Private skin tag removal in Lincoln

Private skin tag removal at Lincoln Private Hospital

Skin tags are very common and typically harmless, but they can become irritated, uncomfortable, or affect your confidence. If you are considering skin tag removal, private treatment might be for you. Private skin tag removal provides a quick and reliable way to address skin tags without long waiting times.

At Lincoln Private Hospital, skin tag removal is carried out by highly experienced consultant dermatologists, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care. Each treatment is tailored to your needs, with a focus on comfort and effective results.

Whether your skin tags are catching on clothing, becoming inflamed, or simply unwanted, private treatment allows you to resolve the issue efficiently and discreetly.

Your treatment is delivered by experienced consultant dermatologists who are highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of skin tags.

From your initial assessment through to your aftercare, your treatment is handled with precision and care, ensuring the highest standards of safety and patient comfort.

What is a skin tag?

A skin tag is a small, benign growth that appears on the surface of the skin. They are typically soft and may be flesh-coloured or slightly darker than the surrounding area.

They commonly develop in places where skin rubs together, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin. Skin tags can vary in size and may hang from the skin on a thin stalk or sit more closely against it.

Although they are not medically harmful, they can become irritated or bleed if frequently rubbed, which is why many people choose to have them removed.

What causes a skin tag?

Skin tags most commonly develop because of repeated friction on your skin. When areas of skin rub against each other or against clothing, it can stimulate the overgrowth of skin cells and collagen, leading to the formation of a small, soft growth. This is why skin tags are more likely to appear in natural skin folds or areas of movement.

They are frequently found on your neck, under your arms, in the groin area, beneath the breasts, or on your eyelids – places where moisture and friction are more common. While anyone can develop skin tags, certain factors may increase the likelihood.

Age is one contributing factor, as skin changes over time and becomes more prone to small growths. Genetics can also play a role, meaning some people are naturally more predisposed to developing them.

How much does private skin tag removal cost at Lincoln Private Hospital?

The cost of skin tag removal will depend on various factors, including the size, number and location of your skin tags, which method of removal is recommended, and which consultant you choose. 

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.

Your initial consultation with a dermatologist

Your appointment will begin with a thorough consultation with your dermatologist, who will carefully assess your skin tag and discuss your concerns. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, they will explain the most suitable removal option based on its size, location, and characteristics.

If required, a local anaesthetic may be used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. This numbs the area being treated so you should not feel pain while the skin tag is removed.

The removal itself is typically very quick, often taking only a few minutes for each skin tag. After the procedure, a small dressing may be applied to protect the area if necessary.

You will be given clear aftercare instructions, including how to care for the treated area and what to expect during healing. In most cases, you can return to your usual activities straight after your appointment.

What methods are used for skin tag removal?

A range of safe and clinically approved techniques can be used to remove skin tags. The most appropriate method will depend on factors such as the size, location, and number of skin tags being treated.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy removes skin tags by applying a controlled freezing treatment to the tissue. This causes the skin tag to gradually dry out and detach over time.

In many cases, smaller skin tags can be treated in a single session, while larger or more persistent ones may require a second treatment. If follow-up is needed, sessions are usually spaced a few weeks apart to allow the area to heal properly between treatments.

Excision

Excision involves removing the skin tag using sterile surgical instruments. Before the procedure, the area is numbed with a local anaesthetic to ensure comfort.

The skin tag is then carefully cut away using fine scissors or a scalpel. This method provides immediate removal and is often a permanent solution. There may be slight bleeding at the time and, in some cases, a small scar or temporary change in skin colour as the area heals.

Cauterisation

Cauterisation, also known as electrocautery, uses a small, heated device to remove the skin tag. The heat effectively seals blood vessels as the tag is removed, which helps minimise bleeding and reduces the risk of infection.

The procedure is quick and typically carried out under local anaesthetic. After treatment, a small scab may form, which usually heals within a couple of weeks.

Your specialist will advise on the most suitable technique based on your individual case, ensuring the treatment is both safe and effective.

Does it hurt to have a skin tag removed?

Skin tag removal is generally a quick and well-tolerated procedure. The level of discomfort can vary slightly depending on the method used and the size or position of the skin tag.

You may feel a brief sensation such as light pressure or mild stinging during treatment, but this is usually short-lived. If a local anaesthetic is used, the area will be numbed to minimise any discomfort.

After the procedure, the treated area may feel slightly sensitive for a short period, but this typically settles quickly without the need for additional pain relief.

Getting a biopsy of your skin tag

Your consultant dermatologist may recommend a biopsy if your skin tag looks unusual (such as having irregular colour, rapid growth, bleeding, or an atypical shape), because these features can sometimes be a sign of skin cancer. 

A biopsy helps confirm that the growth is benign.

During the procedure, the area is first cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain. Your consultant then removes all or part of the skin tag using a small surgical blade, scissors, or another technique, depending on its size and location. 

The sample is sent to a laboratory where it is examined by a specialist under a microscope. Afterward, you might have a small wound that is covered with a dressing. It usually heals quickly with minimal care

Skin tags vs cancerous growths

A skin tag and a cancerous skin growth can sometimes look similar at first, but their appearance is usually quite different on closer inspection. Skin tags are typically small, soft, and smooth, often hanging from the skin on a thin stalk. They are usually uniform in colour (flesh-toned or slightly darker) and have a consistent shape and texture.

In contrast, a cancerous growth such as skin cancer often appears irregular in shape, with uneven or poorly defined borders. 

The colour may vary across the lesion, including shades of brown, black, red, or even multiple tones within the same area. The surface can be rough, scaly, crusted, or ulcerated, rather than smooth.

Unlike the soft and mobile nature of a skin tag, cancerous growths may appear firmer, flatter, or raised in an uneven way, and can change in size, shape, or colour over time.

Why choose us?

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule
• Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end 
• Transparent, fixed-price packages with aftercare included 
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care

Going private for healthcare provides faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care. 

How to book skin tag removal in Lincoln

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.