Skin tags are one of the most common reasons people come to see us. They are harmless, but they catch on jewellery and collars, rub under arms, and sit awkwardly on the eyelids. The good news is that skin tag removal is quick, safe and very effective when it is done properly.
What is a skin tag?
A skin tag is a small, soft, benign growth that hangs from the skin on a tiny stalk. Skin tags are extremely common and tend to appear where skin rubs against skin or clothing, most often on the neck, eyelids, underarms, groin and under the bust. They are completely harmless, but many people choose skin tag removal for comfort and confidence.
Skin tag removal in Westbourne: assessed first
At Southdowns Skin Health in Westbourne, West Sussex, every skin tag is assessed before removal. Skin tag removal here is doctor led, and where appropriate we use dermoscopy to confirm a lesion is a benign skin tag and not something that needs a different pathway. If anything looks unusual, we refer you on rather than treat it cosmetically. Safety always comes first.
How skin tag removal works
The best skin tag removal method depends on the size of the tag and where it sits. We use proven medical techniques, including cryotherapy, a precise controlled freezing of the skin tag, and advanced electrocautery, which removes the tag cleanly using heat energy. Both are quick and performed in clinic.
Skin tags around the eyes are treated with particular care given the delicate area. Where appropriate a topical numbing cream is applied first, and most skin tag removal takes only a few minutes.
Does skin tag removal hurt?
Most people find skin tag removal very comfortable. You may feel a brief cold sensation with cryotherapy, or a small amount of heat with electrocautery, but discomfort is usually minimal and short lived. A numbing cream is used where helpful.
Aftercare and healing
Skin tag removal aftercare is simple. The treated area is kept clean and protected while it heals, and we give you clear written instructions to take home. A small scab or mark may form briefly as the skin settles, then resolves. Most people return to their normal day straight afterwards.
How much does skin tag removal cost?
Skin tag removal starts from £200 per attempt for small, isolated tags. Many people have several skin tags treated in one visit. The exact price depends on the number, size and location of the skin tags, and is always confirmed at your assessment before anything goes ahead.
Skin tag removal questions
Where can I get a skin tag removed near me?
Southdowns Skin Health offers doctor led skin tag removal at Southdowns Clinic in Westbourne, West Sussex, PO10 8UE, close to Emsworth, Havant and Chichester.
Can you remove a skin tag on the eyelid?
Yes. Skin tags on and around the eyelids are common and can be removed with great care using techniques suited to the delicate eye area, once assessed.
Should I remove a skin tag myself at home?
We would always advise against home skin tag removal kits or tying off a tag. Removal in clinic is safer, cleaner and ensures the lesion is properly assessed first.
Do skin tags grow back?
A skin tag that is fully removed does not grow back, although new skin tags can form elsewhere over time, particularly in areas of friction.
Book your skin tag removal assessment
Bring your skin tags along and our doctor led team will tell you exactly what is possible, with clear pricing before anything goes ahead.
This article is general information and is not medical advice. Always have a new, changing or unusual skin lesion assessed by a qualified clinician.