ANAL SKIN TAG REMOVAL
Seeking assistance from Drs. Miklos and Moore, in Atlanta, is crucial for a precise diagnosis and a tailored and safe treatment plan for anal skin tag removal. Anal skin tags, small protrusions near the anal sphincter, can be effectively managed with professional care in Atlanta, Georgia. These benign growths often result from conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
FIGURE 1: ANAL SKIN TAGS
DEFINING ANAL SKIN TAGS
Anal skin tags are small protrusions of skin emerging from the skin layer of the anal sphincter. Anal skin tags are a result of swelling of the anal skin after the swelling subsides. These skin tags will create a bumpy appearance and are most often asymptomatic. (FIGURE 1)
CAUSES OF ANAL SKIN TAGS
Anal skin tags can result after any situation where there is anal swelling. These situations include:
• Pregnancy
• Hemorrhoids
• Strenuous activity
• Heavy lifting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease.
SYMPTOMS OF ANAL SKIN TAGS
Anal skin tags also known as sentinel piles are usually asymptomatic or symptom free. (Figure 2) They are often diagnosed by the patient at the time of wiping themselves after defecation. However, some patients can develop anal itching, bleeding, pain or irritation.
FIGURE 2: ANAL SKIN TAGS AKA SENTINEL PILE
DIAGNOSIS OF ANAL SKIN TAGS
Usually, the diagnosis can be made on physical examination by Dr Miklos or Dr Moore. The exam is painless and only requires a visual inspection of the anus.
TREATING ANAL SKIN TAGS
Treating skin tags involves removing the protruding skin tissue. Simple cases of anal skin tag removal can be performed in the office procedure using local anesthesia including topical skin numbing agents followed by local injection of anesthetic agents. This can be coupled with breathing in nitrous oxide and an oxygen mixture if the patient so desires. Simple anal skin tag removal is a very fast and simple procedure which has little pain post-surgery. Complex cases can be performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia or IV sedation in the hospital. This does NOT require an overnight stay. Skin tags are on the exterior of the anus, which means your doctor can access and remove them easily.
The recovery time after simple anal skin tag removal is fast and most patients can proceed with normal activity immediately. Specific information and post operative instructions will be given at the time of surgery. You should be able to return to work the next day for non-desk jobs and the same day for more sedentary jobs.
Summary
Anal skin tags are usually an aesthetic issue that may have the ability to create some discomfort for the patient. Simple skin tags can be easily removed in the office with minimal to no discomfort as and more complex cases may sometimes require an outpatient operating room which does not require hospitalization.