Dr. Daniel Gay social preview thumbnailDr. Daniel Gay, DO, FACOS
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Dr. Daniel Gay, DO, FACOS
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Skin and soft-tissue surgery

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care

Understand hidradenitis suppurativa, medical management, wound care, and when selected persistent disease may benefit from surgical treatment.

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What to discuss at evaluation

  • Recurring painful nodules or abscesses
  • Draining tunnels or chronic wounds
  • Scarring in skin-fold areas
  • Persistent disease despite medical treatment

Patient guidance

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition, not simply an infection caused by poor hygiene.

Dermatology and surgical care may be coordinated for selected disease.

This page is educational and does not replace individualized advice or emergency evaluation.

AAD Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Comprehensive patient guide

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: anatomy, treatment, and risks

This guide supports an informed conversation with a surgeon. Recommendations must be individualized after examination and review of relevant records.

Related anatomy

Hair-follicle-bearing skin folds contain follicles, sweat glands, fat, and a dense inflammatory environment.

Pathophysiology

Follicular obstruction and immune-driven inflammation can create recurrent nodules, abscesses, tunnels, drainage, and scarring.

Diagnosis and evaluation

Diagnosis is clinical; severity, distribution, infection, and prior treatment guide planning.

Medical and nonsurgical treatment

Nonsurgical care depends on the condition and may include observation, wound hygiene, pressure relief, antibiotics for selected infection, dermatology treatment, negative-pressure therapy, topical care, smoking cessation, nutrition, glucose control, or oncology treatment. Antibiotics do not replace drainage or removal of dead tissue when those are required.

Surgical and procedural treatment

Medical therapy is often central. Selected persistent tunnels or affected fields may be deroofed or excised with open healing, grafting, or flap closure.

Risks and tradeoffs

Risks include bleeding, infection, pain, numbness, scarring, wound separation, delayed healing, contour change, graft or flap loss, recurrence, incomplete excision, positive margins, need for further surgery, and anesthesia complications.

Recovery and shared decisions

Recovery depends on the exact procedure, disease severity, health, work demands, and whether additional treatment is needed. Before treatment, discuss expected pain control, wound care, activity, diet, pathology results, follow-up, and the symptoms that should prompt a call.

  • Ask what alternatives are reasonable.
  • Ask how success and recurrence are measured.
  • Review medications and health optimization.
  • Clarify expected restrictions and follow-up.

Urgent care: Call 911 or seek prompt evaluation for severe or rapidly worsening pain, heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, fainting, rapidly spreading redness, or another emergency.

Educational resources

NCI Melanoma TreatmentAmerican Academy of DermatologyMedlinePlus Wounds and InjuriesContact Dr. Gay’s Office

Prepare for your visit

Bring relevant imaging, pathology, laboratory results, medication lists, prior operative reports, and your questions when available.

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Frequently searched questions

More Questions About Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care

What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care refers to the condition, evaluation, or procedure described on this page. A consultation helps clarify the diagnosis and which options fit an individual patient's health and goals.

What symptoms or concerns are associated with Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care?

Symptoms and concerns vary by patient and by the underlying condition. New, persistent, worsening, or activity-limiting symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

When should I see a surgeon about Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care?

Consider a surgical consultation when symptoms persist, a diagnosis has been made, nonsurgical care has not helped, or you want to understand whether a procedure may be appropriate.

How is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care evaluated?

Evaluation usually includes a medical history and physical examination. Imaging, laboratory testing, endoscopy, pathology, or other studies may be recommended depending on the concern.

What treatment options are available for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care?

Options may include observation, symptom management, office-based treatment, minimally invasive surgery, or open surgery. The safest choice depends on the diagnosis, severity, and overall health.

Does Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care always require surgery?

Not always. The need for surgery depends on symptoms, risks, test results, expected benefits, and patient preferences. A surgeon can explain reasonable alternatives.

How should I prepare for a consultation about Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care?

Bring a medication list, relevant imaging and reports, prior operative records, and a summary of symptoms. Write down questions and tell the office about blood thinners, allergies, and prior anesthesia concerns.

What is recovery like after treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care?

Recovery varies with the treatment performed and the patient's health, work, and activity demands. Instructions commonly address pain control, wound care, diet, movement, lifting, and follow-up.

What are the possible risks of treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Care?

Potential risks vary by treatment and can include bleeding, infection, pain, injury to nearby structures, anesthesia complications, delayed healing, or recurrence. Individual risks should be reviewed before treatment.