Skin tags are small, soft growths of skin that most people develop at some point in life. They are harmless, but they can be uncomfortable, catch on clothing or jewellery, or simply be something you would rather not see in the mirror.

At Alchemy Clinic in East Kilbride, skin tag removal is carried out by qualified clinicians following a proper medical assessment. This matters: not every small growth on the skin is a simple skin tag, and removing something without assessing it first is not good practice.

Consultations and assessment appointments start from £30.

What is a skin tag?

A skin tag — known medically as an acrochordon — is a small, soft, flesh-coloured growth of skin that tends to appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Common sites include:

• The neck.

• The underarms.

• The eyelids.

• Under the breasts.

• The groin and upper thighs.

Skin tags are benign — they are not skin cancer and they do not turn into skin cancer. They are more common with age, in pregnancy, and in people with diabetes or a family history of skin tags.

Why have them checked first

A range of skin lesions can look like skin tags at first glance — including some that really should be assessed rather than simply removed. This is one of the key reasons to have the work done by a medical clinician rather than a non-medical aesthetic practitioner or at home.

At your consultation, your clinician will:

1. Examine the lesion you are concerned about.

2. Confirm whether it is a skin tag, a benign mole, or something that should be looked at more carefully.

3. Advise on whether removal is appropriate, and which method is best for the site and size.

4. Explain the procedure, aftercare, and what to expect from healing.

5. Provide a clear price for the removal you want carried out.

If during that assessment we see something that concerns us — including any skin lesion with features suggestive of skin cancer — we will tell you, and we will recommend the appropriate route, which may include NHS referral via your GP. If you have any moles or skin lesions you are unsure about, our mole check service is the more appropriate starting point.

How skin tag removal works

The most appropriate removal method depends on the size of the tag, where it sits, and any features picked up at assessment. Techniques we commonly use include:

• Surgical snip — a small, precise cut with sterile instruments under local anaesthetic. Suitable for most classic skin tags and quick to heal.

• Cryotherapy — freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen or equivalent. Useful for smaller tags in certain sites.

• Electrosurgery (cautery) — using a fine electrical current to remove the tag and seal the site at the same time. Useful for tags around the eyelids and face where bleeding needs to be minimised.

The right technique for you will be recommended at your consultation. Most removals are quick — the appointment itself typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, though multiple tags in one sitting will take longer.

What to expect

Skin tag removal is a minor procedure and most patients find it far more straightforward than they expect. After treatment:

• You can return to normal activities straight away.

• The treated area may be slightly red, tender, or scabbed over for a few days.

• Healing typically takes one to two weeks depending on the method used and the site treated.

• The risk of visible scarring is low when the removal is carried out correctly, though never zero.

Full written aftercare is provided, including when to keep the area dry, when to use any recommended products, and what to watch for in the days that follow.

A note on home removal

We see patients occasionally who have tried to remove skin tags themselves using over-the-counter kits, cotton thread, or home cautery devices. These can work, but they also cause infection, scarring, and (more concerning) the removal of lesions that should have been assessed first.

If a skin tag is bothering you enough to want rid of it, it is worth the half hour to have it removed properly.

Serving East Kilbride and the wider area

Alchemy Clinic is based in East Kilbride and regularly sees patients travelling from Hamilton, Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Newton Mearns, Giffnock, and across Glasgow South for skin tag removal and related minor skin procedures. Our consultation-first approach and medical assessment are what differentiate us from non-clinical providers in the area.

Frequently asked questions

Does skin tag removal hurt?

Most of our techniques involve local anaesthetic, so the removal itself is usually only mildly uncomfortable. You may feel a small pinch or sting as the anaesthetic is administered. Cryotherapy involves a brief cold sensation without anaesthetic.

Will there be a scar?

The risk of noticeable scarring is low when removal is carried out correctly and aftercare is followed — but it is never zero. Your clinician will talk you through the expected healing for the method and site involved.

Can I have more than one removed at the same appointment?

Yes, absolutely. Many patients have several tags removed in one visit. This will be discussed at consultation and priced accordingly.

Will they grow back?

A removed skin tag does not grow back. However, some people are prone to developing new tags over time in similar areas. We can discuss this at your consultation.

Is this available on the NHS?

Generally not. Skin tag removal is considered cosmetic by NHS Scotland unless the lesion is causing a medical problem or there is concern about it. Most patients have them removed privately.

What if you think it is not a skin tag?

If during your assessment we see features that suggest the lesion is not a simple skin tag, we will tell you. Depending on what we see, we may recommend a mole check, a dermatology review, or referral back to your GP for NHS investigation.

Book your assessment

If you have a skin tag you would like removed, or a small skin lesion you are not sure about, we would be glad to see you. Consultations and assessments start from £30 and take place at our East Kilbride clinic.