Introduction: What Is Pilonidal Disease?
Pilonidal disease is a chronic infection in the crease between the buttocks near the tailbone. It often starts as a small cyst or abscess, but can become a painful, recurrent condition that interferes with sitting, walking, exercise, and daily life.
Many patients try antibiotics, drainage, or wound care, but the reality is: pilonidal disease rarely heals on its own. Once established, it often comes back unless surgically corrected.
At Jandali Plastic Surgery in Trumbull, CT, I specialize in advanced procedures — including a modified cleft lift and the Karydakis flap — that provide long-term solutions for pilonidal disease.
Symptoms of Pilonidal Disease
Patients often first notice:
- Pain or swelling near the tailbone
- Redness or warmth in the crease of the buttocks
- Drainage of pus or blood from small openings (sinus tracts)
- Tender lump that can turn into an abscess
- Recurrent infections despite antibiotics
- Pain when sitting, bending, or exercising
Many patients search for answers online using phrases like “pilonidal cyst won’t heal,” “tailbone abscess keeps coming back,” or “best pilonidal surgeon in CT.”
What Causes Pilonidal Disease?
Pilonidal disease is not caused by poor hygiene. It develops when:
- Loose hairs get trapped in the buttock crease
- Friction and pressure push those hairs into the skin
- The body reacts as if it’s a foreign body, causing inflammation and infection
Risk factors include:
- Young age (teens and 20s most common)
- Family history
- Sitting for long periods (students, drivers, office workers)
- Coarse body hair
- Deep buttock crease
- Repeated irritation and sweating
Why Conservative Treatment Often Fails
Some patients are told to try:
- Antibiotics
- Warm compresses
- Shaving or laser hair removal
- Drainage of abscesses
While these may provide temporary relief, they do not cure the disease because the infected sinus tracts remain. This is why recurrence is extremely common until definitive surgery is performed.
Why Surgery Is Often the Best Option
For patients with chronic or recurrent pilonidal disease, surgery offers the only reliable cure.
At Jandali Plastic Surgery, I use advanced techniques (modified cleft lift and Karydakis flap) to:
- Remove diseased tissue
- Flatten the deep cleft where hairs collect
- Close the wound off the midline (not in the center crease)
- Minimize recurrence and speed healing
These procedures are much more effective than older wide-excision surgeries that left large wounds to heal for months.
Insurance Coverage for Pilonidal Surgery
Pilonidal surgery is always considered medically necessary. This means:
- Fully covered by insurance
- Our office helps with preauthorization, documentation, and appeals if needed
- Covered for patients across Connecticut and surrounding states
My Experience with Pilonidal Surgery
I’m Dr. Shareef Jandali, a board-certified plastic surgeon. Pilonidal surgery is a specialized procedure that many surgeons do not perform. It is often performed by general surgeons or colorectal surgeons leaving an open wound that never heals. Further, other plastic surgeons use huge rotational flaps on the buttock which leave awful scarring. I have refined the cleft lift procedure to improve comfort, healing, and cosmetic results.
Patients travel from across Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey for this surgery at my Trumbull, CT office.
Common Questions About Pilonidal Disease
Can pilonidal disease heal on its own?
Rarely. Once sinus tracts form, surgery is usually required for a cure.
Is pilonidal disease genetic?
There is a genetic component, especially in families with coarse hair and deep clefts.
Can shaving or laser hair removal help?
They can reduce recurrence but usually don’t cure established disease.
Is pilonidal surgery painful?
With modern techniques, recovery is much less painful than older surgeries.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to school or work within 1–2 weeks.
Patient Testimonial
“I had drainage and infections for years and thought I would never be rid of it. After surgery with Dr. Jandali, I healed quickly and have had no recurrences. I wish I had done this sooner.”
— K.M., Milford, CT
Serving Connecticut & Beyond
We treat pilonidal patients from:
Trumbull, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, Shelton, Norwalk, Westport, Weston, Wilton, Easton, Monroe, Oxford, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Newtown, Bethel, and Southbury.
Patients also travel from across Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey for this specialized surgery.
Why Choose Jandali Plastic Surgery
- Board-certified plastic surgeon
- Specialization in modified cleft lift and Karydakis flap
- One of the few surgeons in the region performing these advanced procedures
- Insurance-covered surgery
- Patients from across New England trust our expertise
Contact Us
If you suffer from pilonidal disease, recurrent infections, or painful cysts, schedule your consultation at Jandali Plastic Surgery. Surgery is covered by insurance and offers a permanent solution.
Jandali Plastic Surgery
5520 Park Ave, Suite WP-2-300, Trumbull, CT 06611
203-374-0310
jandaliplasticsurgery.co
