Skin Tag Removal

Sentinel Healthcare CIC provides expert private skin tag removal for patients across Plymouth, Exeter, Barnstaple, North Devon and South East Cornwall. Our experienced clinicians assess and remove benign skin tags using safe, effective minor procedures carried out in a modern clinical setting.

If you have a skin tag that catches on clothing or jewellery, becomes irritated, bleeds or affects your confidence, our experienced GP clinicians can assess the area and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What Is a Skin Tag?

A skin tag is a small, soft, benign (non-cancerous) growth that hangs from the surface of the skin. Skin tags are usually flesh-coloured or light brown and can vary in size from just a few millimetres to several centimetres.

Although they can resemble small warts, skin tags are completely harmless and are one of the most common skin conditions treated in our private dermatology clinics.

Skin tags most commonly develop on areas where the skin naturally rubs together, including the:

• Neck
• Armpits
• Groin
• Under the breasts
• Eyelids
• Under the buttocks and skin folds

Why Do Skin Tags Develop?

Skin tags are extremely common and can affect both men and women of all ages.

They are more likely to develop:

• As we get older.
• During pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
• In people with diabetes.
• In areas where skin rubs together.
• In people who are overweight or have excess skin folds.

Many people develop skin tags for no obvious reason, and they are not contagious.

When Should a Skin Tag Be Removed?

Skin tags are harmless and usually do not require medical treatment.

However, many people choose private skin tag removal because a skin tag:

• Catches on clothing or jewellery.
• Becomes irritated or bleeds.
• Causes discomfort.
• Affects their confidence or appearance.
• Is located in a visible area such as the face, neck or eyelids.

Our clinicians will assess your skin tag and recommend the most suitable treatment for your individual needs.

Skin Tag Removal Procedure

Skin tags can usually be removed quickly and safely during a single appointment.

Depending on the size and location of the skin tag, treatment may involve:

• Surgical removal.
• Cautery (carefully removing the skin tag using heat).
• Cryotherapy (freezing the skin tag), where clinically appropriate.

Some procedures require a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout treatment.

Large skin tags should never be removed at home, as they can bleed significantly and increase the risk of infection.

What Happens During Your Appointment?

Your appointment includes both your consultation and, where clinically appropriate, treatment on the same day.

Your visit typically includes:

• Assessment of your skin tag.
• Discussion of your diagnosis and treatment options.
• Skin tag removal where appropriate.
• Local anaesthetic where required.
• Aftercare advice and follow-up recommendations.

Where clinically appropriate, removed tissue may be sent for histology (laboratory analysis) for additional reassurance. We will share the results with both you and your GP if this is required.

Why Choose Sentinel Healthcare CIC?

Our private skin tag removal service is delivered by experienced GPs with Extended Roles (GPwERs) and Associate Clinicians with extensive expertise in dermatology and minor surgery.

Your fixed treatment price includes:

• Initial consultation.
• Minor surgical procedure.
• Modern clinical facilities.
• Experienced nursing support.
• Local anaesthetic where required.
• Dressings and consumables.
• Histology where clinically appropriate.
• Follow-up correspondence to you and your GP.

We are committed to providing prompt appointments, excellent patient care and the best possible cosmetic outcomes.

Are Skin Tags Dangerous?

Skin tags are almost always harmless and do not usually cause pain or medical problems.

Occasionally, a skin tag may twist, lose its blood supply and fall off naturally. However, if a skin growth changes in appearance, becomes painful, bleeds unexpectedly or you are unsure whether it is a skin tag, it is important to have it assessed by a healthcare professional.

If, during your appointment, we believe the lesion requires further investigation rather than routine removal, we will explain our findings and recommend the appropriate NHS referral pathway. Your health and safety will always be our highest priority.