Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags are among the most common benign skin lesions. They are soft, flesh-coloured outgrowths that most frequently develop in areas of skin friction — the armpit, neck, groin, and eyelids. They are harmless but can catch on clothing, cause irritation, and for many patients are simply something they would prefer removed.

Mr Matthew Potter removes skin tags as a minor outpatient procedure under local anaesthetic. Every lesion removed is sent for pathological analysis as standard.

Why Mr Potter

Minor local anaesthetic procedure

All removed lesions sent for pathological analysis

Shower from the day after surgery

Over 1,000 skin lesions removed in the last 5 years

Less than 1% post-operative wound infection

PHIN patient satisfaction score: 99%

PHIN is an independent government audit of consultant patient outcomes, randomly sampling post-operative patients. A 99% satisfaction score places Mr Potter among the highest-rated plastic surgeons in the country.

Treatment

The most straightforward treatment for a skin tag is shave excision under local anaesthetic — removing the tag at its base, leaving a small flat wound that heals with minimal scarring. The procedure is typically brief, well tolerated, and allows a return to normal activities immediately.

Where the lesion is larger or in a more complex location, a formal excision with suture closure may be more appropriate. Mr Potter will advise on the right approach at your consultation.
All wounds are dressed to allow showering from the day after the procedure.

Skin tags

Warts and verrucas are outgrowths of hardened skin caused by viral infection. They usually resolve with time and are often amenable to treatment through a GP or over-the-counter pharmacy products. Where lesions prove resistant to conventional treatment, Mr Potter can treat them in the outpatient setting using liquid nitrogen — a controlled freeze that causes the lesion to redden, scab and lift within one to two weeks — or by surgical removal under local anaesthetic where needed.

Warts and verrucas

What Patients Say

Frequently Asked Questions

How are skin tags removed?

The most common approach is shave excision under local anaesthetic — removing the tag at its base, leaving a small flat wound that heals with minimal scarring. Larger tags may require formal excision with suture closure. Mr Potter will advise on the most appropriate technique at your consultation.

Local anaesthetic is used throughout. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort from the anaesthetic injection itself; the procedure is not usually associated with significant pain. Simple oral pain relief for one to two days is typically all that is needed.

Shave excision leaves a small flat wound that heals with minimal scarring — in most cases not noticeable. Mr Potter will explain what to expect for the specific lesion and location during consultation.

Yes. Every lesion Mr Potter removes is sent for pathological analysis as standard.

Yes — where warts or verrucas are present alongside skin tags, Mr Potter can assess and treat them at the same appointment. Treatment may be liquid nitrogen in the outpatient setting or surgical removal, depending on the lesion.

At the Manor Hospital in Oxford, Ridgeway Hospital in Swindon, Stratum Clinic in Wootton Oxfordshire, ProDerm in Cheltenham, and Interface Business Park in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Book a Consultation

Contact us if you have any health concerns or are looking to get a consultation. You can contact Matthew Potter by using the form below or contact him through one of the available telephone numbers or email addresses listed on this page.

Private Secretary & All Correspondence

T. 07917 965717

Swindon - Ridgeway Hospital

T. 01793 814848

Cheltenham - ProDerm, Festival House

T. 0800 0489230

Oxfordshire - Stratum Clinic,
Wootton Business Park

T. 01865 320790

Wiltshire - Interface Business Park, Royal Wootton Bassett

T: 0808 2803560

Oxford - The Manor Hospital

T. 01865 307777

Contact Lissie on 07917 965717 or use the form below.