myHSteam

What is deroofing, and is surgery a good option for your armpits?

Deroofing (also called unroofing) is a surgical procedure where a doctor removes the tunnels and lesions that form under your skin from HS. The surgeon inserts a probe into the tunnel, cuts the top or "roof" of it, and removes the entire tunnel along with Show Full Answer

What is deroofing, and is surgery a good option for your armpits?

Deroofing (also called unroofing) is a surgical procedure where a doctor removes the tunnels and lesions that form under your skin from HS. The surgeon inserts a probe into the tunnel, cuts the top or "roof" of it, and removes the entire tunnel along with the covering skin. The wound is then left to heal naturally without stitches.

It's considered minimally invasive and can often be done in an outpatient setting. The procedure is designed to solve one tunnel at a time rather than being a cure for the entire disease. Good news about armpit surgery! The armpits actually tend to respond well to deroofing compared to other body areas. This is because:

- The area is easier to care for after surgery
- There's less friction compared to the groin or buttock areas
- It's more accessible for wound care

Studies show deroofing has a lower recurrence rate (14.5%) compared to wider excision surgeries (30%). Only 12% of people experienced complications after deroofing versus 26% for excision. Important considerations before deciding:

Your doctor may want to continue biologics before surgery to reduce inflammation and lesion size, which can lead to better outcomes. After the procedure, healing can take a few months, and there's a risk of infection during that time. Scarring is also possible.

A myHSteam member shared: "I had this procedure done many years ago... I still get cysts under my arm, but in different places than where the surgery took place." Another said: "It's best to treat it early and get surgery, or possibly deroofing, early on to help save skin. It sucks to go through surgery, but after I had it, I was pretty much in remission for years."

Discuss with your dermatologist or surgeon whether deroofing is right for your specific situation.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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