Pilonidal Disease

Pilonidal disease often appears as cysts or abnormal abscesses that develop in the upper part of the gluteal cleft (the upper region of the buttocks.) These cysts or abscesses usually become noticeable when swelling or infection occurs, often causing discomfort and pain.

What Causes Pilonidal Disease?

While the exact cause of pilonidal disease isn’t fully understood, it is widely believed to result from loose hairs that penetrate the skin. Friction and pressure can push these hairs deeper into the skin, while trapped dirt and debris cause the cysts to become inflamed, potentially leading to painful, swollen, and reddened abscesses.

What Are the Symptoms of Pilonidal Disease?

There are several indications that a pilonidal cyst may be infected and could benefit from surgical treatment. The most common symptoms include:

Pain in the affected area

Redness or swelling of the skin

Drainage of blood or pus from an opening in the skin

If you suspect you may have an infected pilonidal cyst, we encourage you to reach out to our specialists at Thrive Reconstructive Surgery. Our team can discuss your symptoms with you and guide you through the treatment options available.

How do we treat a Pilonidal Disease?

Treatment typically involves surgical intervention under generalized or local anesthesia. During the procedure, an incision and abscess are drained. To avoid recurrence and help you get back to your daily life, our surgeons will take the remaining and surrounding areas for surgical debridement and reconstruction, ultimately removing the inflamed tissue from the body.

How Do We Treat a Pilonidal Disease?

Treatment typically involves a surgical procedure performed under local or general anesthesia. During surgery, the abscess is opened and drained to relieve pain and infection. To help prevent recurrence and support lasting healing, our surgeons also perform careful debridement and reconstruction, removing the inflamed tissue and surrounding problem areas so you can return to your daily life with greater comfort.

When Is Surgery a Viable Option to Consider?

If you are experiencing severe discomfort from pilonidal disease or are tired of the recurring pain, surgery may be the best option for you. At Thrive Reconstructive Surgery, our team is here to guide you through your treatment choices and support you in achieving the smoothest possible recovery.

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Our primary goal is to help you heal fully and return to your normal routines within about 6-8 weeks following your surgery. During your consultation, we'll give you a more personalized estimate of your recovery time and address any specific needs or concerns you may...
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