Conditions › Acrochordons
Acrochordons Skin Tag Removal in London
Acrochordons, commonly known as skin tags, are benign soft growths that often develop in skin folds such as the neck, underarms, groin, eyelids and beneath the breasts. At Skinhorizon Clinic in Maida Vale, we confirm the diagnosis and offer safe removal where appropriate.
Reviewed by Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist. CQC-registered clinic
Private dermatology care in Maida Vale, London. Safe diagnosis first
Distinguish skin tags from warts, moles and other lesions. Central London access
Convenient for St John’s Wood, Paddington and West London.
What are acrochordons?
Acrochordons are common benign skin tags made of loose collagen, small blood vessels and skin tissue. They are not cancerous, but they can catch on clothing, bleed, become irritated or cause cosmetic concern. Removal is usually optional, but diagnosis should be confirmed before treatment.
Skin tags at a glance
| What are Acrochordons? | Benign, soft skin growths composed of loose collagen and blood vessels, commonly forming in areas of friction or skin folds. |
|---|---|
| Common locations of Acrochordons | Neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, under the breasts, inner thighs and waistband areas. |
| Who gets Acrochordons? | Adults of all ages. They are more common with friction, weight changes, insulin resistance, pregnancy and family tendency. |
| Are Acrochordons dangerous? | No. Skin tags are benign, but lesions that change, bleed or look atypical should be assessed. |
| Treatment options of Acrochordons | Medical assessment followed by safe removal using snip excision, cautery or another appropriate technique where indicated. |
| Appointments | 7 days a week (subject to availability). |
Understanding skin tags
Acrochordons are soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker skin growths. They may be smooth or wrinkled and can be flat or attached by a thin stalk.
They are extremely common and usually increase with age. Many people seek assessment because skin tags catch on jewellery or clothing, bleed with trauma, interfere with shaving or appear in visible areas such as the neck, eyelids or face.
Why do skin tags develop?
Friction
Skin tags often develop in areas where skin rubs against skin, clothing, collars or jewellery.
Skin folds
Neck folds, underarms, groin and under-breast areas are common because they are exposed to moisture and friction.
Metabolic factors
Skin tags can be more common in people with insulin resistance, weight changes or a family tendency.
Pregnancy and hormones
Some people develop more skin tags during pregnancy or hormonal change. These are usually benign but may be treated if bothersome after assessment.
Concerned about a skin tag?
A consultant dermatologist can confirm whether the lesion is a skin tag and advise whether removal is appropriate.
When should skin tags be checked?
Assessment is recommended if a lesion bleeds repeatedly, becomes painful, changes colour, grows quickly or has an unusual appearance.
Some lesions can resemble skin tags but may actually be seborrhoeic keratoses, warts, moles or other skin lesions. Accurate diagnosis is important before removal, especially on the face, eyelids or intimate areas.
Skin tag removal options
Snip excision
Suitable for selected skin tags attached by a narrow stalk. The lesion is removed cleanly using a controlled clinical technique.
Cautery
Cautery can seal small blood vessels and reduce bleeding risk while treating suitable lesions.
Local anaesthetic and aftercare
Removal is usually quick and well tolerated. Local anaesthetic may be used where needed. You will receive clear aftercare to reduce infection risk and support healing.
Should skin tags be removed at home?
Home removal is not recommended. Over-the-counter devices, tying, cutting or freezing without diagnosis can cause bleeding, infection, scarring and missed diagnosis.
This is especially important for eyelid, facial, groin or darker lesions, where professional diagnosis and careful technique matter.
Aftercare and healing
Normal healing
Mild redness, tenderness or a small scab may occur and usually settles over several days.
Keep it clean
Follow your written aftercare and avoid picking the treated area while it heals.
Watch for infection
Increasing pain, spreading redness, swelling or discharge should be reviewed promptly.
Why choose Skinhorizon Clinic?
Consultant dermatologist-led assessment
We confirm the diagnosis before treatment and assess whether removal is necessary, optional or best avoided.
CQC-registered private clinic
Skinhorizon Clinic provides private dermatology care in Maida Vale, London, convenient for St John’s Wood, Paddington, West London and Central London.
Safe, proportionate care
We prioritise accurate diagnosis, careful technique and clear aftercare rather than unnecessary intervention.
Your appointment — what to expect
Assessment
Confirm diagnosis and exclude concerning features.
Discussion
Decide whether treatment is necessary or optional.
Removal
Use a safe, controlled technique when appropriate.
Aftercare
Receive clear written guidance and follow-up advice.
Frequently asked questions
Are skin tags dangerous?
Can skin tags turn into cancer?
Is skin tag removal painful?
Do skin tags grow back after removal?
Should I remove skin tags at home?
Can eyelid skin tags be removed?
Need clarity about a skin tag?
A professional assessment can confirm the diagnosis and guide safe removal if treatment is appropriate.
Skinhorizon Clinic, 4 Clarendon Terrace, Maida Vale, London W9 1BZ
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