MEDICAL PRACTITIONER-LED CLINIC FOR MEN & WOMEN
Anal Tag Removal Consultations
Confidential assessment for anal or perianal skin tags, symptoms, diagnosis, suitability, treatment options, risks and referral considerations.
Confidential clinical discussion
Not every lump or skin change is an anal tag
Anal and perianal skin changes can have different causes. A clinical assessment helps determine whether a visible or palpable area is consistent with a skin tag or whether further review is needed.
Treatment is not recommended until the clinician has considered symptoms, examination findings, medical history and possible alternative diagnoses.
Symptoms and concerns
Concerns that may be discussed
Medical practitioner-led care
Consultations with Dr Mike
Dr Mike is an Australian medical practitioner and founder of Géniale and Géniale Intimate, with over 30 years’ medical experience, including more than 10 years in cosmetic and aesthetic medicine, with a focus on menopause-related care and intimate-health consultations.
AHPRA Registration MED0001162043Meet the clinical team
Why assessment matters
Assessment comes before removal
Bleeding, severe pain, discharge, rapid change or other concerning symptoms may require further medical or colorectal review.
Suitability, risks, scarring, wound care, recovery and alternatives are discussed before removal.
Consultation and next steps
Consultation and possible next steps
What may be discussed
Examination, diagnosis, whether removal is appropriate, anaesthetic approach, aftercare and formal fees.
When referral may be needed
Uncertain diagnosis, significant symptoms, complex anatomy or concerns involving the bowel or rectum may require specialist review.
Who performs removal
Who assesses and removes anal skin tags at Géniale Intimate
Dr Mike Shenouda assesses and removes anal skin tags himself at our Sydney (Drummoyne), Melbourne (Kew) and Gold Coast (Robina) clinics.
Dr Mike is a Specialist General Practitioner (AHPRA registration MED0001162043) with over 30 years’ medical experience, including more than 10 years in cosmetic and aesthetic medicine. His qualifications include a Diploma of Practical Dermatology (Cardiff University, UK) and a Diploma of Skin Cancer Surgery (Bond University).
During assessment he considers your symptoms, medical history, any previous haemorrhoids or bowel conditions, and whether removal is appropriate. Some findings need investigation or referral rather than a minor skin procedure.
The procedure
How anal skin tag removal is usually done
For a small, uncomplicated external skin tag, removal is a minor procedure performed in the clinic.
Local anaesthetic is administered before removal. We generally allow around 20 minutes before beginning the procedure. The tag is then removed using radiofrequency, and the procedure itself takes around 40 minutes. The exact approach depends on the size, position and nature of the tissue.
Before treatment, the proposed procedure, alternatives, expected recovery and possible complications are explained. These can include discomfort, bleeding, infection, scarring, delayed healing and the possibility of further treatment. Not everyone needs removal; if a tag is not causing symptoms, monitoring may be a reasonable option.
After the procedure
Recovery and aftercare
Healing depends on the size and location of the area treated and your general health. Some soreness, swelling or light spotting can occur, and the area may be uncomfortable during bowel movements in the first few days. Complete healing can take several weeks.
- Gently clean the area with water and avoid irritating products.
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Follow your aftercare instructions about dressings and activity.
- Discuss suitable pain relief with your doctor.
- Avoid straining and keep bowel movements comfortable.
Seek prompt medical attention if you have heavy or ongoing bleeding, increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, discharge, or difficulty passing urine or stool.
Referral
When we refer you elsewhere
Removal is not appropriate for every anal or perianal concern. Further GP assessment, investigation or specialist colorectal review may be recommended if there is:
- Rectal bleeding, especially recurrent or unexplained bleeding.
- A change in bowel habit or unexplained weight loss.
- An uncertain diagnosis, ulceration, a firm lump or a changing lesion.
- Large or multiple tags with significant haemorrhoids or prolapse.
- A history of inflammatory bowel disease, fissures, fistulas or abscesses.
- Ongoing pain, discharge or infection.
These findings do not necessarily mean something serious, but they need the right assessment first. If another practitioner is better placed to help, Dr Mike will discuss a referral with you.
Locations and availability
Locations and Telehealth
Sydney | Melbourne | Gold Coast
Telehealth can be a first step; examination, investigation or referral may still be required.
Medical references and further reading
Medical references
General education from recognised health organisations.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about this consultation
What is an anal skin tag?
An anal or perianal skin tag is a fold of skin near the anal opening, but examination is needed because other conditions may look similar.
Is every lump suitable for removal?
No. Diagnosis and suitability must be assessed first.
What risks are discussed?
Risks may include pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, delayed healing, recurrence or the need for further review.
Can I start with telehealth?
Telehealth may help clarify concerns, but an in-person examination is commonly required before diagnosis or treatment.
Where is anal tag removal offered?
Consultations and selected procedures are available in Sydney, Melbourne and on the Gold Coast, subject to assessment and practitioner availability.
Can anal skin tags be removed without surgery?
Creams and home treatments do not reliably remove established anal skin tags. Removal is a minor in-clinic procedure under local anaesthetic. If a tag is not causing problems, removal may not be needed.
Does anal skin tag removal hurt?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic first. You may feel the injection and some pressure, and soreness afterwards is common. Pain relief is discussed before treatment.
How long does the appointment take?
The anaesthetic and removal usually take around an hour in total. Allow additional time for assessment, preparation and aftercare.
Will anal skin tags come back after removal?
Skin tags can sometimes regrow or new tags can develop, particularly when underlying irritation or haemorrhoids persist. No procedure can guarantee that new tags will not develop.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book a consultation directly without a GP referral.
How much does anal skin tag removal cost?
Fees are confirmed at your consultation, after Dr Mike has assessed the area and confirmed whether removal is appropriate.
Start with telehealth
Book your complimentary telehealth consultation
Discuss your concern privately and understand the next appropriate step.
This page provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice. Suitability is assessed individually; all procedures carry risks, and outcomes and recovery vary.
