Rectal/Anal Skin Tags

[Betrayed Body]

Has anybody gone through rectal/anal skin tag removal?  

I had one removed by my doctor in his office.  He used lidocaine (6 shots that were unbelievable painful) to numb the area and cut it off and cauterized the area.  

I'm having a rough time - I feel like I have the worst hemorroid flare up going on right now.  I'm taking colace and fiber supplement, drinking plenty of water and began using the Desitin a few days before they recommended I start.  I dread going to the bathroom, but I go regularily.  I can't wipe so I'm taking showers and bath several times a day.  

Does anybody have any similar experiences or suggestions to offer?  

[slang23]

I have not gone through this but have pondered.  I have 1 skin tag which I am dying to get removed but dont know how to even go about it.  My gastroenterologist said it would be too much trouble.

How long can you not wipe>?  What kind of doc did the surgery?>


Thanks

[mickan]

I just had my skin tags removed today. The proceedure was completely painfree.
There is a bit of discomfort now a few hours after but instead of using pain medication I
take epsom salt sitsbaths, it works!
Check out: center for colorectal health.

[buttherman]

[buttherman]

I just recently had 3-skin tags removed on October 16, and I have had discomfort from them, swelling at every bowel movement, hygiene issues and they were just making my life difficult to funtion normally.  I had to shower after evey movement because it was difficult to wipe, there were in comparison to a daisy in shape at the lower end of my anus.

My gastro doctor referred me to a colon rectal doctor, who both, didn't recommend that I do anything with them, but I was very insistant becuse as I age, I don't want this to be an issue anymore.  

My family doctor would have gladly done it in his office, but I couldn't bear the lidocaine shots, so my procedure was done by my colon rectal doctor in the OR, it lasted about 15 minutes if even that.

I started on pain meds before I left the hospital, after the numbness wore off, I was in a considerable amout of pain, I do have a low pain tolerance, so I took the pain meds, but the most tedious of the procedure is the sting after a bowel movement.  I make sure I have a warm bath ready, my colon rectal doctor recommended also, no use of soaps, ointments, creams or wipes.  

After about day number 3 I began using mild baby soap, or ivory soap and took a shower afterwards too.  After the shower, I used a baby wipe rinsed it with very warm water and very carefully, while looking in the mirror, (yes is was a site for sore eyes butt :) patted the area clean.   I use a blow dryer, on lmy vaginal, and rectal area always...I also use a pad or panty liner to keep in eye on the amount of drainage from the area.

I am not in as much pain as the first few days, but the sting is still there after every bowel movement wich is a minimum of 2-3 times per day.  Now,  I have been on the Marilax since about October 13, which is really helping keep the stool easy to pass, and I don't have the discomfort like I did before the procedure, I mean the swelling and all. So, I stay with the warm bath, shower, wipe regimin.  I am glad I had the procedure done, I would rather go through a couple weeks of discomfort to rectify this problem I have had for over 3 decades.  I feel much better today than I did a week ago.

I hope this comment goes through this time, I am not very computer friendly, and I tried to comment 3 times.  Good luck...buttherman

[gingerleexx]

how do you get skin tags?

[d_on_tee364]

I'm only 26 and I had a skin tag removed yesterday. My doctor cauterized mine off and I believe she did a brilliant job. Whilst I'm in a little bit of pain I believe that it will only be for a short while. I have no regrets about getting rid of mine. Infact, I feel free, sexy and best of all HUMAN.  I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive about the removal because I'd read so many horror stories about how awful the pain was for others, but I'm honestly not feeling too badly. A little uncomfortable but otherwise, really good. I haven't had to take pain meds at all, I've been drinking a whole tonne of prune juice and water and just to be on the safe side, I've decided that I'm going to eat mashed vege's for about a week to make sure BM's won't be too traumatic.
I was given a cream to prevent infection and I've been having salt water sitz baths 2-3 times a day. I really do feel wonderful.
I recommend anyone who is considering this to talk to your GP and see what they say. My Doctor cauterized it within 15mins. I had a few stitches, but feel fine. If you're really wanting to get rid of them, I say do it. No pain no gain right?

[Pam78]

I have a skin tag that is not a flap, but more of a long skin tag.  It is right on the outside of my anal opening and it isn't too big, but the fact that it is there, drives me crazy.  I would say it is the size of a piece of rice and probably a smidgen longer.  I have always had problems with anemia, therefore had to be on iron tablets.  This caused constipation, coupled with birthing three children, brings on the dreaded hemorrhoids.  I was also told many years ago that I had fissures as well.  I was told that anal skin tags come from anorectal problems such as old hems and fissures.  Does anyone know if there is truth to that?  Thanks.

[Pam78]

Oh, thank you!  I appreciate your help.  

[Robin35]

I am really upset.  I have anal tags which are really swollen and drive me crazy.  I have Chrons Disease.  I have already discussed surgery. No doctor will remove them.  I don't know what to do.
Anyone know how I can make the swelling less?  Thanks.

[wilmoor]

In the middle of my first pregnancy at the age of sixteen, fifty-four years ago, this "thing' about the size of my little fingernail popped out at the front of my anus. I've just lived with it. But recently I've been thinking about having it removed. Have a small hemorrhoid pushing out at the side of it, and have also had outer veins in the anal area swelling and causing a lot of pain, itching, and misery.
My "tag" has never caused any problem, physically or otherwise. One doctor years ago would put a small nick in it during my annual exam and squeeze the blood out of it.

I've found the most relief from pain, itch and swelling of the outer veins in the anal area using pure aloe vera gel after every trip to the bathroom; washing and drying the area well before applying. I couldn't believe how quickly it worked. I get large tubes of the 100% pure gel at the local Rite Aid store, and wouldn't be without it now.    

[abitvain]

I recently found that what I thought were hemorrhoids were in fact anal tags.  I did think it odd that I never had any of the usual symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as itching, burning or any sort of discomfort at all.  I spoke to a pharmacist and explained everything, including the fact that they just seemed to be "there" with none of the typical things that go along with having them.  He thought they were indeed hemorrhoids and had me use an OTC remedy to reduce the swelling.  It didn't work at all.  

It was only after a visit to my physician that he told me they were indeed anal tags.  I suppose my question is this...if they don't bother me (other than I find them unslightly and occasionally clean up takes a bit longer) whether I should even go through any sort of removal at all?  My physician left the decision up to me, and explained what I could expect (worst and best case scenario) for removal.  I'm "on the fence" as to what to do.  

Has anyone heard of anything that can reduce the swelling without any sort of surgery?  That's really what I'd prefer, but after reading the posts above, it seems that if it did exist someone would have tried that already.  Or perhaps someone has tried some homeopathic, OTC or home remedy with limited success that I could try first.  At any rate, I thought I would ask anyway.

Thank you!

[tiffers08]

I had a big anal skin tag which I hated!

2 different doctors recommnded I leave it alone! So I took matters into my own hands (after failed attempts of using liquids that are suppose to eliminat them, as well as dietary supplements),I took a tiny rubber band (used for small braids) & grabbed the skin & put the rubber band on as close to the base as possible. It took a few attempts. Then I put on another. The first hour I was in terrible pain. I realized that I had either done something very stupid or very smart. I thought at one point I would have to do to the ER. I took some Aleive & after I made it through the hour the pain subsided. The next morning it had turned blue, & by the evening black. At this point there was a small amount of bleeding & I could no longer see the rubber bands. Within 3 days it had fallen off. The area surrounding was a bit irritated but i just applied neosporin & everything was great. I m very happy to not have to deal with rectal skin tags anymore & would recommend this to anyone!

[susan17]

How big is big?  I have two, each the size of a pea.  My gynecologist told me extra skin is normal, but that doesn't seem like a good response since they are a bit of a pain.  Every once in a while after a BM they will get slightly swollen and hardish but return to normal fleshy nonhard lumps after a couple hours.  Anybody have recommendations?  

[tarnie23]

i had my skin tags removed 2 weeks ago there were 3 of them and they also removed a hemorrhoid too, i had mine done under general anesthetic which i found better because i didnt know what was going on, i dont have any pain now apart from when i empty my bowls, i am so glad i had it done as my main problem before was hygiene, my problem started 4 years ago after child birth and im lucky they removed them because they dont normaly let you have them removed as they are classed as a cosmetic and not a medical condition.

the main worries i had is that after surgery you are prone to infection down there so back and forth to the doctors for antibiotics but anyone considering having the op i would recommend it and keep pushing for the op.  

[tarnie23]

i had my skin tags removed 2 weeks ago there were 3 of them and they also removed a hemorrhoid too, i had mine done under general anesthetic which i found better because i didnt know what was going on, i dont have any pain now apart from when i empty my bowls, i am so glad i had it done as my main problem before was hygiene, my problem started 4 years ago after child birth and im lucky they removed them because they dont normaly let you have them removed as they are classed as a cosmetic and not a medical condition.

the main worries i had is that after surgery you are prone to infection down there so back and forth to the doctors for antibiotics but anyone considering having the op i would recommend it and keep pushing for the op.  

[Kube_8]

Ok.... I'm going to my dermatologist tomorrow.  A few days ago, I noticed 3 white bumps on my anus..... on sort of inside (right on the "cusp")  and the other 2 in the general area.  I immediately thought I had anal warts or something lie that.  Of course this was Saturday at around 3pm and none of my regular doctors were in.  I found a walk in doctors office that was open nearby and had a doctor check me out.  He said, yes they look like they could be warts, but I need to see my dermatologist to be sure.

Now..... I have had hemorroids (hemorrhoids) for many years, a fissure that never really goes away and I'm often just generally irritated in this area.  In doing some research online (which can be the worst thing in the world) I came across this skin tag business and I'm HOPING that this is what I have.  

I am wondering if someone can tell me what they feel like, what they look like, how did you get it diagnosed, etc.  I'm basically scared and angry like you can imagine right now and I'm looking for answers.  

If anyone can shed some light on this for me, I'd be so appreciative!

Thank you.

[sunct]

Went to see a doctor today for what i thought was an external hemorrhoid and he told me it was a skin tag. He said genital warts can sometimes look similar but said it was not warts or hemorrhoids but a skin tag. He gave me a prescription steroid cream to use for 3 weeks. He said it was from friction from wiping too much and too hard. I noticed it originally about 2 years ago but it was very small but recently it has started bleeding and stinging after wiping and BM. It has swollen more too and is now bigger though still pretty small. It is right on the perenium. If the steroid cream doesn't shrink it then he wants to remove it but these stories have me a little freaked out. It hurts as it is, I can't imagine being stabbed with needles down there, since it is so sensitive. I wish they could put me out so I didn't have to deal with the pain or humiliation. Will let you know how it turns out.    

[rach37]

Hello !  PLEASE ALL LISTEN!

i jsut had my medium size anal skin tag removed at the Center for Colorectal Health in Chicago. It was as easy as eating cake!  No pain, no nothing!  THIS IS THE PLACE to go to....they have locations all over the country!  

I didn't even have to take the pain med!  It was simple and quick,

.Two weeks later my bum looks great and i am SO happy that i did this. I had several doctors scare me before and finally after reading about someone elses positive experience at the center for Colorectal Health ...well, i made my appt and that was that.

I am so happy that big lump is gone and it was soo sooo  easy!

Don't wait! call them today and you too will be jsut like me

Best to all

Rachael

[Beth42]

I have been considering having this procedure done as well but don't know if it it covered by insurance?  If not how much did it cost?

[Flips]

Before going for the surgery last week I stumbled upon this website and almost cancelled my appointment and left the country!  I feel horrible for everyone that had a terrible experience and I know every person's situation is unique and their bodies respond differently but I would like to try and convince a few people that the procedure isn't bad at all!!!

First of all, the skin tag I had was fairly small.  I am not sure what the "average" size might be but once mine was removed it was about the size of a pea... I called the closest Colon/ Rectal Doctor in my city that took my insurance and made an appointment.  The procedure IS covered under insurance as long as you go to a Colon/ Rectal Doctor and say that it bothers you and they will suggest it be removed.  If you don't have any insurance at all I think it cost about $600.00 for the exam and surgery!

As far as the procedure, I went early Monday morning because I had to work Tuesday night (The doctor assured me I would be fine but a little sore...) They gave me a shot of general anesthetic right on the base of the tag and after a slight ***** I felt a little burn.  After that, all I was told was they snipped it off and cauterized the wound to help it stop bleeding.  I was told to rest and take Vicodin they prescribed for any pain.

I took two Vicodin on Monday afternoon and then on Monday night after the procedure.  I felt a little discomfort but nothing that I would consider very painful.  I woke up Tuesday morning and felt pretty good.  I was a little nervous about the first BM but I took stool softeners and drank a lot of water a few days before which is always a good idea!  Everything was fine and I went to work later that night on three regular Advil because the Vicodin made my head fuzzy...  I am a bartender, so I was very active and by the end of the night I was a little sore and the wound was a little bloody but I was fine!  By the next day, I was almost 100% and I was so glad it was DONE and the ugly tag was GONE!

If anyone has any questions please let me know.  I would highly recommend the procedure to anyone who is sick of their stupid skin tags.  The worse part was the embarrassment of going to the doctor and showing him my back side but you have to remember that he/she chose to do that for a living :)  

[newbum]

I have an appointment to have my anal skin tag, about the size of a pea, (bit longer and thinner though), removed by lazer tommorow....I live in Turkey and the price for this surgery is 400 ytl....... 337 US dollars.  I will let you know the outcome,

[newbum]

I have an appointment to have my anal skin tag, about the size of a pea, (bit longer and thinner though), removed by lazer tommorow....I live in Turkey and the price for this surgery is 400 ytl....... 337 US dollars.  I will let you know the outcome,

[JJ6927]

What did it cost to have an anal skin tag removed?  

[ilovescooby]

I had a large skin tag removed, and two internal hemmorhoids banded. I am on day 6 now, and I am in terrible pain. I have been taking extra strength tylenol, stool softener, prune juice, loads of fruit, resting, lots of water, and epsom salt baths every few hours. I can't sit upright, I have a lot of bleeding, the sting after a bowel movement is horrid, too.

I have a low pain tolerance, but even so, my experience has been much worse than what others seemed to have gone through. Things are swollen a lot and now the skin in my perineum is starting to split a little bit. The surgeon says he doesn't want to see me for 5 weeks. This is just rotten....

[truthseeker207]

I had the op to remove 2 skin tags a week ago - no pain but the are doesnt exactly look smooth, in fact doesnt look that much different. Should it be smooth from day 1?

[gone77]

well, I just wrote a long entry and then it was erased when I had to login.  But I had a skintag and after reading this site decided to not see a dr.
I order some purehealing skintag remover product and began using it.  I noticed someone else had tried this and I had the same response.  A week of intense itching and I thought "no way".  Then I really wanted it gone and knew I couldn't "spread'em" for my dr.  I used the rest of this oil and decided to tough out the itching.  The skintag got swollen, dried up, drained fluid, bled.  I used up the whole oil, ( I got the little one) and emailed them re: their gaurantee.  It took them forever but they offered me more, I asked would I be starting from scratch? and they said no.  So, I decided to keep going and even got another product from www.****.com which promised the same.  2 months later and unbearable itching my skintag is almost gone!!!  I am so excited, I thought I would have to live with this forever and was so insecure with my husband.
The website is www.****.com or www.****.com  I am sorry for all of you who had awful expriences.  I am not promoting this, it was uncomfortable, but not painful, and long.  And you stink like teatree and you have to remember to get it on 3 times a day, they have no customer service skills.  I will definately try their other products.  It was better than the altervative for me.  All I can suggest is, get the bigger one and stick out the itching.  A bath at bed time will help and have some none stick cotton pad dressing to tuck in for draining.  I found I also avoided cold and flu's my family got while using this!
Best of luck to you all.

[happy82]

I have one tag my ?'s are .  Who can I speak to and WHere can i go to get it removed? It's causing hygiene problems for me and it's endless wiping and it hurts after wipping so much. Secondly how much does it cost$$$$$?

[SJSharksfan]

I have had 4 internal hemorrhoid bandings with no discomfort.  I have 3 medium to large size skin tags that I am having removed on Monday. I saw someone else's post for the Center of Colorectal Health in Chicago. I go to the office in SF. I too highly recommend them. I feel comfortable and have been well informed of what to expect which knowing is half the battle. The tag removal itself I am told is not expected to be uncomfortable but rather afterwards the possibility of some "mild" discomfort for which pain medication is prescribed. I am told some people don't need the pain meds which seems to read true here as well for some. Guess it depends on your pain tolerance of which mine is pretty high. I have waited 14 years to take care of this and if I had known it was so easy, I would not have waited so long. My insurance is covering the majority of the cost. I didn't go through my primary care provider or I would literally have paid nothing however I was too embarrassed to go to my primary doctor about this. That is my only regret.

[mmp25]

hi everyone!
i had surgery for hemmorrhoids, and now i have an anal skin tag... i'm so nervous because i have an appointment with a colorectal surgeon on the 23rd... i suffered so much from the surgery that im scared to get another one done. I bought some natural oils and have been using them for the past 4 days but does anyone know if the natural oils really work to remove the skin tag?? i would do anything to get removed without going through the same pain again!! Pls let me know, thanx.

[violet87]

has anyone had surgery for both an anal fissure and several different skin tags?  I have three tags and a fissure and honestly I have a low tolerance for pain so I'm scared of that but my main concern is incontinence.  Is this an unrealistic concern or a possibility? Does anyone know?

[sore1212]

I have a large skin tag on the outside opening and I really want it gone. Does the wart remover really work or any of the natural ones that they sell online? It has caused a lot of pain and discomfort not to mention feeling self-conscious about it. I have tried the string but it cut into my skin and made me more sore and it bled. At first it was turning blue but then the next day it looked more pink again. The string was still tight was it seemed to be swelling. Did I do something wrong? Please, any suggestions would help.

[hopeithelps]

I just had a skin tag removed from the outside of my anal opening. Mine was larger than a pea size,and longer in shape. I'm 28, and have had it for 10 years! I was too embarrassed to get it looked at for years. I experienced hemmerhoids at a young age,and that was bad enough.
When I did finally get the nerve up to ask my doctor if there was anything I could do about it, she said I'd just have to live with it. I almost did live with it after that, but I met a partner that seemed to be more interested in "that area" than previous ones, so I became self conscious about it.
I went to a walk in clinic,and that doctor referred me to a specialist in my area. So now, on my 4th doctor that I've "spread my cheeks" too, he tells me I have a fissure inside my anal canal, which caused the skin tags which was the result of the hemrhoids 10 years ago.
He prescribed ointment to clear up the fissure and scheduled an appointment to remove the skin tag 1 month later.
I'm on day 3 after the surgery, and I don't feel good at all.
The surgery was in his office,he inserted a big needled directly into the skin tag, which I felt for about 7 seconds or so, and it WAS painful, after that , the area went numb. He cut and removed the skin tag and stitched the are closed. He told me to get emla cream and I did on my way home. First few hours were ok, since I couldnt feel the area, yesterday was bad, couldnt move without it hurting. I can't tell if I have swelling from the stitches or if I have another round of hemmerhoids, which ***** because of all the time to make a return, this time really *****. I've been scared to have a bowel movement, since its in so much pain as it is, so I took laxitives in hope that it would make it easier. You never really realize how much you clench your muscles down there until they kill you every time you do.
I'm hoping the results will be worth it, but as of right now, I've been off work for 4 days and I can't imagine I'll be better for another few days, and I'm still in a constant amount of medium pain and I wasn't lucky enough to get the pain meds.

[askingqs]

I just had some tags removed at the center for colorectal health and they did a great job. I went in there thinking they were hemmoroids (hemorrhoids), but was told they were tags that most likely started as hemmoroids (hemorrhoids) and told I didn't really need to remove them, but they were bothering me and cleaning was becoming a nuicance so I opted to go for it. Other than minor sting of the lidocane for a few seconds, I didn't feel a thing during the quick procedure. It was after it wore off a few hours later that I thought I was going to faint! I was worried about going there on a full belly, so I didn't put anything in my system since lunch the day before- NOT a smart idea-  But as soon as I ate and took the pain pill - which knocked me out-  I was fine. I was afraid to use the toilet too, and tried to hold out as long as possible, when I finally had to later that night, the discomfort was unbearable, but I immediately soaked in an Epsom salt bath and felt decent. I've felt a little discomfort the next day mostly from the action of sitting/standing/sitting but other than than no need for pain pills. I recommend the procedure, but be prepared with a little something in your system and have Epsom salt, pain pills and anything else you need on hand. Also I wish someone had told me about the stool softeners, that would have definately come in handy in my case!

[gee198]

Can anyone advise me? I have what looks like a small cauliflower at the entrance of my anus - a small collection of balls of skin, really ugly and its really affecting my confidence and stopping me from getting intimate with anyone. I also have another one but this smaller and pea sized. I badly want it removed but fear my doctor will tell me to live with it - what should I say to him when I go to make sure something can be done about it to get it removed? Whats the procedure for getting rid of these, are they normal?

[melbell1977]

Sorry to say this but that sounds like a Wart. They are lumps that have a cauliflower appearence and if left will spread to EVERYWHERE...go to doc because if it is a wart then its really easy to have removed and not painful

[rmsusieb]

I had an op for removal of anal skin tags three weeks ago and am still in considerable pain.  I am scared to go too far from home and my bidet, which has been a godsend.  It is very very painful when I open my bowels although I am doing my best to keep everything soft and smooth.  When I need to go to the loo, I need to go NOW!! and can't hold on.  I am miserable and wonder how much longer I am going to be in agony.  I can't sit on firm chairs for long either and so have been off work since the op.  I go back to see my surgeon tomorrow and hope I will get some answers, but I hope I don't have to put up with this pain much longer.  If I could turn the clock back, the way I am feeling just now, I definitely would NOT have this op done. When I look at it in the mirror, it just looks like a chewed up mess.  I am so worried.

[caz76]

I have my skin tag removal op today, aia feel fine about it and have everything at hand. My op is at 1430 and I have 10 days off work after. I am having an anesthetic procedure and my skin tag is about half the size of my small finger, which the surgeon said was the biggest he has seen. I will write on here and let you all know how I get on. I have had the tag since I can remember and has not caused me any probs until a couple of months ago it appeared to get larger and caused discomfort when wiping and wearing my underwear. I too was told it was caused by a fissure by my doctor but my surgeon has said it is not and is something that has been there since birth. I have to admit that the most worrying thought I have about this whole procedure is the BM after the op. Having been recomended by a friend to use prune juice and then reading it on here I think this is the route I will take and I am also liking the mashed veg idea too. I shall also grab some epsom salts too. Ah well its 0537 and I could not sleep last night. Wish me luck!!

[worried200630]

i dont know if i have skin tags or what it is. they do not itch they are not hard....or anything like that. There are like 5 or 6 of them. they are not connected and i have a skin tag on my neck and under my armpit. but these are in my anal area and one on my labia. Im confused.

[caz76]

It has been 5 dats since my op now. The op went well and there has been some slight discomfort since. I have been given meds, which tbh have been the reason to why I have become constipated and have not yet been to the toilet. I am now in great pain due to this and no matter how much prune juice of other remedies I have taken, it doe not appear to want to move. There is still some bleeding from the wound and i am not sleeping through the night. However I would def have it done again and love the fact I have a new bum for Christmas.

[cinti]

Hi I had 2 surgeries to remove hemorroid, i was constantly constipated and after my first baby i had the rubber band done 3 times IT DOES NOT WORK WAIST OF TIME AND ENERGY..then I had my first surgery and I think the Doc did a bad job (half fast) I went home and imedialy saw that it was 2 balls hanging outside my anus when they were not there before.. so the next visit the doc said "WOW we will have to do it again it still there " (hellow he knew he did a mistake). 4 months later i went to a second surgeon that did the laser surgery for hemorroids (hemorrhoids), he did do the surgery , but left me with a deformed but and horrific one... just so my hemorroids (hemorrhoids) would come back, wich i found out 6 years later that i had rectocele what caused my hemorrids to be cronic.. so I just had the Recotcele surgery 4 weeks ago and now I ask my other doctor to remove the skin tags... THE DOC TOLD ME IT WILL BE EXTREM PAIN AND THAT I MAY HAVE THE ANAL CANAL NO GET TIDER AND BE DIFICULT TO EVACUATE  - HE SAID IT IS ONE OF MOST COMMUN SIDE EFFECTS TO SKIN TAG REMOVAL- NARROW OF THE ANUS ...  DID ANYONE HAD THAT? I CAN NOT HAVE ANY DIFFICULT TO PASS STOOLS OR MY RECOTCELE WILL REOCUR, SO I STILL WILL REMOVE THIS TAGS, AS I AM AN EXTREMELLY SEXUAL PERSON AND I M DIVORCED AND CAN NOT GO OUT AND HAVE SEX BECAUSE IT IS SO EMBARASSING TO HAVE THIS SKIN TAGS HANGING IN THERE ... I THINK ANY MAN WILL GET SCARE , UNLESS HE S YOUR HUSBAND FOR YEARS  LOL, WELL DOES ANYONE KNOW IF AFTER SKIN TAG REMOVAL IT NARROWS THE ANUS AND MAKE DIFFICULT TO PASS STOLLS??? THE PAIN I CAN DEAL WITH AFTER 2 HEMORROIDS (hemorrhoids) SURGERY AND A RECTOCELE AND HYSTERECTOMY.. I THINK I CAN DEAL WITH IT ;) MY SURGERY WILL BE ON NEXT WEEK..
THANK YOU
c

[mich_tex]

I can tell you something that has helped me out a great deal. I have had issues with hemorrhoids and skin tags. I will never forget the doctor looking me in the eye and telling me with a straight face that I could no longer use toilet paper, and I must instead use disposable baby wipes for the rest of my life. Well, I tried that maybe twice, and it was a disaster. Wipes are wet, and you can't tell if you are cleaned off or not...they were a total nightmare. What really helped, and reduced the incidence and severity of my hemorrhoids: a fancy new toilet seat. We got one of the electrified toilet seats that is also a bidet. It cost about $500, and another $150 for an electrician to install an outlet by the toilet. It washes you off and air-blows you dry, with nice heated warm water and warm air. I get cleaner (reducing skin tag problem) and I only get the 'rhoids about once a year now instead of every few months, and they are much less severe.  I am still thinking about what to do about the skin tags, but I'm kind of reluctant to do surgery after some of these posts.

If you are having problems with ongoing pain or hygiene, I really recommend one of these; it is so much gentler on the bum.

[cinti]

I I did had my Surgery for my skin tags about 3 weeks ago, and it is extremelly inflamed and swellen... I have being bleeding for about 3 weeks, where I even bleed at night and wake up with a lot blood on my underwear.
My butt looks like a circus with uninvited clows, it looks like I have more skin tags then before, and a little space in between some new bumps that were not there.
My surgeon is suppost one of the 10 best in the world not just in US.
I did go to my primary doctor and he told me I had to see the surgeon right a way, but the surgeon could not see me, and I am waitting to see him..
Does anyone knows if it is normal to have all this sweeling for 3 weeks and all this new bumps and bleeding????
Also the huge pain is gone but the discomfort to sit is horrible and I also have some discharge, what I heard it is normal... Does anyone know if it will ever go back to normal or will I need another surgery to fix it???
I just want to have a human butt again, and go back to my normal lif and activities..
C

[tat2mikki]

So here it is, I had the procedure done in my Drs office on Tuesday (6 days ago), he's the director of the Seattle Center for Colorectal Health.  He removed a total of 3 skin tags, I was only aware I had 1...and it apparently was larger than I thought as I saw it on the table afterwards and was a piece of skin/flesh about 1" long...He cut them out and used electric cautery on them but did NOT suture anything.  So now I have been able to look at it and I have a gaping wound from my anus to the edge of my vagina...Is this normal to NOT suture it?

My problems are this:  Almost a week post procedure and I'm in a huge amount of pain and discomfort...aching at all times, burning when voiding bowels or urinating, and because of the lack of sutures I'm getting constant sharp pains from the incision pulling each time I move.  I also cannot wipe because it pulls the incision open again.  I also have what appears to be 2 huge hemorrhoids which showed up after the procedure, one at each of the 2 smaller incision sites. One of them is in an area I'm used to seeing hemorrhoids in and showed up the day after but the other appeared a couple days later and appears to be filled with fluid similar to a boil...not a solid looking form like the other one.  And the drainage...omg, it wont stop...I'm still going through several pads per day because of the drainage..mostly clear with a slight reddish tinge..and when I manage to wipe it's there too.

Is any of this normal?  I am not scheduled for a follow up for a little over a week and not sure what to do.

[Pam611]

I gave birth to a lovely boy eleven years ago; along with an internal hemorrhoid that left me with an anal skin tag that has been bothering me for more than a decade now.  

Honestly, it didn’t bother me at the beginning.  But with aging comes with loose skin.  I am now in my late 30s and I know that if I don’t have this problem removed, it will become more persistent when I get older.  

11 days ago, I decided to have my anal skin tag removed.  My surgeon (from the Manhattan Colorectal Surgeons) injected the skin tag with anesthesia, cut the excess skin then cauterized it.  The surgery took less that 2 minutes and I was out of the clinic in 5 minutes.  I was informed that I will experience pain, swelling and bleeding for a couple of days and should see him for a follow-up in 2 weeks time.  I am also told that I should go about my regular routine: eating, working and washing myself.  No special treatment/instruction needed and was given pain medication for 2 days.  

The first couple of days was tolerable (since I was on medication) but as soon as it ran out, it was very discomforting.   The site was very swollen and appears to have an almond-shaped skin sticking out.  I tried to psych myself into thinking that recovery will take some time; nothing is immediate, so I did not panic.  

On my 7th day of resting, the size still remained the same.  Knowing what my surgeon told me (unless I’m bleeding excessively and in pain that I should call him), I called my mom instead.   She asked me to get a basin and pour hot water with a teaspoonful of epsom or iodized salt in it.  Sit on it and let the steam do the trick for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a day or as needed.  She said not to do sitz baths because the steam would work best.  Guess what, my mom was right!  I am now feeling better and swelling has gone down noticeably.  

It was not much of the pain that bothered me most but the discomfort the surgery had caused.  This Friday (after 2 weeks from surgery), I am up for my follow-up visit.  I am hoping that by the time I see the surgeon, my butt will be as good as new.      

[vidal09]

Saw that tiffers08 decided to take matters in hand and self-remove an anal tag using the cotton thread method.

How did it heal in the end? Anyone else done this themselves?

I'd love to hear. I'm looking at mine after the doc told me to just live with them and considering some home proctology myself. (Yikes).

[mdolla]

I had 3 skin tags  (1 large one that had been bothering me for at least a decade and 2 smallers ones that had evolved over ther last few years) removed 8 days ago by a colon/rectal dr.  He injected me 3 times to numb each of the tags then snipped them and cauterized the area.  I felt a little sting of the needle, but that was it until a few hours later when the numbness wore off.  He gave me a prescription for pain med, but I have a high tolerance for pain and didn't use it.  I was a little uncomfortable for a day or two, but after that, I felt fine.  The only thing....now it seems that there are still small lumps of skins where he nipped them off.  I'm not sure if this is just swelling and will go away eventually...or if I'll be left with them...because if that is the case, I wished I had left the area alone.  I go back to the doctor for a follow up in 2 weeks. Can anyone tell me if the skin will eventually smooth out?

[jilaye]

Hi

I stumbled upon this thread whilst searching for some kind of pain relief...
Well, I had some external skin tags and haemorrhoids removed 6 days ago- I was discharged from the hospital that same day, Morphined out of my head and had no idea what had actualy happened during surgery. It was an investigation also...
So, the following day I called the doctor, who i then drove in to see... and he informed me he had removed a few internal piles and the external ones, and removed the skin tags and excess skin round my anus, leaving soluble stitches. And to take PARACETAMOL for pain relief!!!
Since then, I had guzzled stool softeners, and had an explosive bowel movement, I've called the after hours service 2 times, visited an after hours surgery and had a doctor out to me- all for pain relief and advice, I had another bowel movement after much sweating and holding it in due to excrutiating pain..
I haven't been for a poo for 2 days now as the pain is unbearable, and I KNOW that it's worse to hold it in. It feels like i'm being sliced all around my anus by razor blades, and could pass out.
I was never told this would be so painful and I tell you, I would have carried on how I was if I had known.
I sit in a bowl of warm water several times a day to try and ease out a stool, i sit in warm baths, i hold warm compresses against me..it's just excrutiating.

IF anyone has any advice on relieveing this bowel movement pain- particularly after i've done one, please help!!! I relally have to go today, I'm just so frightened of the pain or I think I'll explode...

[twinsnake]

I had an anal skin tag removed 6 days ago.  I was in bits last night thinking that I'd been butchered down there.  3/4s of the area around my anus is swollen and sticking up resembling a crater and it feels like I have developed more skin tags.  The anus isn't closing properly although I'm not incontinent but I feel like a freak show!  I rang the hospital this morning and was told that this is what usually happens when you have an open wound and that it takes 3 weeks to settle down.  I don't have an appt for another 5 6 weeks but am going back in next week now so they can 'reassure' me everything is alright.  I hated my skin tag but wished I had it back now.  I can't have a BM without pain and I've a cold and it's the worst thing to cough right now.  Can someone please tell me that they had the same problem but it came right?

[nursebarbie]

I just had an internal hemorroid banded yesterday and a very large skin tag removed yesterday. Ouch the skin tag removal was very painful getting the local injections. Once the local wore off I've been in a lot of pain. I've had to take the pain meds the doctor prescribed. My poor butt looks like a crater like some other people in the posts mentioned. I hope the swelling goes down soon. The assistant said it would look like that and that the swelling will go down in about 4 weeks. I feel the same way like you said I thought my skin tag looked bad but this looks terrible. It definetly makes me feel unattractive. No one is going to want to look at that thing. Anyone know about activity rectrictions? All the doctor said was not to ride a bike or a horse?

[fedup123]

I had external hemi turned skin tags. Went to Center for Colorectal Health in San Francisco for the surgery 07/10/09. The procedure was not painful, atleast i did not feel as the area was numbed by Lidocaine shots. Just a little pinching.... and excision

After the surgery, on my way home the shots began to wear off and the pain was piercing and almost unbearable. Came home and took the pain killers but not much help. From this morning, i started sitz baths and it helps. But the pain is sort of piercing pain. I am unable to sit down , can only lie down or walk around. Have not had much of an appetite though i am forcing myself to eat , like bean soup, prunes and other fruits. Drinking at least five glasses of water along with Ibuprofen and stool softner 2/day.

It is just about 30 hours after the procedure, so hard to say how would i progress or feel in next few days. But i really wanted the tags to disappear ( I have had them for 15 years) , and there are no other alternatives out there than the surgery.
I am really scared and not looking forward to BM. I have not had one since the op.but can some one fill me in with any  advice? Does everything go back to normal after 2 weeks or it takes months??

I have an appt in two weeks for follow up and wish that all goes well.

To all the pain sufferers, Sitz bath, Ibuprofen and a lots of fluid.

Good luck with the healing

[fedup123]

Just about three days from the tag surgery.
1.I was in a lot of pain but sitz bath with cammomile tea bags ( 10 of them ) with epsom salt. sit for about 10 minutes. Really helps...
2. switch to a liquid diet, like fresh squeezed fruit juices and drink water with fresh lemon squeezed in it. You can take Vit B complex or any other multiV.
3. before the BM, use 5% lidocaine ointment to numb the area ( is an anesthetic) and wait for 3 minutes. It should really help and immediately sitz bath after.
4. use stool softner 2/day

i am of pain medication.
Though hard for me to sit for more than 3 minutes. I am either lying down and occasionally walk around for few minutes for blood flow.

I am told to start using 20% Zinc oxide in next 4 days on the wounds for smooth healing. have not started that yet...

I am hoping it will turn out good ....since i did experience the worst pain of my life in last three days.

[Sal65]

I've also been dealing with a skin tag for the past few years (after the birth of my 1st child 6yrs ago).  I had seen a Dr a couple of years ago and he told me it wasn't worth haven't it removed due to the discomfort I would have from the removal.
Well, 4yrs later, I'm done!  I want it gone.   I'm a runner and when I run on hot days when I'm out running the tag swells and makes it uncomfortable for running.  It almost gives me the feeling that I'm going to have "runners trotts" (poop in my pants) if I don't get to a bathroom.   It then remains swollen for a good day or two.  
I originally started out with 1, but now it looks like there might be 2, and the second one (from what I could see) has blood in it.

I'm hoping to have these taken care of and for it not to fall in the "cosmetic" catagory, since I really need insurance to pay for this.  Plus I don't feel that it's cosmetic since it's causes discomfort.

For those of you that had yours removed, did your insurance cover it?

Thanks.

[anony8]

quite a few weeks ago I noticed small soft, flesh colored ball-like bumps around my anus.  They are almost dangling-like.  I looked on-line and couldn't really find a picture similar to what I have.  Now, it seems like there may be more.  They are flat, clustered things like warts.  I thought it might be anal tags.  but, everywhere I read I don't notice anyone saying they have more than 1 or 2.  I have 6-7 and they are all separate of each other and all around the anus.  Sound familiar to anyone?  Im worried

[Leo0000]

I just had a skin tag removal done yesterday after 10-12 years of intermittent hemorrhoid issues.  It became too uncomfortable to simply just deal with any longer, particularly after an extremely painful thrombosis.  I have been going to the Center for Colorectal Health and am pleased for the most part.

I read so many horror stories online that I was actually really nervous going in.  Thankfully, I came across Mummymico's post and it really put me at ease.  

So, here is my story and experience with banding and skin tag removal and I will give progress updates over the next 2-3 weeks which is the time in which I expect to be recovered.

I had to have 4 banding procedures done approximately 4 weeks apart.  The banding is a cinch!  Dont even hesitate to get this done if you are having hemorrhoid issues.  Yeah, it may be a little embarrassing at first,  but these Dr.'s have seen it all and this is their profession and basically just another day at the office for them.

After the internal hemorrhoids were all taken care of we scheduled the skin tag removal.  My skin tags would regularly swell up and protrude and hurt and really put a damper on my social life as well as my sex life.  I was really self-conscious and its hard to have a good time when you're in pain and not feeling 100%.  So, I had the procedure yesterday.  I went into the room, undressed from waist down, covered up with the sheet, Dr. came in and had me lay on my side.  He asked me to be his assistant and hold my cheek so he could go to work.  He injected the area with Lidocaine.  This really didnt hurt that bad.  A little sting but he had me count to 10 and it really was over.  Then he went to work cutting and removing whatever.  I did feel a few tugs and a little sting at one point but nothing major.  I was done in 5-10 mins.  No stitches, just cauterized the wound.  He asked if I wanted to see the culprit and I did, so he showed it to me.  Ick.  Not pretty.  Good riddance!  What a relief!  He says I have another one but I'm hoping this was the main one and the other wont bother me.  If it does, I will just have him take it off.  

Day 1.. After the procedure... I was advised to rest, stay horizontal, avoid being on my feet or sitting at a computer in order to minimize swelling.  Sitz baths, a round of antibiotics and a script for Lortabs only if needed.  I was also told not to look down there or try to inspect with a mirror because it wasnt going to be pretty.  I drove home, no problem.  Got home, had a little discomfort but nothing major.  Had some bleeding but less than I expected.  I did have a lot of drainage from the surgical site which kind of surprised me.  But, I wasnt able to rest like I was told and had some things that had to get done so I suspect this is why I had the drainage.  I had a BM about 8 hours after the surgery and it wasnt as bad as I expected.  A little tugging.  I will say that there was alot of blood in the toilet and I was concerned.  I went directly to a sitz bath and layed down after.  The bleeding stopped and I havent had any since.  Just drainage.  Havent taken any of the prescribed pain meds.  There really isnt any pain.  I did take the antibiotics as instructed.

Day 2.. So far so good.  Just a little drainage.  I have noticed a hard lump in the area that I am hoping/assuming will go down in a couple of days.  It seems almost like a swollen skin tag except its really red and tender.  Its uncomfortable but not unbearable.  Still havent taken any pain meds and cant imagine I will have to at this point.

There you have it.  2 days and no horror story.  Its been alot better than I expected at this point.  Really just hoping the swelling of that other area goes down soon.  Its not pretty, thats for sure.  Very much looking forward to having that area be "normal" for a change!

I will post an update in a few days.  

[penny733]

hey, 22yr  (f)
so i thought id share my story here. I had 3 skin tags removed 3 days ago. I had read alot of horror stories on here, and was really scared. Honestly....ITS TOTALLY FINE. Iva had hemroids issues for 7 years and this is the final step.
So anyway had procedure done under general anestethic, and went home that day and slept or lay in bed, no pain just feeling a bit groggy from the anesthetic. Next day I was dreading going to the bathroom, but it turned out fine, a little painful like a sting but thats it. Ive been sitting in basin with epsom salts and warm water 3 times a day, to cleanse the area. I am not in any pain at all, except BM, but its not bad at all. I havnt looked at the area yet and dont plan to for another few days because im sure its not pretty site. doc said 7-10 days recovery. Ive also been taking fybogel,a fibre supplement, and eating plenty of fibre. I would definitely suggest eating lots, dont not eat because your scared of BM, because if you hold off eating itll be alot worse,you may even become constipated. Honestly if your thinking bout getting the procedure done. DO IT!...even though I dnt know what mine is going to look like, I can feel the tags are gone, feels like i have large hemroids now,but that is just the skin and will go down in a week or two ive been told. this site almost made me run out of the hospital, but im so glad i went ahead with this. Im sorry to here so many are having a rough time of it.

[search4]

Hem. + thong = skin flap? maybe not, but I was still wearing thong wear (not string type!) when I had the annoying supposed hemorroid and I am figuring it agrivated my "area". I still find the thong more comfortable esp. for sitting, but it will annoy at times with the flap, so probably not a good idea anymore. Seamless panties for me!

I am reading all your posts to see how others have made out with this procedure since I am figuring I'll wait if on this if I can.
43 yrs old, have had this skin tag for over a year now, but seems to be stretching larger about 1/2 inch or so and no stem but pulling away like baggyness from the opening. Finally went to at least have it looked at because I thought it was a hemoroid. Dr. said it was a skin tag/flap usally caused by hemorriod or from after child birth exersion (no kids, but might have had a hem. that went away)
He suggested leaving it alone or he could remove by cutting. leaving open hole and/or cauterizing and it would be 3 weeks of recovery and of course...pain (low pain threshold for me)
Thanks for the detailed notes and encouragement, I may have to gear up for this at some point!

[nono523]

I need to get my skin tag removed as it drives me round the twist! my gp was unhelpful! what do i do - im based in London and sydney.
Any info for either place would be greatly received