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Anal skin tag removal surgery

68 replies

iDontWannaSeeThat · 28/12/2022 16:01

Just recovering at home after my surgery this morning to remove two quite large skin tags. Thought I’d share my journey as I read quite a few horror stories on here beforehand of how painful this surgery can be and despite my consultant trying to warn me off, I was absolutely certain I wanted this done.

I had the surgery under GA at 10am and six hours on I’m not feeling any pain or discomfort, in fact no sensations at all so I’m assuming my local anaesthetic hasn’t worn off yet. I’ve only been for a wee so I’ve yet to discover what a bowel movement will bring. I’m holding off taking any painkillers until I started noticing any discomfort. Will update. So far, absolutely over the moon I had this done and feeling so lucky to have the NHS. Everyone was wonderful and I was so well looked after.

OP posts:
Owyabugger · 28/01/2024 07:58

I wasn't expecting a sick note, he gave it to me after which I was very glad of as I deffo needed to stay at home! And honestly, its no more embarrassing than what you have already been through to get this far, plus bear in mind that these people see hundreds of bums weekly, they won’t even batt an eyelid.

i didnt adapt my diet too much before but possibly should have, first BM wasn’t great fun but keep up the pain meds that take the edge off and you will be fine, also the doc might also give you some stool softener to help you out. Might be worth getting some just in case.

Lauren342 · 28/01/2024 08:26

I was reading easy experiences and praying that I would get it and I’m still so shocked it was painless, I can’t believe how many sleepless nights I had over the worry of it. I didn’t find it embarrassing at all as numerous doctors had seen it. Honestly don’t be embarrassed they see these things everyday! I struggled with conspitation even tho I was doing everything to avoid it which was so frustrating. I’d definitely recommend physlium husk daily with loads of water.

Lauren342 · 05/02/2024 18:38

Hey I’m currently 11 weeks post op. Everything is feeling great however still a couple of small lumps and bumps of swelling. I’m slightly confused as it still looks like I have 2 holes? Has anyone else had this problem? Thought it was just an early on thing but it’s been almost 3 months.

bethy070 · 11/05/2024 11:14

Hi @Lauren342, I had my procedure done at the end of March, so I’m now just over 6 weeks post-op. I had two skin tags removed in that area and I’m experiencing lumps and bumps - I’m so nervous that it’s now other skin tags that has been created due to the surgery. Did the swelling ever go down for you?

bradpittsbathwater · 11/05/2024 11:17

Does this need to be done under ga? I hate going under.

Alittleditsy · 16/06/2024 20:55

Did anyone of you who've had this treatment done have to take antibiotics, either preventatively when you had the operation, or subsequently due to any infection afterwards? I really want to get it done but have to be careful taking antibiotics as I have had C-Diff in the past, and taking them again can trigger it. I know some surgeons give out antibiotics to take in case.

alittlebaffled · 21/11/2024 22:29

Hi all, hoping someone will be around still.

I had a biopsy taken from what we think is an anal skin tag - she said she went quite deep to get a decent sample and didn't stitch it as I suffer keloid scarring. It was agony the day i had it done and although improving, still feels so raw. I'm dreading having it removed completely and trying to understand why I've found it so uncomfortable. It's right next to the back passage so maybe because of where it is?

Anon5260 · 10/12/2025 12:18

@iDontWannaSeeThat @Padfoot20 @Lauren342

Hi all. I know this is a bit of a long shot as this thread hasn’t been posted on for a while, but I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind sharing your recovery timeline and what it was like for you? I saw an ANP about 2 years ago and was dissuaded from having the surgery, however, it’s only gotten more of a problem since then so I’ve asked to be re-referred (been on the waiting list for about 7 months) and I’m a bit nervous as I’ve heard all the horror stories about how bad the recovery is and how long it takes to heal. I love going to the gym, lifting weights, running and just generally keeping active so I’m wondering how long I’d have to take off from these kinds of activities based on your experiences?

iDontWannaSeeThat · 10/12/2025 16:14

Anon5260 · 10/12/2025 12:18

@iDontWannaSeeThat @Padfoot20 @Lauren342

Hi all. I know this is a bit of a long shot as this thread hasn’t been posted on for a while, but I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind sharing your recovery timeline and what it was like for you? I saw an ANP about 2 years ago and was dissuaded from having the surgery, however, it’s only gotten more of a problem since then so I’ve asked to be re-referred (been on the waiting list for about 7 months) and I’m a bit nervous as I’ve heard all the horror stories about how bad the recovery is and how long it takes to heal. I love going to the gym, lifting weights, running and just generally keeping active so I’m wondering how long I’d have to take off from these kinds of activities based on your experiences?

Hi there, I don't think it took long at all. I was terrified beforehand but was so surprised how easily and quickly I healed. I exercise five times a week and I don't have a memory of having to take much, if any, time off. All the best with it!

OP posts:
iDontWannaSeeThat · 10/12/2025 16:21

Anon5260 · 10/12/2025 12:18

@iDontWannaSeeThat @Padfoot20 @Lauren342

Hi all. I know this is a bit of a long shot as this thread hasn’t been posted on for a while, but I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind sharing your recovery timeline and what it was like for you? I saw an ANP about 2 years ago and was dissuaded from having the surgery, however, it’s only gotten more of a problem since then so I’ve asked to be re-referred (been on the waiting list for about 7 months) and I’m a bit nervous as I’ve heard all the horror stories about how bad the recovery is and how long it takes to heal. I love going to the gym, lifting weights, running and just generally keeping active so I’m wondering how long I’d have to take off from these kinds of activities based on your experiences?

@Anon5260 Recovery was minimal for me. I was back to doing yoga the next day.

OP posts:
Anon5260 · 10/12/2025 19:48

iDontWannaSeeThat · 10/12/2025 16:14

Hi there, I don't think it took long at all. I was terrified beforehand but was so surprised how easily and quickly I healed. I exercise five times a week and I don't have a memory of having to take much, if any, time off. All the best with it!

That’s awesome. You’ve convinced me! Some of the stories I’ve heard on here and from the ANP almost scared me off and led to me delaying the procedure for 2 years. I like to lift heavy weight in the gym (squats, deadlifts etc.) and the thought of having to take 2 months off to recover really scared me. But you have provided me with a lot of reassurance.

mrssunshinexxx · 11/12/2025 06:45

@iDontWannaSeeThat I had mine done in April I’ve got a high pain threshold 3 emergency sections , bad car crash lots of broken bones but I found this hurt aLOT when I first woke it was agony, worse part is it didn’t work doesn’t look any different and still have flare ups so gutted ! I hope you have a better outcome

Anon5260 · 11/12/2025 09:00

iDontWannaSeeThat · 10/12/2025 16:14

Hi there, I don't think it took long at all. I was terrified beforehand but was so surprised how easily and quickly I healed. I exercise five times a week and I don't have a memory of having to take much, if any, time off. All the best with it!

Hi again. Sorry to keep bothering you. I was also wondering how long you had to wait to get this procedure on the NHS?

iDontWannaSeeThat · 11/12/2025 12:08

Anon5260 · 11/12/2025 09:00

Hi again. Sorry to keep bothering you. I was also wondering how long you had to wait to get this procedure on the NHS?

@Anon5260 I think it was about a year.

OP posts:
Anon5260 · 11/12/2025 14:10

iDontWannaSeeThat · 11/12/2025 12:08

@Anon5260 I think it was about a year.

Damn it! 😆 Not sure I can wait that long, mine always catches when I wipe/clean it. For a couple of months now, I’ve had this cut right next to it that doesn’t seem to heal because I’m constantly catching the tag and pulling on it during wiping and it really stings. TMI, sorry!

Anon5260 · 15/12/2025 10:09

bradpittsbathwater · 11/05/2024 11:17

Does this need to be done under ga? I hate going under.

@bradpittsbathwater Hi there, did you get the surgery in the end? If so, how was it?

Anon5260 · 15/12/2025 10:11

mrssunshinexxx · 26/01/2024 08:25

Anyone recently had this done ? Got my consultation letter through this morn and freaking about it as not currently causing me pain so forgetting how bad it can get

.

BB1902 · 27/01/2026 09:56

I have just contacted my GP Surgery to get the ball rolling. Can anyone who has had this done let me know what I need to get to aid recovery please? Do I need to sit on a rubber ring? 😄

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