Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Skin tag removal

Removal of small benign skin tags, usually in a single short appointment.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths that commonly appear where skin rubs, such as the neck, armpits, groin and under the breasts.

They are removed when they catch on clothing or jewellery, become irritated, or are cosmetically unwelcome.

Removal is quick. Several tags can usually be treated in the same appointment, and healing takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Before your procedure

Tell the team about anticoagulants, antiplatelets and other medicines. Do not stop prescribed medicine unless instructed.
Mention allergies to local anaesthetic, plasters or antiseptics.
Eat and drink normally.
Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area and does not rub against it.
Do not apply creams, oils or deodorant to the area on the day.

What happens on the day

The area is cleaned. Local anaesthetic may be used depending on the size and number of tags.
Each tag is removed at its base. Small dressings are applied where needed.
The appointment is short and you go home immediately afterwards.
Larger tags may be sent for laboratory analysis; your clinician will tell you if so.

Aftercare

Pain

Minimal. Any stinging usually settles within a few hours.

Appearance

Small scabs form at each site and separate on their own over 1 to 2 weeks. Do not pick them.

Dressings

Keep any dressings dry for 24 hours, then leave the sites open to the air where practical.

Bathing

Keep dry for 24 hours, then shower and pat dry.

Clothing

Avoid tight collars, straps or waistbands that rub the treated sites for a few days.

Deodorant and cosmetics

Avoid deodorant, perfume and make-up over treated sites until the scabs have separated.

Exercise

Avoid heavy sweating and swimming for about a week.

Work and driving

No restriction for most people.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
When	What to expect
First 24 hours	Minor stinging settles. Small scabs form.
Days 2 to 7	Scabs dry and begin to lift. Do not pick.
Days 7 to 14	Scabs separate, leaving pink marks.
Weeks 2 to 12	Pink marks fade. Some sites leave no visible mark at all.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure
Feeling generally unwell with a high temperature or shivering

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

Spreading redness around a treated site
Increasing pain, swelling or heat after 48 hours
Pus or offensive discharge
A treated site that has not healed after 3 weeks

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Do skin tags grow back?

The treated tag does not return, but new tags can develop nearby, particularly in areas of friction.

How many can be removed at once?

Several can usually be treated in one appointment. Your clinician will advise based on size and location.

Will it scar?

Most sites heal with little or no visible mark, though this varies with skin type and tag size.

Is anaesthetic always needed?

Not always. Very small tags can often be removed without it.

More information

Clinical reviewer: Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date: 21 July 2026
Review by: 21 July 2027
Version: 1.0