Anal Skin Tag Removal

Patient Diary

This patient kindly shared their experience of anal skin tag removal, to help others know what to expect.

Diary of my Bottom!

Day 1:

Felt incredibly nervous about the procedure beforehand. However it was no way near as bad as I had imagined. The local anaesthetic injection was a little uncomfortable but didn’t really hurt. I could not feel anything during the procedure and it was over within a few minutes.

I felt a bit numb in the bottom department for a few hours but there was no pain. I had a gauze padding the area and when I checked this a few hours later there had been some bleeding and weeping.

I changed this padding every few hours and found further bleeding and weeping.

Day 2:

Woke up and found there had been a small amount of bleeding overnight but no more than one gauze could absorb.

I went to the toilet for the first time. Worried that this was going to hurt but i was able to go without any pain just felt a bit sore and tender. The wound opened up without any problems although there was a little bit of fresh bleeding.

Throughout the day there was a little more fresh bleeding and weeping. Again no pain just felt a little uncomfortable.

Day 3:

No bleeding overnight just weeping and this continued throughout the day. When I went to the toilet there was a little bit of blood but only when going and nothing afterwards. Again no pain but an uncomfortable feeling. Wouldn’t feel up to riding a bike just yet!

Day 4:

Hardly any weeping overnight so did not require any padding throughout the day. There was a tiny bit of bleeding when I went to the toilet but no pain. However area still feeling tender to touch.

Day 5:

No weeping overnight at all so started to apply Vaseline to the area. There was no blood when using the toilet but still felt tender when going. When just walking around could still feel that I had had the procedure.

Day 6:

Back to work today but felt fine and even went to the gym after work. Avoided the exercise bike but running was fine. No pain but was still aware that it was a little tender. No bleeding or weeping.

Day 7:

Felt much better going to the toilet today and only felt tender when wiping.

Day 8:

Again no tenderness when going to the toilet only when wiping. Area continues to heal well.

Days 9-14:

Very similar to day 8.

Day 15:

Area felt almost completely healed and there was no longer tenderness when wiping.

Day 16:

I would say that I was no longer aware that I had had the procedure and felt completely normal when using the toilet.

Result:

I am completely satisfied with how the procedure went. The fact that there was hardly any pain was an unexpected bonus. I would recommend it to anyone thinking about having it done as I now feel so much more hygienic and have bottom confidence again!

Anal Skin Tag Surgery

Anus skin tag removal also known as sentinel skin tag removal is usually carried out as a surgical procedure.

This is a minor procedure and is carried out using local anaesthetic. Anus skin tag surgery is a relatively simple procedure using a fine scalpel to carefully and thoroughly remove the skin tag. It is key to ensure a neat wound which will heal quickly and leave minimal scarring, as anal skin tags are often the result of trauma caused by haemorrhoids or childbirth.

It can sometimes be carried out at the same appointment as the initial consultation, depending on the size and complexity of the skin tag. This saves the need to book another appointment.

Some wounds might have a small temporary dressing while others may be left open. The doctor will explain exactly what to expect at your consultation so that you have all the facts in advance of any procedure.

Anus Skin Tag Removal Recovery

Given the location of anal skin tags, patients usually expect the recovery process to be worse than it actually is.

The first 24 hours are likely to be the most uncomfortable as the anaesthetic wears off. However, any pain can be managed using standard painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. After the first 24 hours it should feel noticeably better, but continue to take occasional painkillers if necessary.

It is important to allow the best possible healing conditions for your skin tag. Depending on where the skin tag is located, you may be advised to sit in a certain way to avoid putting pressure on any wound for a day or two. This will be explained in the consultation before you decide to go ahead with treatment.

You should avoid strenuous exercise for a week to avoid straining the wound although it is important to stay active and a daily gentle walk is recommended to boost your body’s natural circulation and healing.

Cleanliness is of course paramount in the anal area. Bathe or shower daily and use a mild salt wash around the wound. Keep a healthy diet high in fibre, fruit and veg to avoid any constipation, as any straining in going to the toilet can put strain on the wound.

After the first week, the initial wound should be healing well, but if you have any concerns or queries, please contact Cosmedics’ team and Dr Ross Perry will provide advice.

Anal Skin Tag Removal Aftercare Advice

• Expect the area to be sore or painful for first few days. This does then ease off and is supplemented with medication to ensure recovery is comfortable.
• Patients are free to carry on with most normal activities after a few days in most cases.
• It is best to plan to have a few initial days rest after the procedure and to avoid strenuous exercise for 1-2 weeks.
• Infection is rare as we cover the procedure with antibiotics.

• Going to toilet afterwards can be painful for a few days to 1-2 weeks depending on how large the removed tags are.
• The aftercare package ensures your recovery is comfortable with dietary advice and medication.

We welcome referrals – please see our GP referral form.

Any lesions we feel are too complicated or involve coexisting haemorrhoids or fissures we would refer to our specialist colorectal surgeon who may need to perform any treatment under general rather than local anaesthetic.