Great question! Before diving into insurance coverage, it's worth knowing that sweat gland removal is generally not a recommended treatment for HS. While some myHSteam members have reported positive results, experts caution that HS can still develop in nearby areas even after surgery, and a surgeon may not remove all Show Full Answer
Great question! Before diving into insurance coverage, it's worth knowing that sweat gland removal is generally not a recommended treatment for HS. While some myHSteam members have reported positive results, experts caution that HS can still develop in nearby areas even after surgery, and a surgeon may not remove all affected glands.
HS is rooted in clogged hair follicles and an immune system response — not the sweat glands themselves — so removing them doesn't address the underlying cause. That said, if surgery is being considered, your dermatologist is the best person to discuss insurance coverage with. More commonly recommended surgical options for HS include:
- Incision and drainage — draining pus from nodules
- Unroofing — removing skin covering sinus tracts
- Wide excision — removing affected skin and surrounding tissue
These are more likely to be covered since they are standard HS treatments. Always check with your insurance provider and ask your dermatologist to help document medical necessity, as that's often key to getting coverage approved.
July 26
Join
Your Privacy Choices
