Skin tags are incredibly common. They are usually small, soft, harmless growths that can appear on areas where skin rubs against skin – such as the neck, underarms, eyelids and other skin folds.

For some people, they're barely noticeable. For others, a skin tag can catch on clothing or jewellery, become irritated, or simply be something they'd prefer not to have.

At Cardiff Dental and Aesthetics Centre, we offer skin tag removal in Cardiff following a personalised consultation and assessment.

Our approach is simple: understand the area you're concerned about, assess whether removal is appropriate and talk you through what to expect before any treatment takes place.

A skin tag is a small, soft piece of excess skin that often appears to hang from the surface of the skin.

They are generally skin-coloured or slightly darker and can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size. They are particularly common in areas where there is friction or skin-to-skin contact.

Skin tags are usually harmless and don't require treatment for medical reasons.

However, that doesn't mean you have to live with one if it is bothering you.

There are many reasons someone may consider removal.

A skin tag might:

Sometimes it's not about a dramatic change. It's about removing a small area of skin that has been bothering you for a long time.

Skin tags can develop almost anywhere, but they are particularly common in areas where skin rubs together.

Common locations include:

No – and this is an important part of safe treatment.

Skin tags can sometimes look similar to other types of skin growths, including warts and moles.

This is why you should never assume that every skin growth is a skin tag and attempt to remove it yourself.

If a growth is changing, becoming painful, increasing in size or bleeding, it should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional before considering cosmetic removal.

The most appropriate removal method depends on the size, position and characteristics of the skin tag.

Depending on the individual case, skin tags are carefully removed at the base.

During your consultation, we'll explain the technique that is appropriate for you and answer any questions you have.

The aim is to remove the unwanted skin tag while causing as little disruption to the surrounding skin as possible.

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

The level of discomfort can vary depending on the size and location of the skin tag and the technique used.

Where appropriate, local anaesthetic or another form of numbing may be used to make the procedure more comfortable.

We'll explain what you can expect before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.

We want your appointment to feel straightforward and reassuring.

We'll start by looking at the skin tag and discussing why you'd like it removed.

We'll consider its size, location and appearance and make sure that removal is appropriate.

We'll explain the recommended approach, what the procedure involves and what you can expect afterwards.

You'll have the opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether you'd like to proceed.

Once you're happy to continue, the area will be prepared and the skin tag removed using the appropriate technique.

You'll be given advice on caring for the area while it heals.

It's important to follow your aftercare instructions carefully and avoid picking or irritating the treated area.

Immediately after treatment, the area may look slightly different from the surrounding skin while it heals.

Some redness, tenderness or temporary changes in pigmentation can occur following removal. There is also a small risk of scarring or changes in skin colour, particularly in darker skin tones.

Healing time varies depending on the size and location of the treated area.

We'll explain what to expect and provide appropriate aftercare advice following your treatment.

Once a particular skin tag has been removed, it does not usually return.

However, removing one skin tag doesn't prevent new skin tags from developing elsewhere.

Skin tags are common and can occur for a number of reasons, including friction between areas of skin.

We strongly recommend that you don't.

Trying to cut, burn, freeze or tie off a skin tag yourself can lead to bleeding, infection and scarring, and there is also a risk that what you think is a skin tag may actually be another type of skin growth.

A professional assessment is the safest place to start.

A skin tag that changes should not simply be treated as a cosmetic concern.

You should seek medical advice if a growth:

These changes don't necessarily mean that something is serious, but they should be assessed before removal.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.

For some people, leaving a skin tag alone is the best option. For others, removal can be a simple way to get rid of something that catches, irritates them or affects their confidence.

The first step is simply to have it assessed.

At Cardiff Dental and Aesthetics Centre, we take a personalised, clinician-led approach to aesthetic treatments. Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss the area you're concerned about, understand your options and decide whether treatment is appropriate for you.

There is never any pressure to proceed.

We understand that even a small concern about your appearance can be something you've been thinking about for a long time.

Our approach is designed to make treatment feel straightforward, discreet and reassuring, and your treatment is performed by our plastic surgeon, Dr Frances Bowerman.

From your first consultation through to your aftercare, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and understand exactly what is being recommended.

We focus on considered treatment rather than unnecessary treatment – because sometimes the best aesthetic result is a subtle one.

If you have a skin tag that's been bothering you, we'd be happy to assess it and talk you through your options.