Which specialist performs hidradenitis surgery?

Hidradenitis suppurativa can cause recurring painful nodules, abscesses, drainage, and tunnels beneath the skin, often in areas where skin rubs together. A dermatologic surgeon assesses the extent and location of affected tissue before discussing options such as drainage, deroofing, or removal of a wider area.

Surgery is usually part of a broader plan rather than a substitute for medical care. The surgeon may coordinate with a dermatologist about inflammation control, wound care, and ways to reduce new lesions in other areas.

Bring a record of flare-ups, drainage, previous treatments, allergies, and medicines. During the visit, show or describe which areas recur and how the lesions affect movement, sleep, or daily care. Ask about the proposed procedure, wound closure or dressings, healing support, and the plan for disease outside the surgical area.

Seek prompt assessment for rapidly worsening pain, spreading redness, fever, foul-smelling drainage, or difficulty moving an affected area. After surgery, contact the care team for increasing warmth, wound separation, heavy bleeding, pus, fever, or pain that is worsening instead of improving.

Ask which lesions need surgery, why the proposed approach fits their depth, how the wound will be cared for, who manages hidradenitis elsewhere, and what symptoms should trigger an urgent call.