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post hemorrhoid skin tag surgery

After child birth I have a developed a skin tag at the opening of rectum from pushing and straining to push out my baby. Yes, it is called a skin tag - bigger ones are called hemorrhoids. So, essentially, this is a "post hemorrhoid" condition. The appearing of my skin tag is small, nontheless unsightly and somewhat bothersome when cleaning after a bowel movement. And I would like to have it surgically removed as I do not know of anything else that can be done to remove it.

Please describe in detail the type of surgery that would be involved to have it removed. How is pain level? I heard it was excruciating. How long is the recovery period?

If "hotnewfilm" is reading this, please let me know what kind of surgery you did to have your skin tag removed as I have read your question in this forum under the category "Skin Tag or Scar Tissue". Also, did you ever get your "scar tissue" removed as well? Did you find out what it was?
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Avatar universal
I posted more fully in the other post in this forum on this topic. But longer story short, I had a med-largish skin tag removed. (Saw it inadvertently after, and it was about 1.25 inches by .5 inches for comparison.) The surgeon said it was a common procedure. Had it via local, lidocaine shot, which wasn't bad. A slight sting was all. She spent some time making sure it would heal well, cosmetically speaking (since honestly, that's why most of us are putting ourselves through this.)

Day one was slightly painful, but took the prescription meds and slept all day. Woke up feeling fine, walking around was no problem. Sitting is uncomfortable, but laying down is fine and barely feel it. Only took Tylenol today.

Have not had the joy of a BM yet, but eating tons of fiber and using stool softeners to combat the three does of Vicodin I took yesterday. So that'll be the next step to see how it all goes.

All in all, though, way easier than most of the stories on here. Those were stressful to read and I was prepared for the absolute worst, but thankfully it's been totally manageable so far. Just a head's up to everyone - it may not be that bad for you. I'm assuming it's a combo of your natural pain tolerance, age, health/fitness and surgeon.
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Quick update - did have first BM and it was fine. Stung a bit after (not during) and 10 minutes later all back to normal. Did take stool softeners and ate a ton of fiber, which I guess helped. So, with that part over, now just waiting to see the results, which based on other commenters, will start looking good and back to pre-skin tag normal in about 4 weeks!
Follow-up 1 week and 1 day later. Healing nicely. I did have some pain the few days after my original post, but took vidodin (with the stool softeners) and all was well. I wasn't able to go back to work the Monday after. I probably could have on Tuesday, but was glad to have the extra day. Went back on Wed and was fine. Not so swollen now though there IS a smell and it's not the totally healed up yet and I still need to wear a thin pad. So far, glad I did it. It was 4-5 days of inconvenience to have things normal looking back there.
Avatar universal
Im in NZ  and really want to get surgery too. Do you have to get referred from your doctor first?? And is it my choice or do they decide?? Thanks for the info...
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Avatar universal
I have had skin tags for almost 2 years. To be exact they were very small ones then about 3 weeks ago another one came out and was even larger. I got tired of it and finally told my Medical DR. I needed to have it removed at my local Hospital. To my surprise the Dr. That I was refered to said I should not have it removed. Believe me I should have listened to him, but I told him it was a bit uncomfortable. And after having a BM I would always have to shower. After my surgery my first couple of days  my BM was fine I had soft BM and there was a little blood that kind of made me a little scared but eventually stoped. There is swelling and redness in that area but that is normal.Today it's my 6 day and have been in lots of pain after having a normal BM. The first couple of days were fine I took Aleve and ate alot of soup. But started on solid foods and what a big mistake. I have only been using liquids now and will for a while.                          
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Avatar universal
To all of you on here that had an anal skin tag removed, how are you doing today?  Did your anus heal up completely, or do you wish you never had the surgery?  I have one that I need to get removed (had all my life it seems like) but after reading all of these horror stories, I am freaking out.  I want this thing GONE, so am thinking of just sucking it up and doing it.  I just want my anus to look normal after the healing process.  Is your anus back to normal and smooth?  I have a colorectal surgeon who said he would do it, I just need to schedule the appointment.  He said he would numb the area, snip it off and then cauterize it.  Oh, and how do you people get off from work for so long?  And what do you tell your boss??? That you are having an anal procedure done?  LOL!
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11976470 tn?1422547474
Those of you who suffered with these skin tags, did they itch and burn when sitting? Did your bottom feel like it was always contracting? I feel like my anus is always open slightly, like a squidgy sensation when sitting down. I feel like i’m always unclean down there and also notice strange odors. At first I thought this was caused by hemorrhoids, but after getting a colonoscopy, the surgeon said they were so small that it shouldn’t be causing me any trouble. They said I have skin tags, and i’m wondering if that is what is causing my above issues.

Is the procedure to remove them expensive? I’ve been told it won’t be covered by insurance, so has anyone had to pay out of pocket?
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Avatar universal
I have a few skin tags after a bad time with hemorrhoids. I am gay and this has affected my relationship considerably. Am not sure the next step. In Toronto. Can u suggest an action plan and whether the doctor will remove or can refer me to a specialist? Have spoken to him before and he said it was not a concern. He does not know I am gay.
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Dr. Luke Bui, google it, the clinic is at Yonge/Majormac.
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Anybody here did their surgery in Canada? i am from Toronto and my family doctor would not do it for me, and saying it might cause more trouble after, but my anal skin tag really bothers me, can someone tell me where should i go to find a surgeon who is willing to do this kind of surgery in Toronto? many thanks
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Avatar universal
I feel like I just have to post my experience! I am a 25 yo female that suffered from what I thought was a persistent, external hemorrhoid, for 9 years. Mostly no pain from this, just irritating and some embarrassment! A couple weeks ago I was in excruciating pain as I was constipated and the "hemorrhoid" developed an open sore that was very uncomfortable. So, I ended up making an appointment with the colorectal surgeon. After she examined me (which didn't even end up being THAT embarrassing), she told me that this was actually a residual skin tag, and she could easily remove that in the office. I let her know that I even had to return to work that day, and she thought with Tylenol that I should be okay. From what I have read on this website and others, I was TERRIFIED that I was going to be in excruciating pain that would not go away, and that bowel movements would feel like expelling razors. I had by that point worked myself up so much, I was preparing for the worst! My experience, however, was TOTALLY different, and thats why I felt compelled to share. When I was in the office, the procedure took all of 7 minutes, and the lidocaine shot was NOT that bad. It stung, but again, not terrible! I never felt a thing, didn't even realize it was over! This skin tag was LARGE, too, about the size of the tip of my pointer finger! I never experienced any bleeding after the initial bleeding, post-surgery. While my butt was sore, it was not unbearable, and I found with Tylenol that it was manageable. I was glad to take the Tylenol as I've been told that other medications can constipate you. I even worked that day, and the rest of the week without incident. I found that it hurt more when I was sitting at home "resting" because I was thinking about it more frequently than when I was distracted at work! Overall, my pain may have been a 4-5 at its very worst. My bowel movements were also a PIECE of cake. I was sure to eat lots of veggies and drink smoothies, and I also took Miralaax every day to keep my stools soft. That is VERY important. You don't want them hard (its painful) or runny (thats painful, too!). Yesterday was one week post my procedure and I am completely without pain and discomfort. I am SO glad that I had it done, I can go back to normal and not ever have to be embarrassed by it again. I hope this helps others be brave!
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What kind of doctor did this procedure for you?
Avatar universal
Hey just though I would add in my experience. I had 3 tags about the size of tick tacs,I hated them they had to go, so I went to see a "specialist" who said he would not remove them because they would come back worse and more of them, i was gutted and 360 out of pocket, I gave it a few weeks and started reading threads like this with horror stories about it being a complete mess but these were from people who literally just had it done and i found hardly any follow ups for the end results so.............

I went to a clinic which was a cosmetic surgery clinic the lady was so nice she explained that she had not done so much of the sugary but had only 1 case of them coming back after a yr, she told me about the pain and recovery time, she explained it would be months for it to get right.

The day of surgery was ok the needle was painful but after they it was ok she cut them off and showed me them because she told me that it would look horrific and look like she hadn't cut them off so there they were cut off. The next few days were ok nothing to bad definite discomfort when using the toilet but ok, now after 3 or 4 days IT HURT LIKE HELL seriously I had to leave work it was so bad that I rand her and she told me that this was normal, I had about 1 maybe 2 weeks of pretty bad pain but all this time I could see it getting better, after this was just straight up healing, after 1 month i was so happy with the results that it could have just stayed like that, after 2 months its just like a scar sort of look, its now 4 months and it almost looks like a perfect hole haha, I'm guessing it won't truly be perfect but I'm so glad I did this.

it cost $1300 and she used a laser, I would not advise the tie off as it seems the worst method from what I have read.
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Avatar universal
I had to call a collerectal surgeon and skipped the referal part. the receptiinist at their office allowed that . She just entered my primary doctors name into my file. i had been getting ignored by doctors for years but when collerectal  doctor saw it he said i had big hemroids with fissures and needed surgery. Big difference right? Let the doctor know you need a referal how bad and how management is not working.or just skip the middle man.
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Avatar universal
Hi, five days ago I had two skin tags removed from my anal area. The pain hasn't been bad at all, I didn't even take any of the prescribed painkillers. After a bowel movement on the third day, the stitches on one of them appear to have come undone/loosed considerably. Upon a closer look, when spreading the area it looks like a slit, almost like a fissure except it's completely on the outside. When left alone the skin is a least close together even without the stitches. It doesn't bleed much, just a bit spotty after bowel movements, which have been gradually getting easier/less painful as I heal. It does sting considerably though.

I've been applying bacitracin, eating fiber, drinking water and taking sitz baths, which seem to help. I am extremely worried, however, that the area won't heal properly. Since it looks like a fissure, I'm worried that another skin tag will form in place of the wound, which would defeat the whole purpose of the surgery in the first place.

For those who've gone through with this, will this heal properly as it is?
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Avatar universal
I just had my surgery yesterday and had three skin tags removed. My surgeon put me to sleep and it took 20 min and he cut them off no stitches. He does not recommend stitches. I got pain meds and came home but had no pain at all. I took off the bandage and was so happy with the results already. The skin tags all gone no swelling that night I did have some pain because I could not take the pain meds they made me sick. Just put ice on it and today just payed in bed not much pain at all. So far it's been a great experience. I read all the horror stories and almost didn't do it but so happy I did!!
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Avatar universal
Hi, your doctor sounds a disgrace and i recommend you seek a second opinion from someone else. I had three skin tags and they bothered me hugely physically and mentally. Having ulcerative colitis doesn't help  the situation either. They all developed after childbirth of three children. No hesitation of my surgeon he removed whatever he could under general anaesthetic. I was out of hospital after 12 hours and then the pain started. The first bowel movement was like giving birth again. No wiping but shower heads. No sitting down. The pain was awful and the healing took me a good 4 weeks. This was done 2 years ago and I still think it was the eat things I've done. I still have a tiny tag...but it's so much better then what it was and I feel "normal" again!!! When things effect you emotionally and stop you from the person you would like to be I would always recommend to follow your heart and do something about it. The pain in my case was all worth it! Tine
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Avatar universal
I have been seen for internal and external hemorrhoid a and have spoken to at least 5 doctors about them. No help! I had one so painful and thrombosed that I ended up having to lance it myself!!! Can you believe that? No doctor would help me and I had excellent healthcare at the time!  Now I still have a huge external anal skin tag. It's always there, sometimes swells like a heme rood and it makes it very hard to keep clean down there. This sounds awful but sometimes I even shart!!! Still no one will help me!!  I'm Furious!  My dad called up and had his hemorrhoid taken care of the next day. Why won't they help me????? I feel like finding some injectable lidocaine and doing the damn procedure myself. Heck I successfully got rid of the last one! Damn doctors!!!! I'd like to have a nice clean, round ******* for once!!
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Avatar universal
I have had skin tags removed a week ago , and I had been told how painful it was to have a BM I wouldn't of had it done , and never again will I . Worst pain ever and no after care , plus now trying to heal infection :( misserable want to get back to my old self , supposed to go back to work in a days time no chance have to get in bath after every BM pain releaf Arrrrrr
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Avatar universal
Katie...

I had my anal tag removed 5 weeks ago and knock on wood, I can't be more  pleased. The complete recovery takes 3 to 6 months, because the location of  surgery. The first couple weeks after the surgery is difficult but not to bad. Must keep the stool soft so that you don't irritate it.

After surgery the area will look worst than before but don't be alarmed, it will get better day after day. So, I do recommend to do the surgery, but you have to be patient and follow the post surgery steps.

I hope this helps.
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Avatar universal
Hi, I am looking at having a small skin tag removed but saw the CRS today who said she would not recommend it as I will likely get a skin tag the same size due to inflamation from the surgery. She said she would go ahead with it if I wanted but that only around 20% os people heal back to normal. Can you tell me if when yours finished healing it was smooth (like it's original state) or whether there was risidual skin tag/scar tissue? Thank you
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Avatar universal
I just had the surgery.  I went under anesthetic so I was asleep for the whole thing which took about 15 minutes.
Today is day 2 after the surgery. I had two skin tags and one is pretty much all gone and I am happy with and the other still seems to be there.  The first one was there and went down to nothing so I'm hoping this other one does the same. I'm not sure if it's fluid and will go away or what but if it doesn't I will be requesting to get it removed properly!
As for the recovery,  I am in no pain,  I haven't had to take any painkillers.  I struggle with constipation so I had an outrageous amount of fibre the 1st day which helped when I had a bm (no pain at all)  but I suffered extreme cramps,  worse then birth so don't OVER DO the fibre like me :)
Oh there's a little bit of drainage and a spot of blood but nothing really,  I wear a pad for that just to monitor it.
If the second tag goes away like the first (which I'm hopeful it does)  I'd highly recommend surgery.  Pain wise it doesn't hurt at all and as I said I'm happy to go back if the second one didn't work properly.
It also cost me nothing as I am on a pension card.
Hope this helps and if anyone knows if this second one will go down,  if it's just swelling or full of fluid or whatever please let me know because my followup appointment isn't for two weeks :(
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Avatar universal
Im having the procedure done tomorrow after postponing it 4 times and I'm petrified :(  I have a large skin tag (which looks like a tongue and is so embarrasing with internal & external hemmoroids .... I'm not sure how they r going to do the procedure but since I have low pain tolerance I'm hoping they will somehow sedate me. Not sure why they r doing it at a clinic vs a hospital... I wish there was a support system to help those like myself through this...
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Avatar universal
Thank you for sharing your story!

I've developed a skin tag quite recently and it is large as you described yours. I told my Dr that I wanted it removed and she shrugged it off. I will be going back and telling her I DEFINITELY want it removed - its annoyed me to my limit already! I felt uncomfortable enough showing it to her, then to be told to live with it... I don't think so!!

Your story has made me feel brave enough to try. I am also now well informed that there are risks but I think I'll take my chances - I'm young and tough.

Thanks again and best of luck to you in the future! :)
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Avatar universal
ok, so a month after the surgery I feel great! still a bit of discharge, some stinging pain and a drop or two of blood if I become constipated. so i do evertything to keep my stool soft. i don't need pain killers or ice compressions anymore.
i still have an open wound about 1/2 cm big, but it is healing so nicely.. i looked at my bu*t today after two weeks and i almost cried, because it looks so good and i don't have the disgusting tag anymore. i'm really happy, i feel confident and normal.
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Avatar universal
I want to share my experience as well, since most of the posts are negative and people complaining about after suregery pain.

Not a lot of you shared your age, which i think is an important factor when it comes to recovery after surgery. I'm 24 and i had a fairly big skin tag, about 1cm big piece of skin. I didn't hurt, bleed or anyting. It was just not a pretty sight, and i had problems relxing during sex cuz i thought that the guys would find it disgusting. And also not very hygenic either..

So after a couple of years having the thing i decided to go to my family doctor, who sent me to a rectal surgeon for a check-up. She told me it's only a fairly big skin tag (no cancer or other stuff) and that my insurance would cover the surgery. She scheduled a surgery a month after the first check-up. I decided for a  local anesthetic, meaning injections directly into my bu*t. They told me to eat light food and a lot of fluid the week before surgery. The surgery itslef took about 15minutes. I don't remember which technique she used, but it was either laser or some kind of saw, because it souded like she is burning the skin tag of. She was definately not cutting it off. She also found a small internal hemi, which she removed as well. It didn't hurt, a bit unpleasant though. She didn't use stiches, she said it would heal nicer and no fissures would develop.

They kept me in the hospital for a couple of hours, i was feeling good, not in pain, just discomfort. They gave me prescription for pain killers, told me to eat light food, a lot of (fizzy mineral) water to keep the stool soft, and told me to go to the toilet regulary because it would be more and more difficult to poop if i became constipated. And the thing they told me to do a lot, which no one above wrote. ICE COMPRESSION!!!! Crush a couple of ice cubes, wrap it into a gauze, and put it between your butt cheeks. IT HELPS THE SWELLING GO DOWN --> THE PAIN GOES DOWN SUBSEQUENTLY. Ask you surgeon about this..

It has been a week after my surgery and i'm in no pain,  abit of discharge so i waer panty liner. When i feel i have to go to the toilet, it stings a bit, i take a pain killer, go to the bathroom, wash my as** hole with warm water and then cool it down with very cold water, and then put the ice compression on.

So far i am not sorry for having the surgey. I feel like a normal woman now, and most importantly sexy and confident.

I have an after surgery check-up in two days, i'll keep you posted.
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Avatar universal
Does your bum look normal now? How big was your tag? I'm 6 weeks post op and have 2 lumps leftover ( had one skin tag the size of a tic tac) and am wondering if these will go down? The CRS said I'm delicate and may take a little while to shrink. Everyone seems to talk about the pain and not the end result of this surgery- like how the bum looks after!
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