Anal skin tag removal confusion - surgery or not?

[ImpressiveInstant21]

Hello all,

my name is Josh, I am a 21 year old male from the United Kingdom. This may seem like a very generic question, but I've had some varying responses concerning my anal skin tag. I joined another forum last Sunday and then made an appointment to see one of my doctors about it earlier this week.  I have read up on it online and I came across a website that states that cutting off the is not recommended, and there are better methods of removal. When my doctor first examined me, he confirmed that it was a skin tag and that 'it could be much worse'. He referred me to a surgeon and I am in the process of booking an appointment (although I may cancel it). When I told the guys on the forum that I joined last Sunday that I was going to get it cut off they reacted negatively and advised me not to have it cut off in case it leads the other problems. However, I went back to my doctor's today to ask him about this. My doctor is 100% sure that if the surgeon cuts off my skin tag I will not be at risk of having an affection, and he also states that he has referred other patients to the same surgeon and they have had it removed without problem. He is a very, VERY trustworthy doctor and outlines all possibilities and dangerous circumstances of health-related situations. My skin tag has not caused me any problems - it's just 'there', which, in a way, makes me want it removed even more as there is absolutely no need for it to be there when it's not physically bothering me, if you understand my point. Can anyone on here help me, and suggest why my doctor is so positive and confident about this when information about cutting off skin tags is mostly negative all over the internet? I'd be extremely grateful. Thank you so much. Much love, Josh. xoxoxo

[ImpressiveInstant21]

Hi Kaui,

thank you for your reply. I had a phone call from my hospital the other night telling me that there are no appointments available at the moment, but that I will receive a letter once any are available. If I could get an opinion from someone, like me, who has had no problems after getting their skin tag removed, I'd feel better about whether I should have it removed or not. Another reason that I want it removed is because I am also a gay male and, whilst I'm not sexually active yet, I do plan on participating in anal sex in the future (specifically only with a partner). For obvious reasons, then, I'd prefer it gone. I will discuss with whoever I have my appointment with.

If you have any further information that I should know, or if anybody else can tell me anything, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you! Have a great day.

Josh xoxoxo

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hey Josh!

Well, I would tend to agree with your doctor that surgical removal of the skin tag is unlikely to have major risks. The issue with getting an opinion online is that few individuals with a bad history are more likely to comment than those with a good outcome. However if there are no symptoms associated with the tag, management may not necessarily be indicated. I would suggest discussing the pros and cons in detail with your treating doctor before taking a decision.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!