GMC Registered Doctors

Expert Diagnosis & Care

Advanced Clearing Techniques

Cryotherapy, Precise Cutting & More

Safe & Effective Results

Minimally Affecting Procedures

CQC Regulated Clinic

Safe & Professional Environment

GMC Registered Doctors

Expert Diagnosis & Care

Advanced Clearing Techniques

Cryotherapy, Precise Cutting & More

Safe & Effective Results

Minimally Affecting Procedures

CQC Regulated Clinic

Safe & Professional Environment

Understanding Skin Tags: What They Are and How They Develop

Skin tags (medically known as acrochordons) are small, soft growths that hang from the skin by a connecting stalk. These benign skin growths typically appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin folds, and under the breasts. While most people develop skin tags at some point in their lives, they tend to become more common with age, during pregnancy, and in individuals with certain health conditions.

At Revitalise London, our GMC registered doctors understand that while skin tags are medically harmless, they can cause physical discomfort and aesthetic concerns for many individuals. Our CQC-regulated Harley Street clinic provides expert evaluation and clearing of skin tags using advanced, minimally affecting techniques.

The Science Behind Skin Tags: Formation and Development

Understanding how skin tags develop helps comprehend this common condition:

Biological Basis of Skin Tag Formation

Skin tags develop when collagen and blood vessels become trapped inside thicker pieces of skin. They typically form in skin folds where friction is common.

Common locations include:

  • Neck and décolletage
  • Underarms
  • Eyelids
  • Under breasts
  • Groin area
  • Waistline
Factors Contributing to Skin Tag Development

Several factors may influence formation:

  • Friction and Rubbing: Key factor in typical locations.
  • Hormonal Factors: Particularly during pregnancy.
  • Insulin Resistance: Association suggested by research.
  • Genetics: Family predisposition.
  • Ageing: Incidence increases with age.

Understanding these helps recognise why you might develop skin tags.

Learn From Our Specialists

Identifying Skin Tags: Characteristics and Differentiation

Proper identification is important to distinguish skin tags from other skin growths:

Common Characteristics of Skin Tags

  • Small, soft growths projecting from the skin.
  • Usually flesh-coloured or slightly darker.
  • Connected by a narrow stalk (peduncle).
  • Size varies (1mm – 5mm+, sometimes larger).
  • Generally painless unless irritated.
  • Can appear individually or in clusters.

Differentiating from Other Skin Growths

  • Warts: Rougher texture, no stalk, viral cause.
  • Moles: Usually flatter or evenly raised, pigmented, no stalk.
  • Seborrhoeic Keratoses: “Stuck-on”, waxy/scaly texture.

Our GMC registered doctors provide accurate diagnosis through careful assessment.

Why Consider Skin Tag Clearing? Medical and Aesthetic Considerations

While harmless, professional clearing is sought for several reasons:

Medical & Comfort Considerations

  • Physical discomfort due to friction (clothing, jewellery).
  • Recurrent irritation, inflammation, or bleeding from catching on items.
  • Visual obstruction (eyelid tags).
  • Hygiene challenges in skin folds.

Aesthetic Considerations

  • Concerns about appearance in visible areas (face, neck).
  • Presence of multiple noticeable tags.
  • Impact on professional appearance.

Our doctors understand both practical and aesthetic concerns and provide personalised consultations.

Professional Skin Tag Clearing: Evidence-Based Approaches

Our GMC registered doctors employ several safe and effective techniques:

Medical Clearing Techniques

  • Precise Cutting Method: Precise clearing with medical instruments; quick results, suitable for larger tags.
  • Cryotherapy: Controlled freezing; quick, no cutting, effective for smaller tags.
  • Electrocautery: Controlled heat energy; precise clearing, minimises bleeding, suitable for various sizes.
  • Ligation: Restricting blood flow causing natural detachment; suitable for tags with distinct stalks.

All procedures are performed by trained GMC registered doctors in our CQC-regulated clinic.

Learn About the Process

The Skin Tag Clearing Process: Information for Patients

Understanding what to expect helps patients feel prepared:

Before Treatment: Assessment and Planning

Your journey starts with a thorough consultation:

  • Review of medical history.
  • Examination of skin tags.
  • Discussion of suitable clearing options.
  • Explanation of procedure, benefits, and limitations.
  • Personalised treatment planning.
  • Clear information on costs and aftercare.
During Treatment: Comfort and Care

We prioritise your comfort and safety:

  • Relaxed, private environment.
  • Techniques to minimise discomfort (local anaesthetic often used for precise cutting).
  • Sterile instruments and methods.
  • Clear communication throughout the procedure.
After Treatment: Recovery and Results

Following clearing, you receive:

  • Specific, easy-to-follow aftercare instructions.
  • Information on the normal healing process.
  • Contact details for any post-procedure queries.
  • Advice on minimising future skin tag development (if applicable).
  • Follow-up appointment arranged if necessary.

Our CQC-regulated clinic ensures high standards throughout.

Prevention, Management & Professional vs. Home Care

Guidance on reducing risk and comparing approaches:

Understanding Skin Tag Prevention and Management

While not all skin tags are preventable, certain measures might help:

  • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces skin folds/friction.
  • Clothing Choices: Loose clothing minimises rubbing in susceptible areas.
  • Skin Care: Keeping skin folds clean and dry may reduce irritation.
  • Health Management: Addressing underlying conditions like insulin resistance.

Professional vs. At-Home Approaches

Benefits of Professional Treatment:

  • Accurate diagnosis (distinguishing from other growths).
  • Selection of the most appropriate clearing technique.
  • Sterile environment reducing microbial issue risk.
  • Complete clearing minimising regrowth chances.
  • Protection of surrounding healthy skin.

About Non-Professional Approaches (OTC/Home Remedies):

  • Effectiveness varies greatly and is often unproven.
  • Risk of incomplete clearing, microbial issues, scarring, or skin irritation.
  • Inability to rule out other potentially more serious skin conditions.

Our GMC registered doctors can discuss the safest and most effective options for you.

Why Choose Revitalise London for Skin Tag Clearing?

Expert dermatological care in a safe, professional, CQC-regulated environment.

Medical Excellence and Patient-Focused Care

Choosing Revitalise London for skin tag clearing ensures you receive the highest standard of care from experienced medical professionals in a quality-assured setting.

Medical Excellence and Expertise

Our GMC registered doctors specialise in dermatological procedures, ensuring safe and effective skin tag clearing with optimal cosmetic results.

Quality-Assured Facilities (CQC Regulated)

Our clinic meets stringent CQC standards for safety and quality, featuring advanced equipment and purpose-designed treatment rooms.

Patient-Centred Philosophy

We prioritise unhurried consultations, clear communication, shared decision-making, and comprehensive aftercare support.

Convenience & Support

Located centrally on Harley Street, offering flexible appointments including same-day treatment options and dedicated patient support.

Professional and welcoming clinic interior at Revitalise London
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Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Tags and Their Clearing

Answers to common queries about skin tags.

How can I tell if I have a skin tag?

Skin tags are typically small, soft, flesh-coloured growths hanging from the skin by a thin stalk, often found in skin folds. If unsure, professional assessment is best to rule out other conditions.

Are skin tags a sign of an underlying health condition?

Usually, they are harmless benign growths. However, multiple skin tags can sometimes be associated with metabolic conditions like insulin resistance. Our doctors can advise if further investigation is needed.

Can skin tags go away on their own?

Most skin tags persist once formed. They rarely disappear spontaneously unless they twist and lose their blood supply.

Will new skin tags form after clearing?

Proper clearing prevents regrowth at the same site, but new tags can still develop elsewhere, especially if you have contributing factors like friction or a predisposition.

Is there any downtime after skin tag clearing?

Recovery is usually minimal. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. Specific aftercare depends on the clearing method and location, which our doctors will explain.

How do I prepare for skin tag clearing?

Generally, little preparation is needed. Avoid applying creams or lotions to the area on the day. Your doctor will provide specific instructions during the consultation based on the chosen technique.

Ask Our Specialists