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Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgery | Thrissur

Treatment for Recurrent Armpit Boils

Advanced surgical treatment including complete excision and flap reconstruction.

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Axillary hidradenitis suppurativa medical illustration
Experienced Plastic Surgery Team
Wide excision surgery Flap reconstruction techniques Treatment for recurrent axillary HS Multisurgeon team approach

Do you have recurrent painful boils in the armpit that keep coming back despite treatment?

This may be hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic condition that often requires surgical treatment.

hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgery Treatment

What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that causes recurrent painful boils, abscesses, and sinus tracts in areas where skin rubs together.

Common areas affected include:

  • Armpits (axilla)
  • Groin
  • Under the breasts
  • Buttocks
  • Inner thighs

Over time, repeated infections can lead to:

  • Persistent drainage of pus
  • Formation of tunnels under the skin
  • Thick scarring
  • Restricted movement due to pain

For many patients, the disease becomes recurrent and difficult to control with medications alone.

Axillary Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Armpit HS)

The armpit is one of the most commonly affected sites for hidradenitis suppurativa.

Patients with axillary HS often experience:

  • Recurrent painful boils in the armpit
  • Chronic discharge from sinus openings
  • Foul smell due to infection
  • Thick scar tissue
  • Difficulty lifting the arm due to pain

Repeated infections in the armpit can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.

When the disease becomes chronic or extensive, surgery provides the most effective treatment.

When is Surgery Recommended?
  • Recurrent abscesses
  • Multiple sinus tracts
  • Chronic discharge
  • Failure of medical treatment
  • Extensive scarring

In such cases, simply draining the boils provides only temporary relief.

The entire diseased skin needs to be removed to prevent recurrence.

Surgical Treatment: Complete Excision

The most effective surgical treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa is complete excision of the diseased skin and sinus tracts.

During surgery:

  • All affected skin and underlying tunnels are removed
  • The surrounding healthy tissue is preserved
  • Reconstruction is performed to restore normal contour and function

This approach aims to remove the source of the disease completely.

Reconstruction After Excision: Flap Cover

After wide excision, the resulting defect may require reconstruction.

One of the commonly used methods is local flap reconstruction, where nearby healthy skin is used to cover the defect.

Advantages include:

  • Faster wound healing
  • Better functional outcome
  • Reduced wound care time
  • Improved cosmetic appearance

Flap coverage is especially useful in axillary hidradenitis suppurativa as it helps preserve arm movement and reduces contracture.

Our Experience in Treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa

At our center, hidradenitis suppurativa surgery is performed by the plastic surgery team at Elite Mission Hospital.

The Sushrutha Institute of Plastic Surgery has extensive experience in managing complex reconstructive conditions.

Our team routinely performs:

  • Wide excision of hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Flap reconstruction
  • Skin graft reconstruction
  • Management of recurrent disease

Many patients with long-standing HS have been successfully treated with surgical excision.

Consult the Plastic Surgery Team

Learn more about our department and expertise in reconstructive plastic surgery.

Visit Sushrutha Plastic Surgery
Dr Prince Plastic Surgeon Thrissur

About Dr Prince

The procedures are performed by Dr Prince, consultant plastic surgeon at Elite Mission Hospital, Thrissur.

He is part of the plastic surgery team at the Sushrutha Institute of Plastic Surgery, which has more than 15 years of experience in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

The department functions as a team of plastic surgeons, enabling collective decision-making and comprehensive management of complex surgical problems.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery depends on:

  • Size of the excision
  • Reconstruction method used
  • Patient’s general health

Patients usually require:

  • Regular wound care
  • Follow-up visits
  • Gradual return to normal activity

Most patients experience significant relief from recurrent infections after surgery.

Recurrence After Surgery

Recurrence of hidradenitis suppurativa after surgery is significantly lower when wide excision is performed.

However, recurrence can occur due to:

  • Disease in nearby untreated skin
  • Severe underlying disease
  • Lifestyle factors such as smoking or obesity

Careful surgical planning and adequate excision help minimize recurrence risk.

When to Seek Consultation

If you experience:

  • Recurrent boils in the armpit
  • Chronic pus discharge
  • Painful swelling in skin folds
  • Repeated infections not responding to antibiotics

You may benefit from evaluation for surgical treatment.

Early surgical management can prevent progression, scarring, and repeated infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is surgery the best treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa?
For moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa with sinus tracts and recurrent infections, surgical removal of the diseased skin is considered the most definitive treatment. Wide excision helps remove the source of chronic infection and significantly reduces recurrence.
What surgery is done for hidradenitis suppurativa?
The most effective procedure is wide excision of the affected skin and sinus tracts. After removal of the diseased tissue, reconstruction may be performed using local flaps or skin grafts depending on the size and location of the defect.
Is hidradenitis suppurativa surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under anesthesia. Postoperative discomfort can occur but is usually manageable with medications and proper wound care.
Will hidradenitis suppurativa come back after surgery?
Recurrence rates are significantly lower when wide excision is performed. However, new lesions can occasionally develop in nearby areas or other body regions in patients with severe disease.
How long does recovery take after HS surgery?
Recovery depends on the size of the excision and the reconstruction method used. Healing may take several weeks, and patients may require regular wound care and follow-up visits.
Which areas of the body are commonly treated with surgery?
The most common areas treated surgically include the armpits, groin, under the breasts, buttocks, and inner thighs. The armpit (axilla) is one of the most frequent sites for hidradenitis suppurativa surgery.