Gone in 1 to 2 treatments
Safe & effective treatment for skin tags
Fast recovery
Prices from £100 per treatment
Skin tags are small growths that hang off your skin. They're harmless, but can be removed if they're bothering you.
They are usually found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, or under the breasts. They can also grow on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks.
Skin tags are very common and many people have one or two. If you have lots of them it might be a sign of insulin resistance or Type II Diabetes, so they might be a sign to review your lifestyle choices and get a checkup from your GP.
They are treated in many different ways, but we like to use a laser. This non-invasive approach uses a thermal pulse of infrared energy to destroy the skin tag’s blood supply. It will then shrivel up and drop off 1 to 7 days later.
There is a little bit of discomfort during treatment, and the area may feel a bit sensitive for a week or so or so, but generally this treatment is well tolerated.
Please note that we are unable to provide treatment to lesions on your eyelid for eye safety reasons.
How long will my skin tag removal take and how much will it cost?
Skin tags normally respond in 1 to 2 treatments. Please see Prices for a guide to costs.
Why is the Highland Laser Clinic approach better than other methods?
We use our pulsed Nd:YAG laser to deliver a thermal pulse of infrared energy that destroys the skin tag’s blood supply. The skin tag will then shrivel up and drop off 1 to 7 days later.
Other common approaches includes using liquid nitrogen to freeze the area to the same effect. We’ve tried these cryo treatments and weren’t particularly impressed by the results. We found it takes repeated treatments to achieve full removal because the thermal effect tends not to penetrate very deeply. We also found that the risk of causing collateral damage to surounding skin was higher due to the messiness of the process.
Skin tags can be simply snipped off with sterile scissors or shaved off with a small blade by a skilled practitioner. This is essentially a minor surgery. Bleeding is likely and some degree of an open wound will be left. Electrosurgical approaches uses an arc of electricity to the same effect.
Home remedies usually involve ligation of the base of the tag using a strong thread or dental floss and might be a solution if you’re very price sensitive.
We are skilled in laser procedures, so of course we think our way is the best. We believe our approach gives the best result while minimising discomfort and risk factors.
Will my skin tags come back again?
Probably not. If you have issues with being overweight or have insulin resistance you may well see new skin tags develop in similar areas, but in the majority of cases removal will be the end of the matter.
Does it hurt?
There is a little discomfort during the procedure. A focal hot pinging sensation may be felt, a little like being snapped with an elastic band. There might be a slight sunburn type of sensation for the rest of the day and some minor discomfort in the area for about a week after treatment.
How long does it take to heal after treatment?
Recovery generally takes 1 to 3 weeks. The treated area will be red and might be a little swollen.
The skin tag will go dark, eventually black, dry and shrivel up, and then drop off. The time scale for this varies and can be anything from the next day to a week later.
There might be some residual pinkness, lightening, darkening or slight textural changes where the skin tag used to attach. This will improve with time and will be much less noticeable than the original skin tag.
Pre Treatment Advice
4 weeks before treatment
• Avoid fake tan/self-tanning products on or near the treatment area.
On the day of treatment
• Wash the area thoroughly.
• Avoid swimming in chlorinated water beforehand.
• Ensure you are well-hydrated and have eaten. Avoid alcohol, hangovers, and working a night shift before treatment.
• If suitable, you may take paracetamol an hour before treatment for discomfort. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and NSAIDs.
• Do not apply any product to the treatment area, including fake tan.
Post Treatment Advice
If any blistering, changes in the colour of your skin, signs of infection or any other unusual side effect occurs during your recovery, contact Highland Laser Clinic immediately to arrange aftercare
First 48 hours
• Aloe vera gel will be applied immediately post-treatment.
• Expect redness, swelling, and darkened skin tags (grey/black). Scabbing may occur.
• Avoid strenuous activity (e.g. gym, sports).
• Wash gently at least once daily and apply Savlon.
• Avoid heat (hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, or direct hot showers).
First Week
• No swimming in chlorinated water
• Mild tenderness may persist.
• Tags will dry, darken, and shrivel before naturally detaching. You may gently twist them to encourage removal.
1 - 2 weeks post treatment
• If tags have not detached after 1 week, take a hot bath to soften them and gently pull them off
In the 4 weeks post treatment
• Repeat treatment should be made 4 weeks after previous treatment if required