Skin tag removal

What is skin tag removal?

Skin tag removal is a simple treatment to safely remove skin growths that can develop in adults and children. While usually harmless, skin tags can be removed if they cause discomfort, irritation, or cosmetic concern.

Skin tag removal can help treat skin tags on the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin and other areas where friction occurs. Our specialist team offers skin tag removal for adults and children using minimally invasive techniques designed to minimise scarring.

Treatment is available at Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital, and Evelina London Children’s Hospital, providing access to expert-led care in central London.

What is a skin tag? 

Skin tags are small, soft growths that develop on your skin. They usually look the same colour as the rest of your skin, although they can be slightly darker. Skin tags hang off your skin but generally are harmless and do not hurt. 

Skin tags are a collection of collagen fibres and blood vessels encased in a thicker layer of skin. Never try to remove skin tags at home, as this can cause bleeding and potentially lead to infection. 

Skin tags usually develop in areas where your skin folds or rubs together, such as:  

• your neck 
• under your arms 
• eyelids 
• under your breasts 
• your bottom 

Skin tags vary in size, but they usually range between 2mm and 5cm. You can also develop more than one skin tag in an area. 

What’s the difference between a skin tag and a mole? 

Skin tags and moles may look slightly similar, but they are different. Moles usually occur in areas of the body exposed to the sun and are a different colour to your skin. Moles are typically flat and oval-shaped, whereas skin tags are raised and appear to hang off the skin.  

Skin tags are not cancerous and have a very low risk of cancer. However, some moles can be cancerous and may potentially be a sign of skin cancer.

If you need help in assessing whether you have a skin tag or a mole, book an appointment to have it seen to by one of our specialists.

Causes of skin tags 

The exact cause of skin tags is unknown, but it’s thought to be a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. 

Skin tags are more likely to occur in areas where your skin rubs against itself, which means you may be at a higher risk of developing them if you are:  

• overweight 
• diabetic 
• pregnant  

However, some people get skin tags for no reason.  

How are skin tags diagnosed? 

Skin tags are usually diagnosed through a simple physical examination by a specialist. In most cases, they can be clearly identified based on their appearance, size and location on the skin, without the need for further tests.

If there is any uncertainty, or if the growth has unusual features, your specialist may recommend additional assessment to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.

If you would like confirmation of a skin tag or advice on safe removal, our expert team can provide a prompt specialist assessment.

When to see your doctor about a skin tag 

It’s important to have any new or changing skin growth checked to confirm it is harmless. You should seek medical advice if a skin tag:

• becomes irritated or painful
• increases in size
• starts bleeding
• causes cosmetic concern or you would like it removed

Complete the form on this page to arrange a specialist consultation.

Skin tag removal 

You do not have to remove skin tags, but if they are causing problems or affecting your emotional wellbeing, they can be treated. Once removed, skin tags do not usually return.  

Our plastic surgery specialists provide skin tag removal services for both adults and children. 

Adult skin tag removal 

We can remove skin tags in adults with 2 methods: minor surgery or a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser/bipolar machine.  

Our adult dermatologists and plastic surgeons remove a skin tag with surgical scissors or a scalpel after numbing the area with a local anaesthetic. Then, they cut off the skin tag and clean and dress the wound. 

Our specialists can also use a CO2 laser/bipolar machine to remove your skin tag and leave you with minimal scarring. The CO2 laser and bipolar machine are precise, making it ideal for skin tags that are often very small.  

A local anaesthetic is applied to the area and the laser beam is then focused on the skin tag. The laser will burn away the skin tag, leaving minimal scarring.  

The CO2 laser may not be suitable for everyone. If you have dark skin, the laser could potentially cause hyperpigmentation (darker patches on the skin). During your initial consultation, our specialists will advise which treatment best suits your needs. 

After your skin tag is removed, your doctor will provide specific aftercare instructions on properly caring for your wound. It can take up to 2 weeks for your wound to heal completely, depending on factors such as how well you adhere to the aftercare advice and your overall health.  

Skin tag removal for children 

We can safely remove skin tags for children with the help of our children’s plastic surgery services.  

Which treatment suits your child may depend on their age. Younger children might struggle to sit still during treatments that only use a local anaesthetic, especially if it is in an area of their body that requires them to lay in a particular position.  

However, our team will make sure your child feels comfortable and supported throughout their treatment with us in a child-friendly environment.  

If your child is old enough, our specialists can perform the simple surgical skin tag removal procedure. Otherwise, it may be easier to use the CO2 laser/bipolar machine. However, the team will discuss the best treatment for your child with you beforehand to ensure they receive the correct care for their needs. 

Helping your child recover from skin tag removal 

It can take up to 2 weeks for the wound to completely heal, so you will need to aid your child in their recovery. Ensure they wear clothing that won’t irritate or rub the area, as this can lead to bleeding and discomfort. 

Your child’s doctor will provide specific instructions on keeping the area clean and when you can safely remove the bandages.  

If you notice any changes to the wound or if it’s taking a long time to heal, do not hesitate to contact your child’s doctor for further advice and support.  

Book a consultation 

Skin tag removals are a simple procedure for both adults and children. It can relieve any symptoms the skin tags are causing and improve emotional wellbeing.  

Our plastic surgery specialists ensure you receive the skin tag removal that suits you and your child’s needs. Our dedicated team of experts are highly experienced in removing skin tags in children, so you can rest assured we will take good care of them during their treatment.  

Complete the form on this page to book a consultation with our specialists, and we can provide skin tag removal treatment for you or your child.