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Skin Tag Removal​

Skin tags are small, soft, harmless growths that commonly develop in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids and groin. Although they are medically harmless, they can become irritated by clothing or jewellery, catch when shaving, or simply be a cosmetic concern.

At Derma Revive Surgery, we provide safe and effective skin tag removal using shave excision or surgical excision, depending on the size and location of the skin tag. Performed under local anaesthetic, the procedure offers immediate results with minimal discomfort and downtime.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, flesh-coloured growths that typically develop in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, under the breasts, or groin. They consist of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin. While harmless, skin tags can increase in size or number over time, particularly in areas of friction.

How Are Skin Tags Removed?

At Derma Revive Surgery, skin tags are removed using either a shave excision or surgical excision, depending on their size, shape and location. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • The area is cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic.
  • The skin tag is either carefully shaved from the surface of the skin or surgically excised using sterile surgical instruments.
  • Electrocautery is then used to seal the blood vessels, stop any bleeding and aid wound closure.
  • A small dressing may be applied if required, and you will receive aftercare instructions before leaving the clinic.
  • Most patients can return to their normal daily activities shortly after treatment.

We assess every skin tag individually to determine the most appropriate removal method and achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome.


Why Choose Surgical Skin Tag Removal?

Surgical skin tag removal provides an immediate result, allowing the skin tag to be removed during a single appointment. Unlike freezing treatments, there is no waiting for the skin tag to fall off naturally.

Using electrocautery helps minimise bleeding, reduces the risk of infection and supports a smooth healing process. The procedure is quick, precise and suitable for most skin tags, with the aim of achieving the best cosmetic result and minimal scarring.


Aftercare and Healing

Following treatment, the area may be covered with a small dressing if needed. It is normal to experience mild redness, tenderness or the formation of a small scab while the skin heals.

Most wounds heal within 1 to 2 weeks, although healing times vary depending on the size and location of the skin tag. We recommend keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding picking at the scab and following the aftercare advice provided by your clinician.

If you notice increasing redness, swelling, discharge or persistent pain, please contact our team so we can review your healing.


Are There Any Risks?

Skin tag removal is a safe and commonly performed minor surgical procedure when carried out by our experienced team of doctors, plastic surgeon and minor surgery clinic nurses.

Although uncommon, some individuals may be more prone to raised or keloid scarring. During your consultation, your doctor will assess your medical history, examine the skin tag and discuss any potential risks before treatment to ensure the procedure is appropriate for you.

Why Trust Derma Revive Surgical?

At Derma Revive Surgery your comfort and safety come first. Our experienced doctors and plastic surgeons are skilled in minor skin procedures, including cryotherapy for skin tags. We ensure treatments are carried out with precision and care, with full attention to your skin type and cosmetic outcome.

How to Book

If you are considering skin tag removal, we welcome you to book a consultation at Derma Revive Surgical. We will assess your skin tag, advise on the best approach, and provide personalised guidance to achieve the best possible result.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best method of skin tag removal?

The safest and most effective way to remove a skin tag is to have it assessed and treated by a qualified healthcare professional. Depending on the size, shape and location of the skin tag, the most appropriate treatment may be shave excision or surgical excision. At Derma Revive Surgery, we perform skin tag removal under local anaesthetic and use electrocautery to control bleeding and promote healing. This provides immediate results with minimal discomfort and a low risk of scarring.

It is not advisable to try to remove a skin tag yourself. Attempting to cut, tie, or freeze a skin tag at home can lead to infection, excessive bleeding, pain, or scarring. Professional removal ensures the procedure is sterile, safe, and tailored to your skin type.

There is no medically approved homemade method for safely removing skin tags. Remedies like vinegar, garlic, or oils are unproven and could irritate the skin or cause inflammation. It’s best to seek advice from a qualified practitioner for effective and safe removal.

It is not recommended to cut off skin tags yourself. While some people attempt to use scissors or clippers, this can cause pain, bleeding, and infection. A professional practitioner will use sterile equipment and appropriate techniques to remove the skin tag safely.

If you accidentally pull off a skin tag, the area may bleed, become sore, or risk infection. It’s important to clean the site with mild antiseptic and seek medical advice if there is ongoing bleeding, redness, or swelling.

Using clippers or scissors to remove a skin tag at home is not recommended. This can lead to bleeding, infection, and unsightly scarring. Safe removal should always be performed by a trained professional in a sterile setting.

There are no clinically proven creams that effectively remove skin tags. Some over-the-counter products may claim to work, but they often irritate the skin without successfully removing the tag. Professional treatments such as cryotherapy remain the safest and most reliable option.

No, applying clear nail polish to a skin tag does not remove it and could cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. There is no scientific evidence supporting this as an effective treatment.

Cutting a skin tag with scissors can result in pain, bleeding, infection, and scarring. Without sterile technique or proper aftercare, there is also a risk of the area becoming inflamed or developing a secondary infection.

Tying a skin tag with cotton (known as ligation) can take days or even weeks for the tag to fall off, if it works at all. This method can cause irritation, discomfort, and infection. It is safer to have the tag removed professionally.

If a skin tag is completely removed, it does not grow back. However, if part of the tag is left behind, it might regrow. New skin tags can also form in other areas over time, especially if you are prone to them.

Skin tags themselves are harmless and not a warning sign of anything serious. However, people who develop multiple skin tags may have a higher chance of conditions linked to insulin resistance, such as type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. If you notice a sudden increase in skin tags, it can be worth discussing with your GP.

A sudden increase in skin tags can happen due to hormonal changes, weight gain, friction from clothing, or insulin resistance. They are also more common with age. If you are concerned about the number or type of skin growths you’re developing, it’s sensible to seek medical advice.

There is no scientific proof that tea tree oil removes skin tags. In some cases, applying tea tree oil may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction, especially on sensitive areas. Professional removal is safer and more effective.

Skin tags are not directly caused by eating too much sugar. However, they can be associated with insulin resistance, which is linked to conditions like type 2 diabetes. If you have concerns about skin tags and your health, it’s worth discussing this with a medical professional.

Customer testimonials

I was nervous about having a mole removed from my cheek, but the team made me feel completely at ease. The procedure was quick, painless, and the scar is barely noticeable. I couldn’t be happier with the results—my confidence is through the roof!

Sarah T. – London

I had a small lipoma that had been bothering me for years. The doctor explained everything clearly and removed it in less than an hour. Recovery was a breeze, and I’m glad I finally did it. Highly recommend their caring and professional service.

Lena K. – Amersham

After trying countless over-the-counter treatments for stubborn warts on my foot, I finally booked an appointment here. One cryotherapy session made a huge difference. The staff were kind and thorough, and my foot healed beautifully. So relieved!

David S. – Croydon

More Treatments

Skin Lesion Removal

Skin lesions are common growths or abnormalities on the skin that can vary greatly in appearance. While most skin lesions are harmless, they can cause discomfort, catch on clothing or jewellery, or create cosmetic concern.

Split Earlobe Repair

A split or stretched earlobe can be distressing, whether it’s due to an accidental injury or years of wearing heavy earrings. In some cases, gauges or plugs may have stretched the lobe beyond its natural shape.

Epidermoid Cyst Removal

Epidermoid cysts are common, benign lumps that form just under the skin. Although harmless, these cysts can become swollen, inflamed, or cosmetically concerning.

Get in Touch

If you are considering skin tag removal, we welcome you to book a consultation at Derma Revive Surgical. We will assess your skin tag, advise on the best approach, and provide personalised guidance to achieve the best possible result.