What are anal skin tags?
These are small, soft folds of skin that form in the perianal area. They can be single or multiple, and skin-colored or darker. The growths are benign and not dangerous on their own, but they do not disappear by themselves.
Why do anal skin tags appear?
The skin in the perianal area is elastic and stretches during swelling or inflammation, but afterward it does not fully contract. The most common causes of anal skin tags are:
- a history of external hemorrhoids;
- an anal fissure;
- pregnancy and childbirth;
- chronic constipation and excessive straining during bowel movements.
When an anal fissure is also present, the proctologist assesses both conditions together — removing a skin tag without treating the fissure can lead to recurrence. At Helyos Medical Center, vaporization of the anal fissure is performed either on its own or combined with removal of the skin tags.
When is removal of anal skin tags required?
Small skin tags that do not bother the patient do not require treatment. Reasons to see a proctologist include discomfort, itching, difficulty with hygiene, or a pronounced cosmetic defect. The decision on surgery is made after examination by a doctor.
Important! Before removing skin tags, any accompanying condition must be ruled out or treated. If hemorrhoids are present, hemorrhoid removal may be required, otherwise the skin tags may recur.
Methods for removing anal skin tags
Three types of operations are available at Helyos Medical Center. All are performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia, take about 20–40 minutes, and the patient goes home the same day.
- Surgical excision — a radical method for large and multiple skin tags. Recovery takes longer than with other methods.
- Laser removal — used for single, small skin tags. Advantages include minimal bleeding and fast healing.
- Radiowave surgery — the optimal approach for soft skin tags without pronounced scarring. A bloodless method with minimal tissue trauma.
The doctor will select the appropriate method at the consultation based on the size, number, and nature of the growths.
Recovery after the procedure
Rehabilitation after removal of anal skin tags is quick. Most patients return to their normal routine within 1–2 days. In the first week, it is recommended to avoid physical exertion, follow a fiber-rich diet, and maintain thorough hygiene of the surgical area. A follow-up examination with the proctologist is scheduled after 1–2 weeks.
Please note! Doctors in the proctology department at Helyos Medical Center favor minimally invasive surgical methods. For example, treatment of pilonidal cyst of the coccyx here is performed using laser vaporization.
Advantages of treatment at Helyos Medical Center
Proctology operations at Helyos Medical Center are carried out in comfortable conditions by experienced surgeons. A modern operating room, a 24/7 inpatient unit, and an individual rehabilitation program make it possible to go through the entire pathway from consultation to full recovery in one place.
You can find out the price of the procedure and book an appointment by calling +380670000150 or through the online form on the website. The proctologist will confirm how much the surgery costs in your case after the examination.
