Most often anal skin tags need no treatment unless causing symptoms.

The principle of management, when indicated, is to remove the skin tag whilst preserving the mucocutaneous margin.
This can be achieved in various ways, like surgical removal using a scalpel, electrosurgery using current, radiofrequency removal, strangulating the base with a band, cryosurgery and laser removal.

Mr Sridhar has expertise in using all of these modalities but favours laser excision (removal) of anal skin tag (LEAST procedure). The advantages of laser over the other approaches are:

• Least invasive and less destructive to surrounding tissues
• Minimal to no bleeding,
• Least pain
• Shortest recovery time
• Maximum patient satisfaction
• Suitable for those on blood thinners (within reasonable treatment range)

Risks associated with laser treatment of anal skin tags are low. Those with concomitant haemorrhoids may notice exacerbation of haemorrhoidal symptoms until the skin tag wound heals. Therefore we advise treatment of piles/haemorrhoids before treating anal skin tags. Anal skin tag removal is not ideal for those with active inflammatory disease.

It is not advisable to treat more than one anal skin tag at the same time. This is to prevent anal stenosis (narrowing). However, in certain conditions, if the tags are far apart, more than one can be removed at the same time. This can be discussed during the consultation. Not more than two will be removed at one sitting.

We do not advise and treat anal skin tags at the same time as the consultation (see and treat). This is to give you sufficient time to understand the options implications and provide you with a “cooling off” period. However, some patients who have had this information and previous knowledge of anal skin tags (or have had previous interventions) waive this privilege and request that they have a “see and treat” session. This option can be discussed at the time of
booking the appointment.

Anal skin tags usually occur due to straining during defaecation. Keeping the stools soft and not straining helps. Reducing weight also helps in preventing skin tag formation. Avoid friction around the anus by keeping the area clean.

• The patients can walk out of the clinic
• Can resume routine work within a couple of hours
• Cannot drive 6 hours after the procedure ( legal requirement)
• Continue laxatives
• Use a Sitz bath ( or your own bath if one is available at home) until the wound heals.
• Take Paracetamol regularly for one week.

Our goal is to ensure your comfort and well-being. If you believe you may have anal skin tags or if you are experiencing any anal discomfort, do not hesitate to contact us.