Anyone had an anal skin tag removed for comfort or cleanliness?

[Poppy2205]

I feel mortified writing this but I’ve just been debating looking into getting my anal skin tag removed and wanted some advice. I’m 44 very healthy and slim. Had piles after childbirth 22 years ago then had a fissure 2018 and been left with a tag. It’s about 3cm to 5cm oval shape. I have to wash after each bowel movement. My boyfriend doesn’t mind it and we have an amazingsex life. But last few days it’s been on my minds. It just looks so ugly. I have spoke to my gp but they don’t offer removal as it’s classed as cosmetic. Anyone had any stories with a large one? Is it worth it if it’s done for cosmetic and cleanliness issue. I swear it got bigger last few months.

Hi OP, Im just jumping on as in the exact same boat & would love to hear any answers to this too!

Do you mind if you share your experience. I feel so alone on this one. None of my friends have them.

I used to be a colorectal admin and they do class this procedure as cosmetic but there are plenty of surgeons who remove this in the private sector if it’s really bothering you.

Really? I don’t mind saving up and getting them removed. Was wondering how invasive is the treatment? And roughly how much it’ll cost. Any input much appreciated x

It’s a really quick procedure apparently - if you contact your local private hospital they’ll be able to tell you how much it is.
you usually have to pay £200 for an initial consultation they for the procedure itself. If you feel it’s getting bigger tho and you are concerned it’s affecting you ask the GP to refer you nhs and then see what they say as if they get to a certain size they will deal with some of them and you might have to wait a while but would save you the money.

Which part of the country are you in?

Poppy2205 I had one removed but they also removed hemorrhoids/stitched up some bad anal tears at the same time. It was large & the whole area was causing a huge amount of pain, I now have a small skin tag left.

The recovery was fine compared to what I had been dealing with.

I hope that you have some luck!

I’m in Essex. X

Where did you have it done? NHS or privately? X

It was NHS.

Following, as I have 4 anal skin tags (after several bouts of thrombosed haemorrhoids due to IBS) and I’m so fed up of never feeling clean!

https://dermatology.harleystreetmedics.clinic/london/skin-tag-removal?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23541123486&gbraid=0AAAAApanRnjcl0yLqfZky7W90kOp0kbaN&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh-HPBhCIARIsAC0p3cc1Dvhg3FW1qKGU_kyyw4nXgOSVFr9OMFJbmc3aacewds1ThMgyLj4aAt_fEALw_wcB

there are clinics that offer laser removal of skin tags that are really quick and minimal invasion found one in London but there are lots of clinics in the uk.

Thank you. But doesn’t look like the do anal skin tags. Or shall I email them. Seriously if there is anything I can do I would 😢

I feel you. I have to wash every after bowel movement x

I have the same issue after having kids - no pain or other issues, it’s purely cosmetic and not feeling clean after number twos! I mentioned it to a colorectal specialist as was keen to get it removed but he advised against removal if no pain/ bleeding issues, as apparently it can be very painful recovery and obviously an infection risk in that area :(

I don’t have any advice OP but am posting as I also have an anal skin tag. I really hate it but can’t afford to sort it privately

i had the same advice from the nhs specialist. I kinda refuse to belive in this day and age there’s nothing they can do for us. Thank you for sharing.

Obviously I only have myself to go by, but as I said previously, my recovery was fine. Not pain free, but fine, & it was 9 years ago now.

I'm sorry that people are being fobbed off. It's not fair, is it.

I do have a lot of ongoing issues in the general area of 'Down there' & I love it (heavy sarcasm) when a male Dr tells you that 'This is just what happens with childbirth', I always want to say 'I bet you wouldn't be happy if your wife was left with these issues, or accept it as just one of those things'.

Sorry, I'm off on a rant now!

I looked into having this done privately, but was told that the skin tag would soon start growing back again as it functioned a bit like "the pleat of a skirt" during bowel movements. Sorry if that's TMI.

Mine didn't grow back but it wasn't completely removed in the first place, it was like it was 4cm's big to start, & they left 1cm. Maybe that's the difference?

< I know they aren't that big, but they can feel that big, can't they! >

I had one and it was done on the NHS I stressed that it was irritable and catches when passing which it bled, they removed it. No pain no infection , you have to go back and say its uncomfortable, if it were to become infected then I'm sure it cost for antibitics and check ups .Don't give up I didn't.