The scab will fall off and your skin tag will be gone over a few weeks. Cryotherapy is simple, quick and over in minutes – making it ideal for those wanting multiple skin tags removed at once.

Surgical excision is another option for skin tag removal. We can carry it out on smaller and larger tags.

In surgical skin tag removal, we numb the area using a topical anaesthetic. We use a scalpel to cut off the skin tag and cauterise (burn) the wound to stop the bleeding. We may need to inject larger skin tags with anaesthetic and stitch them closed.

Anal skin tag removal is carried out under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will remove the anal skin tags and inject the area with a local anaesthetic to keep it numb after surgery. You’ll need to take laxatives (stool softeners) after anal skin tag removal to prevent your wounds from reopening during your initial healing. Your wounds are normally left open but they should heal within a few weeks.

We will remove your skin tag effectively, whether you have cryotherapy or surgical removal.

Recovering from skin tag removal is straightforward – you can go home on the same day as your procedure. However, you must keep the area clean to minimise the risk of infection.

Do not pick the scab if we remove your skin tag with cryotherapy. Let it heal naturally, and it will fall off within two weeks. If we removed it surgically and used stitches, you may need a follow-up appointment to remove them. However, this step might not be necessary if we used dissolvable stitches.

Your dermatologist will provide all the information you need about caring for your skin tag removal wound to support your recovery and enhance your results.

Skin tag removal is quick and straightforward, with minimal associated risks. Changes to your skin’s pigmentation and scarring are possible, mainly if your skin tag is sizable and we remove it surgically. However, our team uses modern techniques to minimise the risk of permanent scarring or changes to your skin.

There is little chance of your skin tag returning once we have removed it. Our advanced removal treatments offer a low risk of side effects, fast recovery and excellent results.

At OneWelbeck, our committed team of dermatologists will provide all the support you need from your first consultation to recovery and beyond. We’re here to help you safely and effectively remove unwanted skin tags so you can regain your confidence.