First off, best of luck on Monday — it's completely normal to feel nervous before a first surgery, but being informed is a great first step!
Here's what some myHSteam members have shared about their experiences:
- "The surgery under my underarm went well. Had two removed, and they never came back."
- "I had the armpit Show Full Answer
First off, best of luck on Monday — it's completely normal to feel nervous before a first surgery, but being informed is a great first step!
Here's what some myHSteam members have shared about their experiences:
- "The surgery under my underarm went well. Had two removed, and they never came back."
- "I had the armpit surgery, and it was the best thing for me. Changed my life."
- "I've had several surgeries and it gave me a lot of relief."
Of course, experiences vary — some members also note that new lesions can appear in nearby areas after surgery, so managing expectations is important. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- Control inflammation beforehand — if you're on any anti-inflammatory treatments, staying consistent leading up to surgery can improve outcomes
- Wear loose-fitting clothing after surgery to avoid rubbing or pressing on the surgical sites
- Ask your surgeon about wound care before Monday so you're fully prepared
- Monitor pain levels — some post-op pain is expected, but pain that worsens over time (rather than improving) can be a sign of infection Regarding healing time, wound healing after this type of surgery can range from two to four months, and healing by secondary intention (letting the wound close on its own without stitches) is common. It can actually produce good cosmetic results, though it does take longer.
Watch out for these signs of complications and contact your surgeon immediately if you notice:
- Increasing pain rather than gradual improvement
- Redness, swelling, or pus at the surgical site
- Fever
- A bump forming under the skin (possible blood collection)
- External bleeding that doesn't stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure Since the under-breast area is involved, it's worth noting that HS surgery in skin fold areas can sometimes result in scarring that tightens as it heals. Discussing this with your surgeon beforehand so you know what to expect is really worthwhile.
Wishing you a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery! 💪
October 6
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