Anal skin tag surgery. Frightened. Any experience?

[Minime85]

I'm due to have a large skin tag removed in October. It has been making me miserable for about a year. When it's swollen it feels like I'm sitting on a golf ball! It's large enough to pull the inside out sorry TMI. It's more worse than it isn't if that makes sense. But the surgeon told me how bad the recovery is and I'm really worried about it being so painful afterwards and maybe creating other problems. I already suffer with IBS so last thing I need is to make things worse. Has anyone had this op done? Thank you

@N172C Just thought I'd share my experience to put you at ease! I had similar procedure done a few years back - 2 skin tags from leftover haemorrhoids after having DS. They also did the THD procedure where they stitch the blood vessel to the haemorrhoid, cutting off further blood supply. I paid for private consultation where he referred me to have surgery on NHS, still with him. Previously an NHS consultation said this was classed as cosmetic. I don't see how something that used to swell up and cause me pain and discomfort can be classed as cosmetic! And this other surgeon agreed! (By the way I had put up with this for 10 years or so)

Anyway recovery was a bit painful off and on over a good few months. The first poo was horrendous but after that I could cope. The sitz bath is a must! The pain was internal for me probably due to the stitch. It just used to happen after a poo. Also sitting at a desk was uncomfortable.

However I can honestly say it was the best thing to do and so worth it. I have a normal bum! It has never got inflamed or sore since. The surgeon said it was wise to address it sooner rather than later as it would get worse in older age.

Anyone who is told this is cosmetic needs to get a second opinion and also stress how it affects your quality of life, don't let them fob you off!

@crystalize Thank you for your reply. Hopefully things will get better for me soon. The process seems slow but is improving. The pain is reducing slowly, think I just need to be patient. Pleased you are glad you had yours done and it was better in the end. Poos are still a bit uncomfortable and cause a bit of bleeding 2 weeks on but hopefully this will also improve soon.

@Minime85

Can I ask if people had it done under local or general? I'm having to have a general and no stitches. I've rung a private clinic who do it under local and do stitch. I'm so confused.

I think a general and no stitches is preferable to local with stitch.

You'll feel quite mellow for a while afterwards because of the anaesthetic.

I'm so sorry you have to go through this but want to reassure you, you will be fine quite soon.

I thought I would post an update in case this may be useful to someone. Today I am 3 weeks post surgery and things have improved for me quite a bit. In no particular order - working has been easier, sitting was a bit uncomfortable but not as painful as last week. I have reduced my pain killers, today I took 2 paracetamol, last week I was still taking paracetamol and ibuprofen regularly every day. The smell has gone. The area felt tight at the start of this week but doesn't really now. I have been out of the house! I did the school run 3 days (Ok I used the car but there was a short walk at the end) and i had a check up at the dentist. Last week I couldn't face going out. It stings now when I go to the toilet and still bleeds a tiny bit. This is the worst thing for me now and makes me nervous to go. However, it doesn't feel sore for hours after like last week. Hopefully that will improve in the coming week. I think I would still have struggled to actually go to work this week as I am still using the sitz bath during the day. Thank goodness for lockdown! I still wash after each poo and before going to bed and also have a soak in the bath each afternoon. I think the lump has reduced, not going to look yet in case it doesn't look quite as good as it feels. I am still having 5ml of lactulose after breakfast and will carry on until I feel more healed. I am also still obsessed with the amount of fruit and veg and liquid I consume. This week i have felt a bit itchy and a couple of times felt like i had something sharp in my bum, that was new this week. An odd antihistamine helped with the itching. Overall though I have made good progress. I don't mean to scare anyone with my experience, I just want to be helpful. I think it is better to think it might take a few weeks to recover and if it takes less then you are pleasantly surprised. I was under the impression that I would need a couple of days off work and OTC painkillers for 2 or 3 days. This made me feel very upset when I didn't feel much better after 2 weeks. If anyone has any questions I will try to help. I will post another update next week in case anyone is interested.

Sorry long post!!!!I thought I would do a wee update as this forum helped me before my surgery. I was so extremely nervous for surgery. Had a large anal tag removed about the size of a kidney bean! I got a general anesthetic and they also injected the area with 30 mls of local anesthetic! My first day after surgery I was sore but I could cope with just regular paracetamol and ibuprofen. I was horrified when I looked at it, my butt looked inside out!! Obviously just all the swelling but I wish I hadn't looked!!! Luckily it went back to more normal looking by day 3.I read on this you should start taking stool softners before surgery I would absolutely agree as I didn't, and I didn't actually go to the toilet until 3 days after my surgery and it wasn't Easy! I think anesthetic mucks everything up. I kept a diet of lots of veg and fruit and tonnes of water!! First bowel movement was quite sore but not excruciating and I had a tiny bit of bleeding but I had a warm salty bath ready to jump into. The pain did linger on for about 4 or 5 hours which made me feel a but sorry for myself. People on this talk about a horrible smell u get with it and it is gross, I think that is just the healing process. I got a fluid that would weep from it so just made sure I kept it clean. I am now 10 days post op and I'd say I'm nearly back to normal I only get pain when doing the toilet and it is quite intense for about 20 seconds then it dies down and doesn't linger on for hours like it did in the first week . I also don't have any bleeding and havnt done since day 3! I think that depends though on the position of the tag and where the incision site is.I dont have the smell as much now and the weeping has died right down too. I stopped paracetamol after a week but still take some ibuprofen for swelling which there is still a wee bit and more noticeable after a bm. I am so glad I did it!! I would also say if u have ever suffered from a fissure, this is not nearly as painful as a fissure, I had a chronic fissure and the pain was horrendous, I actually nearly passed out with the pain. So in my experience the tag removal defo not as bad! 10 days on I still soak after a bowel movement and soak in the morning n evening. I still take one sachet of laxido every morning and I've reduced my lactulose from 15mls twice a day to 10 mls once a day and will continue to do so until I no longer have any pain going to the loo. I am also still on a fruit and veg diet with tonnes of water. Like I've read from others defo take longer off work than a couple of days, I'd say for me 10 days to 2 weeks!!! I hope this helps someone n puts you at ease a wee bit. I know how nerve wracking it is and there are a lot of horror stories out there.

I said I would post an update in a week, yesterday was 4 weeks after my op. Not much to report really, still making slow progress. Maybe I am a bit unlucky compared with some people. Still stings when I go to the toilet but not quite as intense as it was. Mostly it doesn't bleed but sometimes it does a bit. Still a bit sore during the day so take an odd couple of pain killers most days. Just seems to be taking rather a long time for me, I guess everyone is different. I hope this is useful to someone in future if they are in a similar position wondering whether they should be fully healed by this time.

Hi all, I’m a 21 female who can relate to this very well. For years I’ve suffered with bowel movements and have an extensive family history of bowel issues. When I was really young I suffered with a long bout of severe constipation, constantly straining but I didn’t know any different. I’ve been aware of my bowel issues for years and recently coming to terms with the fact I’m pretty sure I have anal skin tags left over from either fissures or piles. I’ve tried anusol but it doesn’t seem to be doing anything. It looks really hideous and not only that seems to be irritated when I wipe and I feel constantly unclean. Having to use wet wipes all of the time and go around from every angle to get clean. I can’t cope with having many bowel movements at once because it bleeds, I may also have a fissure that seems to reopen from the skin tag I’m not sure? A few month ago I remember I experienced a large amount of blood from it and was close to calling 111. It bleeds on and off and I can’t cope with many movements a day. The skin tags have also affected me mentally for years. I still haven’t had intercourse and avoided relationships at all cost because of my embarrassment and insecurity. I’ve recently found someone I’m really trying with but it’s affecting my confidence to be with them and I cannot explain the mental impact it has had on me. I’m finally trying to muster up the courage to go to the GP and get it checked out but I’m worried if I get turned away by the NHS like I read others have if it is surgery I need which I believe would be? I wouldn’t mind going private as this is something I’m coming to terms with that I need to get sorted as I’m suffering and my quality of life has really been poor. But I suppose seeing an NHS gp would be better first to get a diagnosis, I’m going to try book an appointment soon with a GP. Anyone want to share their experiences? I’m also scared from some of the posts in here... did everyone’s bottom manage to go back to look normal and did it become better? Any advice would be hugely appreciated. I’ve let this issue affect my life and confidence for so long that I’m really over it and need to sort it out ASAP. Also if I did get offered treatment from the NHS, I’m wondering would it be quicker and easier to go private in terms of Covid and waiting times?

@AnonymousX7 aw I'm so sorry you are going through this when so young it's just awful and you feel like your on your own. You are not! Defo go to your gp and tell them ur concerns, it's the first step thats the hardest! Don't be embarrassed they see it all the time and our problem is actually very common but nobody talks about it! This thread really helped me get through my surgery and recovery as I still speak to one of the lady's on here. In my opinion the op is definitely worth it!! I was the same as u with cleaning after the loo always feeling unclean and confidence and intercourse. I was so embarrassed of this tag that was huge, I felt gross and I had I had to have thr lights turned off because I just couldn't bear the thought of him seeing it!! I am now 4 weeks post surgery and I look pretty much back to normal , I have had a bit of set back with healing but I think that was due to diet or not balancing my laxatives correctly. If u keep well hydrated, eat lots of fruit and veg and keep ur wound clean u should recover well. I would say it takes longer than they make out, but again going through how it's making you feel just now, it's totally worth it. I would maybe start with ur Gp and they may know how long referral would take, before going private. Do you still have active fissures? If u do I think you would get it all on NHS .x

@AnonymousX7 I agree with @H226. You should go to see your gp. It is not easy the thought of showing someone your bottom but once you are there it is not as bad as you think. It is only a bum, they are not bothered. It is 6 weeks today since I had the surgery to remove 2 skin tags. Some people seem to recover quicker than others. It has been quite slow for me. Not there yet but going to the toilet is less painful now. If you do decide to have surgery just be prepared to take a couple of weeks off work I would say and eat lots of fruit, veg and drink plenty. I would also suggest taking lactulose until you feel healed. You may find that going private gets your surgery done quicker if you are prepared to pay. I am still getting some soreness but my bum is better than before the surgery. I think I still have some healing time to go yet. Bear in mind that the doctors don't seem to tell you what to expect after surgery so if you go down that route and have any questions you can just ask in here. I check in regularly with @H226 it helps to have someone to compare notes with. I am happy to help if I can.

@H226 @N172C Thank you both so much for your quick responses! I definitely think reading through this thread has made me realise I am not alone. I’m quite lucky that I just started an apprenticeship where I am able to work from home so if I did have the op I would be able to stay at home easier but I’d definitely consider booking time off work. I’m not too sure whether I have an active fissure I know I believed I did a few months ago when I started bleeding quite a bit and saw like a tear/cut but I believe it’s healing as I’m being extremely cautious when going to the bathroom and have been applying creams regularly now. Without sounding too TMI and gross, I believe I have two tags a larger one and smaller one. The larger one is lower down closer to my front parts if that makes sense. So when I’m wiping I’m constantly irritating that which seems to cause bleeding sometimes. I’m lucky to have less financial commitments and have saved money from work so I believe I may have enough to pay private, I’ve seen some clinics do it the same consultation! Which I couldn’t believe. I think for now I’m best going to my local GP to get a proper diagnosis and going from there. I’ve suffered too long with this, I don’t even think I’d tell the guy I’m dating if I had it happen. The sad thing is, I really like him but I don’t think I could muster courage to tell him so I’d have to make him wait but I suppose if he likes me he would wait even if I didn’t tell him why? Too many people my age are extremely ignorant to the health issues that aren’t spoken about often which cause people to be insecure. I’m so grateful for both of your responses and I just hope I’m able to get them removed and eventually have a normal looking bottom which I can wipe without struggle! I genuinely believe if I did have them removed and it went well, my quality of life and confidence would be unbelievably better. I’m extremely active too and like to play sports which is another worry because I don’t know when or if I’d be able to go back to playing too. Thank you both so much for the advice and I hope your bottoms are healing well and looking lovely!!

Aw we have both been there so your welcome to message any time!! Be glad to help if I can. That's definitely a positive that you can stay at home!! Aw ok well ye indefo think that's the best to go get a proper diagnosis and go from there! Ye I know what you mean by the tag being nearer the front, mine was attached to the bottom of the perineum! Ye if you don't feel comfortable telling him, don't. Aw I know and these things are so common too! Yeah it's such a difference being able to wipe properly! It's so worth it! In regards to sports I'd defo give that a miss untill you are healed properly as it could set you back. After about 2 weeks I went for a 5k walk and after it I noticed alot more fluid leaking so I think I done too much too quickly! Let us know how u get on. Feel free to message too if u have any questions x

@AnonymousX7 don't worry about the amount of information, I don't think anyone on here is bothered. You think you are the only one with problems as it is not something that people talk about but it is apparently quite common. I can understand you not wanting to tell the guy you are seeing. It is not easy to drop into conversation! It is good that you can work from home if you need to, that has helped me. Check back any time if you need advice x

Hello!!!!

Definitely go and see your GP. Request a lady one if you prefer. And honestly, they see so many bums every day. I've now become very used to people looking at my bum! 😂

The NHS should cover it, as long as it's not considered purely cosmetic. From what you've described, your problem isn't cosmetic. Similar to me actually! I had trouble keeping clean and everything would get irritated. Plus I also had the bit from the perineum and two months on, I honestly cannot believe how much better it looks. In fact, I LOVE MY NEW BUMHOLE SO MUCH!!!

Let us know how you get on and if we can help! Good luck! xx

@NoodlesMcDoodles haha! I love ur enthusiasm over your new bum! How long did u take to heal would you say?x

@H226 @N172C @NoodlesMcDoodles thank you all for your advice. Going to ring up Tuesday and try get an appointment. I’m extremely scared for the recovery but I don’t think I’m well off now anyways with my bottom so it’s bound to be worth it in the end. Noodles, my larger tag is in the same area and obviously cosmetic is a big deal for me but it’s also awful when it flares up and the bleeding as well as cleanup takes so long. Can I ask how long the procedure took and did they do it under local and just cut it off? I know there are different methods but to be honest, I JUST WANT THEM GONE and a better quality of life! Hoping it happens sooner than later.

@AnonymousX7 I had a general. The op took about 20 mins apparently although I was in the hospital for a few hours from start to being released. I was scared of the recovery too. Although it is not easy at times I think if you have an idea what to expect then you can deal with it better. Don't believe them if they tell you you have a day or two off work. Expect it to be a bit slow and then you are less likely to think you are not getting better. You can get through it and a bit of support helps. I am happy for you to private message me too if you want to x

@AnonymousX7 I also had general n was 10 mins. I was scared of recovery too but @N172C helped me with messages of support! If u have had a fissure in my opinion the pain of this surgery isn't as bad as a fissure. I also agree it takes longer than they make out. I'm the same feel free to private message if u want, having someone who has been thru it to talk to too really helped me xx

I recently discovered I have small anal skin tag. Doctor told me I don't have to have it removed if I don't have any symptoms. When I discovered this skin tag I wasn't really bothered but right now I want to have it removed. I have couple questions. Is drinking alcohol forbiden after surgery? Have any of you drank alcohol after surgery? Please share your experience. I'm young female and I'm kind of concerned that after surgery I won't be able to drink alcohol for long period of time like months. I'm asking as young person and I just want to have fun with my friends :)

@Gabby555 I wasn't told not to have alcohol but I haven't felt like having any yet (6 weeks after op). I am so concerned about constipation I don't want to take any chances so have just been drinking plenty of water, squash, herbal teas and the odd cup of normal tea and coffee. I think if you feel fine and want alcohol then that's up to you.

@Gabby555
It's not forbidden but trust me after it u don't want to be out drinking with ur mates for a while, n this is coming from someone who likes a drink. U want to be keeping hydrated as much as possible in the first few weeks. I'd make sure you researched into it as much as possible before doing it and are serious about it and realising that your social life may need to take a back step untill you are healed, otherwise u could compromise your healing. X

@Gabby555 I agree with H226, it is not a quick fix operation. Your recovery may be fairly quick but you need to prepare for it possibly taking quite a while. Personally if the tag isn't bothering you and is only small I would leave it alone. Obviously if you would rather have it removed do so but just make sure you have an idea of what the recovery might be like.

@H226 @N172C Thank you so much for quick responses! It means a lot to me. I'm definetly not going to drink alcohol at least 2 months after surgery, but I'm worried what comes after this 2 months. My skin tag isn't big but I want to remove it because I don't want it to grow and I thing this summer is my only oportunity to remove it (next years I'm not going to have time for recovery). I'm only 20 years old and it is really bothering me.

@Gabby555 ah ok well I am only nearly 5 weeks post op so can't help you yet on what it's like after two months. Ye go for it then if you feel the time is right. Mine started off small and grew huge within a year but that was due to a chronic fissure so if u don't have that it might grow at a slower rate or it might not grow at all I don't know. Good luck with ur decision. Here if you want to ask any questions. X

Hi all, me again. Just curious, has anyone found before surgery that any creams seemed to shrink their skin tag? I’m currently using anusol regularly for the past few weeks and I’m not sure whether I’m going insane but I’ve noticed a slight change in the size of my tags. Not huge but I feel there is a difference. I’ve only bought the cream from the chemist but still plan to go to a gp and get a proper diagnosis. Did anyone’s doctor prescribe stronger creams for them to try before surgery or recommend anything that helped? Thanks.

@AnonymousX7 I didn't have anything recommended to shrink the tags but I did have some steroid creams prescribed to see if they stopped the tearing of the skin. They worked to a limited extent and I eventually saw a dermatologist who thought that I would be better with the tags removed and so referred me to a surgeon. Perhaps if yours are a bit inflamed the anusol will help but I am no expert xx