Skin tag removal

Skin tags are common growths that can develop in both adults and children. Although they’re often harmless, treatments can remove them if they cause significant symptoms or if their appearance bothers you.  

At Guy’s and St Thomas’ Specialist Care, we offer adult and child skin tag removal with our expert-led team who use minimally invasive techniques to limit scarring. 

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. 

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.  

Diagnosing skin tags 

Skin tags are easy to diagnose with a simple physical examination by your doctor. 

When to see your doctor about a skin tag 

If you notice a new growth on your skin, it’s always essential to have it checked by your doctor.  

You can also visit your doctor about a skin tag if: 

• it is irritated or sore 
• becomes bigger 
• starts bleeding 
• you want it removed 

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.  

Book a consultation with our specialists for you or your child and we can provide you with the skin tag removal treatment you need.