What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags (medically termed acrochordons or fibroepithelial polyps) are small, soft, fleshy growths that hang from the skin on a narrow stalk. They are made of collagen fibres, fat cells, and blood vessels covered by a thin layer of skin. They are entirely benign — not cancerous, not infectious, not a sign of any underlying disease in most cases.
They are extremely common: an estimated 46% of people develop at least one skin tag during their lifetime. They become more prevalent with age and are particularly associated with friction — which is why they appear most often in skin fold areas:
- Neck (especially where collars rub)
- Armpits
- Groin and inner thighs
- Under the breasts
- Eyelids
- Around the buttocks
Other predisposing factors include obesity, insulin resistance (including type 2 diabetes and prediabetes), and pregnancy. There is also a genetic component — some people are simply more prone to developing them.
Why the NHS Won't Remove Them
The NHS categorises skin tag removal as a cosmetic procedure because skin tags carry no medical risk. NHS clinical commissioning policies in most areas explicitly exclude routine removal of benign skin lesions unless there is significant functional impairment or diagnostic uncertainty.
Private treatment removes this barrier. A private GP appointment can assess and remove skin tags promptly, without waiting for NHS dermatology referral timelines.
When to get a skin tag assessed: If a lesion you believe is a skin tag has changed in colour (particularly becoming darker or variegated), has irregular edges, bleeds spontaneously, or is growing rapidly — have it assessed rather than assumed. These features warrant dermoscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis before any removal.
Private Removal Methods
The right removal method depends on the size, location, and number of skin tags. Your GP will assess the lesions first and recommend the most appropriate technique.
✂️ Snip Excision
The stalk of the tag is cut cleanly with sterile scissors or a scalpel under local anaesthetic. Immediate removal, minimal bleeding, excellent cosmetic result. Best for well-defined tags with a clear stalk.
❄️ Cryotherapy
Liquid nitrogen freezes the tag, causing it to necrose and fall off over 1–2 weeks. No local anaesthetic needed for small tags. May require a repeat session for larger lesions.
🔗 Ligation
A fine thread tied tightly around the base of the stalk cuts off blood supply. The tag falls off over several days. Useful for larger tags with a well-defined stalk.
What to Expect
Most skin tag removal appointments are completed within 20–30 minutes, including assessment and treatment. Depending on the method used:
- Snip excision: Immediate result — the tag is gone before you leave. A small dressing is applied. Healing takes 5–7 days. No sutures needed in most cases.
- Cryotherapy: A temporary blister may form at the treated site. The tag gradually darkens, dries, and falls away over 1–2 weeks. Avoid picking at the treated area.
- Ligation: The tag gradually discolours and falls off over 3–10 days. Mild discomfort at the base is normal during this process.
You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment. No time off work is required.
Book Skin Tag Removal
If you have skin tags you'd like removed, Lambert Medical Practice offers prompt private assessment and treatment. Multiple tags can usually be treated in a single visit.