Why You Should Never Ignore an ‘Odd’ Blemish

The topography of your skin is always changing. Every now and then when you look down at yourself in the shower you may notice a small mark, speck or freckle that you could swear wasn’t there when last you looked.

When this happens, people tend to react in one of two ways. They can jump straight to the worst case scenario and assume that a new mole or blemish is the herald of something unimaginably scary. Or they can shrug it off and go about their day. While we’d argue that the first approach is a little too alarmist (and living in a heightened state of anxiety really can create more problems than it solves), the second one can be potentially dangerous.

While a calm and considered approach is always advantageous it pays to be vigilant when it comes to spotting new moles and other blemishes on your skin. While they may well be benign, there’s always a possibility that they may not. Thus, here are some reasons why you should never ignore an ‘odd’ blemish and check in with a seasoned dermatologist as soon as possible.

If it’s nothing to worry about, you’ll have some much needed peace of mind

Ever wonder where the term “worry wart” came from? While we’d feel really clever if we drew a direct correlation between stress and skin blemishes, the term actually came from a 1920s American comic strip. Nonetheless, seeing an unaccounted for blemish on your skin can be a source of great anxiety. We human beings have a tendency to catastrophise, conditioning ourselves to prepare for the worst case scenarios in unfamiliar circumstances.

Stress and anxiety are natural responses to the unknown but the longer we leave them, the more they can result in unwelcome physical and psychological effects. Check in with a doctor to get unfamiliar blemishes looked at ASAP. If it’s nothing to worry about, you’ll feel like a great weight has been lifted.

A mole might require examination

Moles can be benign, but they can also result in cancerous changes under certain circumstances. If you see an unfamiliar or unusual mole, you should check in with your doctor ASAP. It may be nothing to worry about today, but if there are concerns, your doctor will probably refer you to a specialist, who may want to perform a biopsy to find out if there are any issues.

If it’s something serious, early intervention can make all the difference

Nobody wants to hear that the new blemish they’ve discovered is a sign of something serious. However, if that should be the case, being proactive can make all the difference, resulting in early diagnosis and effective treatment. Burying your head in the sand, however, can cause problems to go undiagnosed and untreated. And the unfortunate truth is that such conditions rarely go away of their own accord.

If you see any blemishes in the mirror or the shower that you’re at all unsure about, get in touch with your doctor for advice.

In some cases, you may prefer your mole be removed just to be on the safe side. One of our highly knowledgeable, friendly and helpful team members will be more than happy to arrange a consultation with one of our doctors or surgeons. We specialise in mole removal and have removed literally thousands over the years.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma). All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Mole Removal – Will I Need Stitches?

Many patients are concerned about whether having a mole removed will mean having to have  stitches. 

The answer is – not necessarily!

Whether or not you’ll have stitches will depend on the mole itself, including consideration of:

  • Size of mole
  • Whether it is raised or flat
  • Whether it is purely cosmetic or of any medical concern
  • Where the mole is on your face or body

Shave Excision or Laser Mole Removal = No Stitches

Many moles are now removed quickly and painlessly using laser techniques under local anaesthetic. This tends to be the choice for smaller moles that are raised. Shave excision involves use of a special blade to remove the mole at the skin’s surface. Where laser is  used, this is a special instrument, not the same as those used in laser hair removal or skin treatments. Using the tool, the doctor is able to remove the mole in a neat procedure.

Both of these procedures tend to require no stitches and the mole can heal quickly for a minimal scarring result.

This picture shows what you may expect straight after laser or shave excision mole removal:

before and after mole removal without stitches

Ellipse Excision = Stitches Likely

For larger moles, those that are flat or moles where there is any concern about abnormal skin cells, doctors use an ellipse excision technique. This is more invasive than shave or laser and is designed to ensure complete removal of the skin lesion. This is likely to need stitches. These tend to be neat and only last a few days before naturally falling out.

This image shows the results immediately after ellipse excision. Stitches are used to close the wound and allow it to heal quickly, minimising the risk of infection and allowing the skin to heal quickly.

Even immediately after the procedure, the skin is a lot clearer without the mole.

before and after mole removal stitches

Which procedure?

Your doctor or surgeon will recommend the most appropriate procedure after examining your mole.

If you have concerns about stitches, your doctor will advise what to expect. We can also discuss the best timing with you to fit around any engagements you may have. Some people like to go ahead straight away or as soon as possible, while others prefer to think about when fits their social calendar, especially for facial moles.

As a private mole removal clinic, we offer lots of flexibility and choice about when to have your treatment, so you could book an appointment just before the weekend to allow the initial healing to be well underway before you even have to return to work. We’ll do our best to explain the recovery process and to fit the treatment in at a time that suits you.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma). All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

10 Common Places Warts Can Appear

Warts can appear anywhere on the face and body. They’re annoyingly persistent and can very easily spread to other areas – or be passed onto other people.  

The contagious nature of warts means that they tend to appear more where the skin is exposed and/or regularly touched or rubbed.

Common Places For Warts

Some of the more common locations for warts are:

  1. Hands
  2. Fingers and thumbs
  3. Fingernails where the virus can get in after a hangnail
  4. Nose
  5. Eyes
  6. Penis
  7. Vagina
  8. Anus
  9. Groin
  10. Feet (also known as verruca or plantar warts)

Before and After Photos

This before and after picture shows the results of wart removal treatment at Cosmedics’ London Mole Removal Centre. The wart has a characteristic speckled appearance and indented, raised surface.

After treatment, the skin is smooth and healthy. The redness after treatment will continue to fade and become less noticeable with time.

wart removal before and after

Getting Rid of Warts

There are over the counter preparations which may be effective in some cases of warts on the hands and feet. However, these are not suitable for genital warts and will not be suitable for many facial warts due to delicate skin and proximity to eyes or mouth.

Where over the counter preparations fail or are unsuitable, there are professional treatments that can be effective, carried out in complete confidence.

Wart Removal By Experienced Doctors & Surgeons

The team at London Mole Removal Centre are highly trained and experienced in dealing with warts and other difficult skin lesions. The solutions recommended will depend on the the doctor’s assessment and diagnosis of the problem. Clinics offer:

  • Cryotherapy (freezing) – Simple warts are frozen off in a procedure known as ‘cryotherapy’ which uses intense cold. Treatment may involve 2-3 sessions to ensure complete removal of the wart.
  • Laser or skin surgery – Large and very resistant warts can be treated either using more aggressive techniques

Wart removal is surprisingly simple, painless and quick and effective with our methods and techniques.

Wart Removal

Book an Appointment

London Mole Removal Centre offer appointments at a choice of 5 private skin treatment centres based in London and Bristol. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Most skin lesions can be removed at the same appointment as the consultation, but there is no obligation to proceed unless and until both the patient and doctor are completely happy to do so.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Costs of Mole Removal Treatment

If you’re thinking about having a mole removed, then the price of treatment is one of the first questions that will come to mind. 

Cosmedics’ London mole removal centre publishes a price list to give a guide as to what to expect.

Having treatment at a private skin clinic might sound expensive, but it can cost a lot less than many people would imagine, with costs starting at £310. This price is based on laser mole removal or shave excision (a simple procedure requiring no stitches).

If your mole is larger or needs a deeper excision, therefore requiring stitches, a procedure called Elliptical Excision is used and prices here start at £450 given the more involved nature of the treatment.

These prices INCLUDE:

  • Local anaesthetic
  • Doctor’s/surgeon’s time
  • Any dressings and equipment used
  • Aftercare advice

There are two other costs to consider.

Mole Removal Consultation Fee

Prior to any treatment, a consultation is carried out with the doctor or surgeon who would be performing the procedure. This allows the medic to examine your mole and confirm the most appropriate removal technique. They will also confirm the price based on the nature of the mole and any relevant discussions.

The mole removal consultation costs £50. However, this cost is redeemable against the cost of treatment carried out on the day.

Mole Testing/Histology Costs

An additional fee is payable for independent testing (histology) of your mole after it has been removed. This is an important test to check for any abnormal cells and it is especially recommended for any changing or pigmented moles. The doctor may deem that this is mandatory if there are any concerns as to the nature of the mole.

Histology is provided at the possible lowest prices for patients and costs start at £85 for the first mole, with subsequent moles at a lower extra cost.

Price List

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma). All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Wart/Verruca Turned Out To Be Melanoma

Rachel Solvasen’s has shared her story of what she thought was a verruca or wart or glass stuck in her foot which turned out to be melanoma. 

She tried over the counter creams but the blemish continued to grow. When her GP referred her for a biopsy, she found that what she thought was a normal skin lesion or foreign body was actually melanoma.

A tumour was removed from her foot requiring extensive plastic surgery and reconstruction. She then had immunotherapy as the cancer had progressed to her leg, groin and even stomach lining and lungs.

Rachel is now cancer-free but knows that it could return.

Stand Up To Cancer

Rachel is now using her experience to raise funds for Stand Up To Cancer together with her sons. She hope that her story will help to raise awareness and warn others not to ignore skin lesions.

Melanoma Facts

  • Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer
  • Most commonly caused by harmful UV rays which damage skin DNA and trigger mutations that can form malignant tumors
  • Approx 15,900 new cases and 2,285 mortalities each year in the UK

Melanoma Prevention

  • Avoid sunburn
    • Use sunscreen every day
    • Cover up with clothing/hat and/or seek shade where possible
    • Avoid peak hours of the sun and extended sun exposure
  • Check skin regularly for any worrying lesions
    • See the GP straightaway in case of any concerns

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma). All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

The Sun: Expert Advice on Cutaneous Horns

Dr Ross Perry was asked by The Sun to provide his expert medical advice on the issue of cutaneous horns, a condition which, if left untreated, can create extreme and disfiguring skin growths. 

The feature started with a dramatic headline:

Stomach-churning pics reveal agony of people blighted by ‘cutaneous horns’ – and how something as innocuous as a tiny cut can trigger it)

The story featured a number of infamous cases that had appeared on the internet, such as the 74 year old Indian farmer who grew a 4 inch cutaneous horn on his scalp after being hit on the head. He had his barber trim it for years until the problem became so large it required surgical treatment.

Other cases included a 101 year old lady who sprouted a pair of horns from her forehead and an 87 year old nicknamed the ‘unicorn woman’ due to a 13cm cutaneous horn growing out of her forehead.

The article explains:

While most of the pictures of extreme cases are from abroad, doctors in Britain see such cases all the time.

What Are Cutaneous Horns?

A cutaneous horn is a type of lesion or growth that appears on the skin. It’s made of keratin, which is a protein that makes up the top layer of the skin. Keratin is also found in nails and hair.

The growth may look like a cone or horn, and it can vary in size. The name comes from the growth sometimes resembling an animal’s horn.

They often occur in older patients in their 60’s and 70’s more commonly in fair skinned people particularly men on the face or hands.  They are presumed to be linked to UV sun exposure, however, often the true cause is not known.

60% are benign, so not of any medical concern. However it is always worth getting them checked out in order to rule out cancerous, precancerous or any other underlying issues.

The Sun asked Dr Ross Perry for his input. He explained:

“Each horn is individual and each one is different on the cause.”

He continued:

“Some people can get a viral warty lesion that looks like a definitive cutaneous horn as it were, but is often made from keratin from a wart virus as opposed to a non-wart-virus cutaneous horn.

“We can often find in areas of trauma if you’ve had previous warts that those can come out in that area. I suppose if you’ve got a poor-healing wound or an area that’s repeatedly traumatised then in theory you can probably have a mechanism where you could get a horn from that as well.”

Read this article in full

To read more, please visit https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9952177/cutaneous-horns-skin-condition-growths-devil-unicorn/.

Cutaneous Horn Removal

Removal is via surgical treatment.

Some of the extreme cases seen on the internet are very large and would require more involved surgery, but for the majority of people this is relatively straightforward and can be carried out under local anaesthetic.

As always, it is far better to remove the growth while it is small. This is a quicker and simpler procedure which will leave a smaller scar. It also avoids the potential embarrassment and possibly discomfort of having to put up with an unsightly growth.

There is no need to be embarrassed or concerned. As Dr Ross Perry says,

“You go to any skin cancer or dermatology unit and they’re pretty common. You would certainly see four or five a month really, it’s not that rare.”

dr-ross-perryDr Ross Perry

Dr Perry is renowned as an expert in removal of skin lesions. He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.

His career includes working in the NHS both in skin cancer reconstruction and as a GP, so he is experienced and expert in diagnosing all sorts of skin lesions and providing the best possible advice/treatment.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma). All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Dr Ross Perry Mole Expert Interview

Dazed BeautyDazed Beauty interviewed mole removal expert, Dr Ross Perry, to find out more about a career path which has seen him removing thousands of moles.

Dr Ross Perry worked in the NHS for years before establishing his own private skin treatment clinic practice alongside GP commitments. He has also worked in skin cancer reconstruction and is very familiar with the risks of late diagnosis and treatment.

Mole Removal Expert

Dr Ross Perry explains how he specialised in skin treatments and mole removal before setting up his own business:

“After medical school, having trained in skin surgery and treating skin cancer patients; there was a need for patients who also wanted great results with cosmetic moles removal and minimal scarring.”

He told Dazed Beauty how his training has continued over the years:

“I’ve even practised abroad and have been on many conferences to keep at the forefront of this field.”

Yet removing moles is not just a medical surgery, there is also an aesthetic aspect and a pride in delivering the best possible results:

“I also like the artistic side of removing moles and doing the best for the patient using my own dexterity to hopefully maximise the outcome.”

Dr Perry says that since founding Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003, there have been noticeable changes in the industry. In terms of clients:

“People are more conscious of moles and, particularly on the face or on the body, moles that are unsightly can now be removed with minimal scarring. Also with the ‘selfie generation’, people are more conscious of their appearance and want to look as good as they can.”

While for doctors and surgeons, the means by which moles are removed have been refined:

“Techniques have improved with the advent of lasers and more accurate surgical equipment meaning quicker healing times and better results.”

Read in full at https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/body/article/46073/1/mole-removal-doctor-skin-freckle-beauty-spot

mole checkDr Ross Perry

Dr Perry is renowned as an expert in removal of skin lesions.

He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.

His career includes working in the NHS both in skin cancer reconstruction and as a GP, so he is experienced and expert in diagnosing skin lesions and providing the best possible advice/treatment.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma). All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

That’s Life: How To Detect A Worrying Mole

That’s Life magazine’s health page shared Dr Ross Perry’s expert advice on how to spot a worrying mole.  

The feature explained that a ‘normal’ mole tends to have certain features:

  • EDGES – nice, round and even
  • SHAPE – round or oval
  • COLOUR – even tone and hue

By contrast, a worrying mole may display any of these signs:

  • SIZE – fast growth or unusually large
  • COLOR – changing colour or variation of colours within the mole
  • BEHAVIOUR – itching, bleeding, scabbing or oozing

Changing Mole

That’s Life also featured the story of a patient who visited Dr Ross Perry about a mole which was causing concern.

She had been finding that her backpack was rubbing on a mole and causing a lot of discomfort and irritation. She said:

“I felt like I was being jabbed by a needle”

Dr Ross Perry assessed the mole and said it could be removed there and then in a straightforward mole removal procedure.

Firstly, a local anaesthetic was used to numb the skin to ensure that the procedure was completely painless.

The mole was removed using a Dermablade – a special type of blade that can remove moles that protrude the skin’s surface. Then the wound was cauterised using a special laser to stop the bleeding and facilitate good healing for a minimal scarring result.

The writer noted:

“The whole procedure took around two minutes and was completely painless.”

Cosmedics Skin Clinics remove many moles that are simply in the way or where the client doesn’t like the look of them.

However, safety is always first and most moles are tested after removal in order to flag up any cancerous issues as early as possible. The writer comments:

“He explained that the mole would be tested for signs of cancer. Thankfully it was benign.”

With regard to the result, she was very pleased. She concluded:

“My back healed perfectly and four weeks later, I barely had a scar.”

dr-ross-perryDr Ross Perry

Dr Perry is renowned as an expert in removal of skin lesions. He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.

His career includes working in the NHS both in skin cancer reconstruction and as a GP, so he is experienced and expert in diagnosing skin lesions and providing the best possible advice/treatment.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma). All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Why You Need Sunscreen On Cloudy Autumn Days

The experts often insist that you need sunscreen year round, including autumn and winter as well as summer. 

But if the sky is cloudy and your skin doesn’t burn, it can be hard to understand why you might actually need sunscreen.

The reason is that the sun emits two types of rays that can damage the skin in different ways.

UVB is the one that causes burning, so it is generally the case that this is much less of a risk on cloudy days or during winter when the sun is further away. Burning on a cloudy day is not impossible and anyone spending time outdoors is always well advised to use sunscreen, but compared to a sunny summer day, UVB is generally less of a problem in the winter.

The fact that the skin is at lower risk of burning can lead to a false sense of security. If you can ‘get away with’ being outdoors without sunscreen and not burn, it’s tempting to think that everything must be OK or that you’re being fussy or overcautious by putting on sunscreen. This is not the case!

The other type of ray – UVA – comes through clouds or glass, so these can still damage the skin even in autumn and winter. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB, going right the skin’s outer layers (epidermis) to the deeper dermal layer. UVA rays can damage DNA and the immunity system, leading to skin cancer melanoma. What’s more, if you’re skin isn’t burning,  you may not notice the damage as it happens – and the nature of skin cancer is that it can appear years after the damage was done.

So the best course of action is to prevent sun damage by wearing a daily sunscreen every day of the year. Don’t be tempted to skip it on a cloudy day or stop using it over autumn/winter. The sun protection benefits of wearing sunscreen apply all year round and it’s well worth the cost and few minutes of time to prevent skin cancer.

The other incentive is that UVA causes premature ageing – so wearing a sunscreen that protects against UVA rays year round could keep you looking younger too!

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma) at 5 mole removal clinics.

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Where the mole is not considered medically a risk, then the NHS will usually deny mole removal on the basis that it is just ‘cosmetic’, so treatment in the private sector is the best approach.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

NetDoctor: Skin Tag Causes & Removal

NetDoctor’s article on “Skin tag removal, causes and treatment tips” was provided by leading skin lesion expert, Dr Ross Perry, Founder and Medical Director of the London Mole Removal Centre. 

Ross provides key information on the issue of skin tags, which bother a great many people.

What are skin tags?

Dr Ross Perry explains:

“Skin tags are small areas of overgrown skin tissue, which stick out from the surface of the skin.”

They tend to be quite small in size as Dr Perry explains, but they can expand in number:

“They tend to be quite small initially. Most stay at around 2-3mm, but might grow to protrude quite noticeably, or develop into papilloma, a larger version of a skin tag which can reach 5mm or more. Over time, more skin tags are likely to develop so that the patient has a patch or crop of skin tags.”

Why do I have skin tags?

There is no virus or bacterial cause to skin tags. They are not contagious.

They commonly appear as a result of rubbing or friction, so risk factors are excess weight and tight clothing. They can also run in families, so there is a genetic predisposition.

Skin tag removal

Skin tags are not a medical problem, so the NHS skin tag removal has been a victim of budgetary constraints. For patients who are keen to get rid of skin tags for cosmetic concerns, treatment in the private sector provides another route with a number of options, depending on the nature of the skin tag. Dr Perry says:

“The best solution for removing skin tags is to have them professionally treated using cryotherapy (freezing), surgical excision or laser treatment.”

Dr Perry adds:

“After any treatment, it is also important to consider whether any lifestyle changes might help to prevent them recurring eg weight loss or changing style of clothing/underwear.”

Skin Tag Removal Information

Read this article in full

To read more, please visit https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/skin-and-hair/a28798574/skin-tag-removal/

NetDoctor is the UK’s leading independent health and wellbeing site which is visited by 2 million users a month seeking advice on illnesses and health conditions, as well as how to live more healthily. It provides expert health and lifestyle information from committed doctors, healthcare professionals and information specialists and has become a trusted resource.

dr-ross-perryDr Ross Perry

Dr Perry is renowned as an expert in removal of skin lesions. He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.

His career includes working in the NHS both in skin cancer reconstruction and as a GP, so he is experienced and expert in diagnosing skin lesions and providing the best possible advice/treatment.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering diagnosis and treatment for skin lesions including moles, cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma, milia. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Patients benefit from:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Blemishes can usually be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get very quick treatment
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
  • Testing with report provided where necessary

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.