Skin tags: What they are and how we remove them (£225)*

How Can I Self-Diagnose Skin Tags?

If the growths on your skin look like the examples shown above, there’s a strong chance they are skin tags — especially if they are soft, flesh-coloured, and appear to be hanging from the skin.

Skin tags typically:

• Are painless

• Have a thin stalk or appear slightly raised

• Occur in areas where skin rubs on skin or clothing (e.g. neck, eyelids, underarms, groin)

However, not all small growths are skin tags. Conditions like moles, warts, or other benign lesions can sometimes look similar.

⚠️ When in doubt, it’s always safer to get a professional opinion.
You can speak to your GP or book an appointment with us for expert advice and, if needed, fast and safe skin tag removal.

Who Gets Skin Tags?

Skin tags are very common and can affect both men and women of any age. While they can develop in anyone, certain groups are more prone to developing them.

🔹 Common Risk Factors for Skin Tags

• Skin folds and friction: Skin tags are more likely to appear in areas where the skin rubs against itself or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, groin, and under the breasts

• Being overweight or obese: Increased skin friction makes skin tags more likely

• Type 2 diabetes: Skin tags are more frequently seen in people with insulin resistance

• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can trigger new skin tags

• Family history: Skin tags may be hereditary

Sometimes, skin tags can develop for no obvious reason, even in healthy individuals with no risk factors.

How Can I Prevent Skin Tags from Growing Bigger or Coming Back After Removal?

The truth is, we don’t fully understand why skin tags form, and there’s no guaranteed way to prevent them from growing or reappearing after removal. However, we do know that certain risk factors can make them more likely to return.

🔹 Solitary Skin Tags

If you’ve only had one or two skin tags, they often don’t return after removal. These cases may be sporadic and not linked to an underlying cause.

🔹 Multiple Skin Tags (especially around the neck)

In patients with clusters of skin tags, especially in areas like the neck, there may be contributing factors such as:

• Obesity

• Friction from clothing or jewellery

• Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes

In such cases, skin tags are more likely to reappear unless these contributing factors are addressed. For example, weight loss or improved blood sugar control may help reduce the recurrence.

While we can’t guarantee they won’t come back, our clinic ensures complete removal of each skin tag during treatment to minimise the chance of regrowth at the same site.

Do Skin Tags Get Bigger Over Time?

Yes — skin tags often grow slowly but steadily over time. While they may start as tiny, soft bumps, they can gradually increase in size, especially if located in areas of friction like the neck, underarms, groin, or under the breasts.

At our clinic, we’ve removed very large skin tags, including some measuring up to 10cm in length. Skin tags can also occur in private or sensitive areas, where they may cause particular discomfort or embarrassment.

📌 Why Consider Early Removal?

• Smaller skin tags are easier to remove and usually heal faster

• Early removal often offers better cosmetic results

• Prevents them from catching, bleeding, or causing irritation as they grow

If you’re concerned about a skin tag becoming larger or changing over time, we’re happy to assess and recommend the most suitable removal option.

Anything Else I Should Be Aware Of?

If you’re unsure whether a bump is truly a skin tag, it’s best to get a professional diagnosis. While skin tags are usually harmless, moles, warts, and other skin conditions can sometimes look similar — and may require different treatment.

Who Should Consider Skin Tag Removal Surgery?

You may want to consider professional skin tag removal if:

• The skin tag is unsightly and affecting your confidence or self-esteem

• It is located in a cosmetically sensitive area (e.g. face, neck, eyelids)

• It snags on clothing or jewellery, causing irritation or bleeding

• You have multiple skin tags in areas of friction (such as the neck or underarms)

• You want a definitive diagnosis and lab analysis for peace of mind

Why Choose Professional Surgical Removal?

At our clinic, we provide safe, doctor-led removal of skin tags using minor surgical techniques tailored to your needs.

• Some people have many skin tags, often around the neck or body folds

• Others may have just one very large skin tag, which may require careful excision

We offer the following options for pain relief:

• Local anaesthetic injection (e.g. Lidocaine) for complete numbness

• Topical anaesthetic cream (e.g. EMLA Cream) as a needle-free option

We typically remove skin tags using electrosurgical equipment (radiofrequency or electrocautery), which:

• Allows us to shave the tag cleanly

• Seals the skin at the same time to minimise bleeding

• Results in minimal or no scarring

For your reassurance, we can also send removed skin tags for histological analysis in a medical laboratory, ensuring complete peace of mind.

Cost of Skin Tag Removal – From £225*

At our clinic, skin tag removal is safe, straightforward, and affordable. We price based on size, location, and the number of tags treated during your visit.

💷 Typical Prices

• Small skin tag (e.g. neck tag): £225*

• Medium skin tag (e.g. on the body): Approximately £225*

• Facial skin tags: Typically £225* – £275*, especially on the eyelids or delicate areas

• Very large skin tags (e.g. in private/sensitive areas or requiring stitches): Priced individually depending on complexity. May add up to £150 if full cut excision

➕ Additional Skin Tags

• Most additional skin tags: £25 to £75 each

• Special pricing may be available for patients with numerous small skin tags, especially around the neck or underarms

Note: The above prices include a £60 discount if your treatment is booked within 1 month of your initial consultation.

Consultation and Additional Costs

• A consultation fee applies unless you are a returning patient

• Laboratory testing, if required (rare), is charged separately

• For full pricing details, visit our Skin Surgery Fees page

⏱️ Timed Appointments for Multiple Skin Tags

If you have a large number of skin tags, we offer timed appointments at a reduced rate — ideal for those seeking bulk removal in a single session. Ask us during your consultation for more details.

My Skin Tag Has Been Classed as a Cosmetic Problem

If your GP has told you the skin tag is cosmetic, you can contact us directly — no referral is needed.

Please note: Private health insurance in the UK does not usually cover cosmetic skin tag removal. This advice may not apply to non-UK residents.

Can I Remove Skin Tags Myself?

While some people do attempt to remove skin tags at home, it is generally not recommended. Online, you may see suggestions involving tying them off, burning, or cutting them with tools — but these methods carry significant risks if not done correctly.

⚠️ Potential Risks of DIY Skin Tag Removal

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Scarring

• Mistaking a skin tag for something else (e.g. mole, wart, or other lesion)

If you are still considering removing skin tags yourself, you must have a very good understanding of disinfection, sterility, and bleeding control. Most people understandably do not have the tools, experience, or environment to perform this safely.

At your consultation, we’re happy to explain your options — including safe clinical removal and any information you need to make an informed decision.

Make an Appointment

To arrange your skin tag removal or consultation, you can:

• Contact us directly via phone or email
• Book a clinic appointment online at your convenience
• Request a telephone consultation if you’d like to speak to a doctor before deciding

If you request a telephone consultation, please make sure to read our
“How TVSS Works” page in full to understand the process.

Concerned about pain? We offer gentle and pain-free skin tag removal using local or topical anaesthetic — most patients experience little or no discomfort during treatment.

More Information: For definitions of common terms in skin and minor surgery,
click here to view our glossary.

More Information

For further reading, we recommend this excellent overview of skin tags on DermNet — one of the most trusted and authoritative dermatology resources in the world.

Accessibility & Clinic Location

Our clinic in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire offers easy access for patients across the South East of England seeking expert minor skin surgery and milia removal. We’re strategically positioned near major roadways and connected to London and surrounding counties via excellent public transport links.

📍 Nearby Local Areas (within 20–30 minutes)

• Bourne End, Marlow, Henley-on-Thames, Twyford

• Maidenhead, Windsor, Ascot, Slough

• Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield, Chalfont St Peter

• Uxbridge, West Drayton, Egham

🚆 Easy Access via the Elizabeth Line (West & East London)

We’re directly connected to Central and East London via the Elizabeth Line, making travel fast and simple from:

• West London: Paddington, Ealing, Acton, Southall, Hayes

• Central London: Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street

• East London: Whitechapel, Stratford, Ilford, Romford, Chadwell Heath, Shenfield

This makes us an ideal choice for patients looking for milia removal in London without long waiting lists or inflated city-centre pricing.

🛣️ Convenient from the M4, M40 & A404

Easily accessible from key regional towns including:

• Bracknell, Reading, Wokingham, Staines, Virginia Water

• Richmond, Twickenham, Northolt, Harrow, Wembley

• Woking, Farnborough, Guildford, Basingstoke

🌍 Wider Regions (within 45 minutes to 2 hours)

Many patients also travel to us from:

• Oxfordshire: Oxford, Banbury, Thame, Didcot

• Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes

• South East counties: Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Essex

• South Coast: Southampton, Portsmouth, Brighton, Eastbourne

• South West: Swindon, Bath, Bristol

• Even parts of South Wales, via the M4

🧭 Why Patients Travel to Us

Patients choose us from across the region for our:

• Fast access with minimal travel time

• Convenient online booking and flexible consultation options

• Reputation for safe, efficient, and pain-free milia removal