Skin Tag Removal

What is a skin tag?

A skin tag (also called an acrochordon, cutaneous tag or “flesh tag”) is a small, soft growth that hangs from the skin on a narrow stalk. They are extremely common, almost always harmless, and tend to appear where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Skin tags are not contagious and are not a sign of a serious health problem — but many people choose to have them removed because they catch on jewellery or clothing, become sore, or because of how they look.

What causes skin tags?

Skin tags are thought to form where skin repeatedly rubs together. They become more common with age, and are more likely if you are pregnant, carrying extra weight, or have type 2 diabetes.

• Friction from skin folds, collars, jewellery or waistbands
• Being over 40 — skin tags become more common with age
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes
• Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
• A family history of skin tags

Where skin tags commonly appear

• Neck — the most common site, often irritated by collars and necklaces
• Underarms and armpits
• Eyelids and around the eyes (removed with particular care)
• Groin and inner thighs
• Under the breasts
• Torso, back and abdomen

Should a skin tag be removed?

Skin tags do not need to be removed for medical reasons and rarely disappear on their own. Removal is usually a personal choice — worth considering if a tag is catching and bleeding, becoming sore, growing or changing, or affecting your confidence. Important: if a skin lesion is changing in size, shape or colour, bleeding without being caught, or you are unsure whether it is a skin tag at all, please have it assessed by a clinician rather than assuming.

How skin tag removal works at our Lurgan clinic

Your consultation

• A clinician examines the skin tag and confirms it is a skin tag
• You discuss how many are being removed, and where
• We explain the method and healing, and give you a clear price before you commit

The procedure

• Carried out under local anaesthetic so the area is numb
• Most single skin tags take only a few minutes
• Several tags can often be removed in the same appointment
• Tissue is sent for histology if there is any clinical reason to check it

Aftercare and healing

• A small dressing is applied and simple aftercare advice given
• Most people return to normal activities the same day
• Healing is usually quick, with minimal marking on small tags

Skin tag removal cost

Pricing depends on how many skin tags are being removed and where they are on the body, so we confirm the cost at your consultation before anything goes ahead. Removing several tags in one appointment is usually more cost-effective than separate visits. Prices are for guidance only and may vary depending on the procedure recommended by your consultant.

Where to find us — Lurgan, Limavady & L/Derry

Minor surgical procedures are carried out at Friends Medical Services, Southside Healthcare, 41 High Street, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 8AH, with further clinics in Limavady (Bovally Medical, Edenmore Road, BT49 0TE) and L/Derry (Quayside Medical, 82–84 Strand Road, BT48 7NN). Patients travel to us from across Craigavon, Portadown, Banbridge, Armagh, Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland area, and we welcome cross-border patients from the Republic of Ireland.

Why choose Friends Medical Services

• Procedures carried out by experienced clinicians, not technicians
• No long waiting lists — appointments usually available quickly
• Clear, up-front pricing agreed before your procedure
• ISO 9001, 14001 and 27001 accredited (Lurgan site)
• Rated 4.96 out of 5 by verified patients on Doctify