When you suffer from Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), you are not alone. It is estimated that about 200,000 people have moderate to severe HS in the US alone. HS is a chronic (long-lasting) skin condition of the appocrine sweat glands. HS is not from poor hygiene, an STD, or an infection. Remember, it’s not your fault.
Physically, the symptoms of HS can be difficult. HS is characterized by recurrent, painful lumps under the skin which often open and drain pus. These areas can become infected, requiring surgical drainage, and can result in thickened scarring and sinus tracts. The cause of HS is unknown, but most doctors believe it’s caused by the immune system. Don’t blame yourself.
HS is a chronic condition with intermittent flare ups (including abscess formation and skin infection). These flare ups and infections can result in thick, painful scarring, sometimes affecting motion in the shoulders or hips.
HS most commonly occurs around hair follicles in the underarm and groin areas, but may also affect areas where skin rubs together, such as the abdomen and breast region. It is not contagious, but causes long-term skin inflammation and can be painful and disfiguring.
Living with this condition can be very difficult emotionally. Patients with HS often suffer in silence due to stigma surrounding their condition. When they do eventually seek medical treatment, it is often limited to treating the flare ups with antibiotics or drainage of infection.
Surgical excision of the affected area is the only treatment offering the possibility of cure of Hidradenitis suppurativa. Surgical excision of the affected areas with reconstruction can offer cure rates of over 90% for most patients. This treatment is often covered by your insurance. Once surgically treated, there are usually no recurrences or flares!
There’s a lot of confusing information out there about HS. If you or a loved one suffer from this condition, please call our office at 484-222-0010 to discuss treatment options. We are here to help.
945 Haverford Rd. Suite 102
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
What is Hidradenitis?
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Am I a Good Candidate for Hidradenitis Surgery?
The most important step in managing HS is making an appointment with a specialist. Most healthy patients are reasonable candidates for Hidradenitis surgery. HS is classified into 3 stages called Hurley Staging. Staging allows medical professionals to assign a severity level to HS, but it does not account for disease activity, measure pain, or quality of life impact. Any stage of Hidradenitis is treatable with surgery, but surgery is most commonly reserved for patients with stage II or III Hidradenitis or those with frequent flare ups.
If you or family member suffer from Hidradenitis Suppurativa, please call our office at 484-222-0010 to discuss treatment options. We are here to help.
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HS most commonly occurs around hair follicles in the underarm and groin areas, but may also affect areas where skin rubs together, such as the abdomen and breast region. It is not contagious, but causes long-term skin inflammation and can be painful.
Patients with HS often suffer in silence due to stigma surrounding their condition. When they do eventually seek medical treatment, it is often limited to treating the flare ups with antibiotics or drainage of infection.
Surgical excision of the affected area is the only treatment offering the possibility of cure of Hidradenitis suppurativa. Surgical excision of the affected areas with reconstruction can offer cure rates of over 90% for most patients.
Hurley Staging
Hurley Stage I – is a single lesion without sinus tract (tunnel) formation.
Hurley Stage II – manifests as more than one lesion or area, but with limited tunneling.
Hurley Stage III – is defined as multiple lesions, with more extensive sinus tract formations and scarring. It involves an entire area of the body
How Is Hidradenitis Surgery Performed?
Hydradenitis Suppurativa surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will be asleep and comfortable during for the entire surgical procedure. The surgery involves removal (excision) of the affected areas and closure of the area using plastic surgery reconstructive techniques. Those with active infection or abscess must be treated to resolve the active infection before undergoing definitive surgical treatment.
We are here to help. Please call our office at 484-222-0010 to discuss your treatment options.
How Much Does Hidradenitis Surgery Cost?
Surgery for Hidradenitis is most often covered by insurance. We will work with you and your insurance company to verify your insurance coverage for the treatment. While we cannot guarantee that your insurance will cover Hidradenitis Surgery, we are here to help you through the process.
Please call us at (484) 580-9063 for a complimentary insurance verification!
Recovering from Hidradenitis Surgery
While recovery is different for each patient, most patients can resume normal non strenuous activities in a week. Prescription pain medicine is given after surgery to improve patient comfort. We provide support throughout the recovery process.