Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are harmless growths that occur on the skin
If you’re bothered by skin tags, whether they’re affecting your comfort, confidence, or appearance, The Blackheath Hospital in Greenwich, part of Circle Health Group, offers safe and effective skin tag removal in a modern, professional environment.
Our experienced dermatologists and minor surgery specialists perform simple, minimally invasive procedures to remove skin tags quickly and with minimal discomfort. Whether you want to remove a single tag or several, we provide expert care tailored to your needs, with clear explanations, transparent pricing, and attentive aftercare.
A skin tag is a small, soft growth of skin that hangs from the surface of your body. They are typically flesh-coloured or slightly darker and range in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres. Skin tags are harmless and non-cancerous, but they can sometimes become irritated, catch on clothing or jewellery, or cause cosmetic concerns.
Skin tags are made up of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin. They can appear almost anywhere but are most common in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, and under the breasts.
While anyone can develop skin tags, they tend to be more common in adults and may be associated with factors such as:
Although they are harmless, skin tags can be bothersome or unsightly, and many people choose to have them removed for comfort or for cosmetic reasons.
At The Blackheath Hospital, our consultants offer expert assessment and removal, ensuring the procedure is performed safely and hygienically, with attention to both comfort and appearance.
There are several safe and effective ways to remove skin tags, depending on their size, location, and your preferences. At The Blackheath Hospital, removal is performed by experienced dermatologists under sterile conditions to minimise any risk of infection or scarring.
Common methods include:
This involves applying a very cold substance, such as liquid nitrogen, to the skin tag. The freezing process destroys the cells, causing the tag to fall off naturally within a few days. Cryotherapy is quick and most people feel little to no pain, though you may experience mild redness or blistering for a short time afterward.
In this method, heat is applied using a specialised device to remove the skin tag and seal the area at the same time. This technique reduces the risk of bleeding and recurrence.
For larger or multiple skin tags, your consultant may recommend minor surgical excision using sterile scissors or a scalpel under local anaesthetic. The procedure is quick, and any small wound heals naturally over the following days.
Whichever method is used, your consultant will explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. In most cases, the treatment is completed within a single short appointment.
After removal, you may be advised to keep the area clean and avoid irritation for a few days. The treated site typically heals quickly, and at most you can expect a small scar, though for many people there is no scarring.
The cost of skin tag removal at The Blackheath Hospital depends on several factors, including the number of tags being treated, the removal method used, and whether local anaesthetic or laboratory testing (such as biopsy) is required. Before your appointment, you’ll receive a clear and transparent breakdown of costs, so you know exactly what to expect.
If the skin tag needs to be sent for histological analysis (to confirm diagnosis), this will be discussed with you in advance, along with any associated lab fees.
Because skin tag removal is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not usually covered by private medical insurance. However, if a tag is painful, irritated, or prone to bleeding, your insurer may review the case individually.
For self-pay patients, The Blackheath Hospital offers flexible payment options, allowing you to spread the cost of treatment through manageable instalments.
Skin tag removal is a minor procedure. It's typically quick and most people don’t find it painful. Most treatments are performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area to ensure comfort throughout.
If you are having a small tag removed using cryotherapy or cauterisation, you may feel a brief sting or mild burning sensation, but this usually lasts only a few seconds. With surgical excision, the anaesthetic ensures the procedure is painless, although you might feel slight pressure or tugging.
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience mild redness or tenderness in the treated area for a day or two. Your consultant will provide aftercare advice to help minimise any discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.
In most cases, patients are able to return to normal activities immediately after treatment. You should, however, avoid applying perfumed products or makeup to the area until it has fully healed.
If you have several tags removed at once, or if they are in sensitive areas such as the eyelids or groin, your consultant will discuss the most comfortable and effective treatment plan for you.
Patients choose The Blackheath Hospital because of our commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, and high-quality, personalised care. As part of Circle Health Group, we uphold some of the UK’s highest standards in private healthcare.
At our Greenwich location, you’ll benefit from:
Every patient is treated as an individual, with care that’s tailored to your goals and comfort. Whether you’re seeking relief from irritation or simply want smoother, clearer skin, you can trust The Blackheath Hospital to deliver expert results safely and compassionately.
To book a consultation to discuss skin tag removal with a dermatologist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you,
Reception: 020 8318 7722
Mon-Sun: 6:30am-8pm
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