What should you know about underarm surgery for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Underarm (axillary) surgery for HS can be an effective treatment option when medications and lifestyle changes aren't providing enough relief. The underarm area tends to respond well to surgical treatment compared to other body areas.
Types of Show Full Answer
What should you know about underarm surgery for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Underarm (axillary) surgery for HS can be an effective treatment option when medications and lifestyle changes aren't providing enough relief. The underarm area tends to respond well to surgical treatment compared to other body areas.
Types of surgery available for underarm HS include:
- Incision and drainage - Provides temporary relief from painful abscesses but doesn't prevent recurrence
- Punch debridement - Removes small lesions using local anesthesia
- Unroofing (deroofing) - Removes the top layer of persistent lesions and sinus tracts, allowing them to drain and heal
- Excision - Removes larger affected areas, sometimes requiring skin grafts for closure
What to expect:
Smaller procedures can be done as outpatient surgeries in a dermatology clinic. The underarm area is generally easier to care for after surgery compared to other body areas since there's less friction and contact with bodily fluids.
Some myHSteam members report positive experiences: "I had the armpit surgery, and it was the best thing for me. Changed my life." Another shared, "Had two removed, and they never came back."
However, it's important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor, understand the risks, and have realistic expectations about outcomes and healing time.
January 12
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