What Anal Skin Tags Are
Anal skin tag removal in Charlotte, NC is performed by Dr. Kevin Stepp, MD, FACOG, URPS at Advanced Pelvic Surgery and Urogynecology of Charlotte.
Anal skin tags — also called perianal skin tags, hemorrhoid tags, or fibroepithelial polyps — are benign, soft protrusions of redundant skin at the perianal margin. They are common sequelae of prior hemorrhoidal disease, childbirth trauma, or chronic inflammation. They are typically non-pathological, but can cause hygiene difficulty, friction irritation, or aesthetic irregularity at the perineum.
These tags may not require medical treatment, but removal can still be considered when they interfere with hygiene, become irritated, or bother a patient aesthetically. The consultation first confirms that the area is appropriate for elective removal.
Why Nearby Anatomy Matters
The perineum is the skin and supportive tissue between the vaginal opening and anus. Tags or redundant folds in this area can affect hygiene, comfort, or contour. Removal targets the specific tissue causing the concern while accounting for the structures nearby.
Patient Motivations
Why Choose Removal?
Hygiene
Tags and extra folds can trap moisture and make thorough cleaning difficult. Removal can support a smoother anatomical contour, making daily hygiene easier and reducing persistent irritation.
Comfort During Activity
Tags can catch on undergarments or become irritated during exercise, cycling, or intimacy. Removal may reduce this source of friction.
Combined Procedures
Removal may be performed with labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, or perineoplasty when the adjacent perineal area is also part of the treatment plan.
Procedure and Anesthesia
Removal typically takes less than 30 minutes. Dr. Stepp uses laser or radiofrequency energy to excise selected redundant tissue and contour the edge.
This procedure does not require general anesthesia. It can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. When combined with other aesthetic cases — such as a Perineoplasty — it allows for a single, consolidated recovery period.
Managing Recovery
The area is naturally sensitive. For the first few days, you can expect a sharp stinging sensation (similar to a paper cut) when cleaning the area.
Recovery focuses on keeping the area clean using a gentle spray bottle or bidet, utilizing soothing sitz baths, and strictly avoiding straining with constipation. This regimen supports the healing process for a smoother contour.
Experience in Perineal Anatomy
This area requires a surgeon with detailed knowledge of perineal and perianal anatomy.
The perineum and the front of the anus contain sensitive nerve endings and sit next to the sphincter muscles. Treatment planning accounts for these boundaries and confirms whether a tag can be removed safely in the office.
Dr. Kevin Stepp, MD, FACOG, URPS is double board-certified in Urogynecology and OB/GYN, with dual-fellowship training from Cleveland Clinic in both Urogynecologic Reconstructive Surgery and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. He is one of fewer than 10 surgeons in the United States who holds dual-fellowship training in both subspecialties. That depth of training gives him detailed familiarity with the anatomy involved in perineal and perianal procedures.
This procedure is frequently performed in combination with Perineoplasty, Labiaplasty, or Vaginoplasty, allowing a single, consolidated recovery period and a cohesive aesthetic result across the full perineal anatomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anal skin tag removal be combined with other surgeries?
Yes. Perianal skin tag removal may be combined with labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, or perineoplasty when clinically appropriate, allowing one coordinated recovery period.
Is the recovery painful?
The perianal area is sensitive, so mild to moderate discomfort is expected for the first few days. Recovery instructions focus on gentle cleaning, sitz baths, and avoiding constipation and straining.
Where is anal skin tag removal performed in Charlotte, NC?
Dr. Kevin Stepp performs anal skin tag removal and perineal smoothing at Advanced Pelvic Surgery and Urogynecology of Charlotte, 11210 Golf Links Dr North, #100, Charlotte, NC 28277. Call (980) 771-0726 or request a consultation online.
Why might a urogynecologist perform perianal skin tag removal?
The perianal and perineal region lies close to sensitive nerves and the anal sphincter. Dr. Stepp’s urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery training includes detailed pelvic floor and perineal anatomy relevant to careful treatment in this area.