Skin Tags: Why We Get Them, How Easy They Are to Remove, and When to Get Them Checked
If you've noticed a small, soft growth of skin on your neck, underarm or elsewhere on your body, you're far from alone. Skin tags are one of the most common skin concerns we see at FACE Aesthetics Beauty & Wellbeing — and while they're completely harmless in the vast majority of cases, that doesn't make them any less annoying when they're catching on a necklace or rubbing against your clothing.
Here's everything you need to know: why skin tags form, how straightforward removal really is, and the situations where it's worth seeing your GP first.
What Exactly Is a Skin Tag?
A skin tag (known medically as an acrochordon) is a small, soft growth that hangs off the skin, usually attached by a thin stalk. They're made up of collagen fibres and blood vessels, covered by a layer of skin, and typically range from a couple of millimetres up to a centimetre or so — though larger ones do occur.
They're most often flesh-coloured or slightly darker, painless, and soft to the touch. Unlike moles or warts, they tend to have that characteristic "hanging" appearance rather than sitting flat against the skin.
Why Do We Get Skin Tags?
The honest answer is that the exact cause isn't fully understood — but there are several well-recognised contributing factors:
Friction — skin tags love to form wherever skin rubs against skin or clothing, which is why they show up so often on the neck, underarms, chest and other fold-prone areas
Age — they become more common as we get older
Weight and skin folds — carrying extra weight, or simply having more skin folds, increases the likelihood
Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes — there's a recognised link here, thought to be connected to how insulin affects skin cell growth
Hormonal changes — pregnancy in particular is associated with new skin tags appearing
Genetics — if skin tags run in your family, you're more likely to develop them too
Anyone can develop a skin tag, and unfortunately there's no reliable way to prevent them from forming in the first place.
How Easy Is Skin Tag Removal?
This is where the good news comes in — for the vast majority of skin tags, removal is a quick, straightforward and minimally uncomfortable procedure when carried out by a trained professional.
At FACE Aesthetics Beauty & Wellbeing, every skin tag is properly assessed before we do anything. This matters because it means:
We confirm the growth is, in fact, a skin tag and not something that needs medical attention first
We can advise on the most suitable removal approach for its size and location
You get a clear, honest picture of what to expect — no surprises
Once assessed, treatment itself is typically quick, with minimal fuss and little to no downtime. Most people are able to get straight back to their day.
A quick but important note: we'd always advise against trying to remove a skin tag yourself at home. Without proper assessment and technique, DIY removal carries a real risk of bleeding, infection and scarring — something a short, professional appointment avoids entirely.
When Should You Get a Skin Tag Checked by a Doctor First?
While skin tags themselves are almost always benign, there are certain signs that mean a GP should take a look before any cosmetic treatment goes ahead. It's worth seeking medical advice if a growth:
Changes in colour, shape or size
Starts bleeding or becomes painful without an obvious cause
Grows rapidly
Looks different from a typical skin tag, or you're simply not sure what it is
This is exactly why assessment matters so much to us. If we're ever unsure about a lesion, we will always recommend you see a doctor rather than proceed with treatment — your safety comes first, every time.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Your Skin Tags?
If you're fed up with skin tags catching on jewellery, clothing or just catching your eye in the mirror, we're here to help. Our professional assessment and removal service covers the neck, underarms, chest, back and other suitable areas, with every treatment tailored to what's right for your skin.
📍 FACE Aesthetics Beauty & Wellbeing, 34 High Street, Stone, ST15 8AW 💬 Message us today to arrange your assessment
We'd love to hear from you: have you been putting off getting a skin tag looked at? Drop us a comment or message — we're always happy to answer questions before you book in.
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