Pilonidal Fix: Expert Pilonidal Disease Treatment in New Jersey

Welcome to Pilonidal Fix, New Jersey’s dedicated pilonidal disease treatment center. This page covers symptoms, diagnosis, and advanced treatment options for pilonidal disease, and is intended for patients seeking lasting relief and expert care.

Illustration of a pilonidal cyst on a person's buttocks. Close-up cross-section shows the cyst's structure.

WHAT IS PILONIDAL DISEASE?

An inflammatory condition near the sacral region of the body, pilonidal disease often involves the formation of cysts and sinus tracts near the tailbone.

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WHY CHOOSE PILONIDAL FIX?

Pilonidal Fix is currently the only dedicated practice in the Northeastern US delivering the highest cure rate to patients with pilonidal disease.

Dr Samuil Rafailov

MEET OUR MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Rafailov delivers expert care and compassion to his patients with an unmatched level of direct communication and honesty.

PILONIDAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

At Pilonidal Fix we offer curated treatment options specific to patient’s disease presentation. Pilonidal disease can be treated with a variety of surgical and non-surgical methods, including excision and other procedures, depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition, with options available at our Princeton, New Jersey pilonidal clinic.


Our approach is different from traditional excision or general surgery techniques, as we focus on minimally invasive options and advanced procedures like the cleft-lift and Bascom flap, reflecting the priorities we outline for choosing a top pilonidal surgeon in New Jersey.

Compared to other procedures, our methods are designed to minimize scarring, reduce recurrence, and improve wound healing outcomes. In some surgical cases, a drain may be used or avoided based on the specific technique and patient needs, with the goal of reducing complications and promoting faster recovery. Proper wound care and management are essential after surgical treatment to ensure optimal healing and prevent recurrence.

Antibiotic Management - A capsule with a cross on it and a no bacteria sign.

Antibiotic Management

Targeted antimicrobial coverage is an essential step in the treatment of pilonidal disease.

MORE ABOUT ANTIBIOTIC MANAGEMENT
Emergency Surgical Drainage -Pilonidal abscess - sacral region

Emergency Surgical Drainage

The mainstay treatment of an acute abscess (collection of pus), is an incision and drainage procedure.


MORE ABOUT EMERGENCY SURGICAL DRAINAGE
Cleft-lift Surgery - A pair of scissors with a red ribbon around them.

The Cleft-Lift Procedure

Cleft Lift surgery, also known as the Bascom Flap repair, is the gold standard for recurrent pilonidal disease and nonhealing post-surgery wounds.


MORE ABOUT CLEFT-LIFT SURGERY
Pit-picking - A syringe is being used to inject a liquid into a person 's skin.

Pit-picking 

Pit picking procedure maybe an option for some patients who are not ready for a full surgical procedure.


MORE ABOUT PIT-PICKING
Liposuction Assisted Cleftoplasty - Pilonidal cure - dedicated practice NJ

Liposuction Assisted Cleftoplasty

After achieving cure, certain patients may desire and be a cadidate for liposuction-assisted contouring of the gluteal cleft.


MORE ABOUT CLEFTOPLASTY

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Doctor explaining to a patient in an office. Patient sits on an exam table while doctor gestures, wearing a lab coat.

Pilonidal disease is a common inflammatory condition near the sacral region of the body..


Symptoms of Pilonidal Disease

Pilonidal disease, often referred to as a pilonidal cyst, is a chronic condition that develops in the skin and subcutaneous tissue near the tailbone, most commonly within the gluteal cleft. The earliest signs of pilonidal disease typically include pain, tenderness, and swelling in the affected area. These symptoms are often accompanied by redness and discomfort when sitting or moving.


As the condition progresses, patients may notice drainage of pus or blood from small openings in the skin, known as sinus tracts or sinus cavities. In some cases, infection can cause fever, increased swelling, and the formation of an abscess—an acute collection of pus that may require emergency surgical drainage to relieve pain and prevent further complications.


Diagnosis Process

Diagnosing pilonidal disease begins with a thorough physical examination of the buttocks and gluteal cleft. Doctors look for visible signs such as swelling, redness, and drainage. A detailed medical history helps identify risk factors, including a family history of pilonidal disease, rough or loose body hair, and previous episodes of infection or non-healing wounds.


In complex cases, imaging studies may be used to map out the extent of the sinus tracts and affected tissue. This ensures that all areas of disease are identified before treatment.


Treatment Planning

Accurate diagnosis is essential for selecting the most effective treatments and minimizing the risk of recurrence. For most patients, early intervention can prevent the development of chronic wounds and disfiguring scars.


Treatment options are tailored to the severity and complexity of the disease. The cleft lift procedure—a specialized surgical technique that flattens the deep gluteal cleft and removes the affected tissue—is considered the gold standard for complex or recurrent pilonidal disease. This procedure, often performed under general anesthesia, offers excellent healing, minimal scarring, and a rapid return to normal activities.


For less severe cases, minimally invasive options such as pit picking or the use of fibrin glue may be appropriate, providing effective relief with less downtime.

In addition to surgical options, antibiotics may be prescribed to control infection, and drainage procedures are sometimes necessary to remove pus and promote healing. Recognizing the symptoms of pilonidal disease early and seeking expert care from a dedicated clinic like Pilonidal Fix in Stanhope, NJ can make a significant difference in recovery and long-term outcomes.


By understanding the signs—such as pain, swelling, drainage, and redness—patients can take proactive steps to address the disease before it leads to further complications.


If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of pilonidal disease, don’t wait for the condition to worsen; you can become a patient at Pilonidal Fix to begin timely evaluation and care. Early diagnosis and specialized treatment are key to achieving lasting relief and preventing high recurrence rates, and our pilonidal disease blog offers additional guidance on understanding symptoms, treatment, and recovery.


At Pilonidal Fix, our expert team is committed to providing personalized pilonidal specialist care and the most advanced surgical techniques, including the cleft lift procedure, to help you reclaim your quality of life.

Testimonials

Pilonidal FAQ: Your Questions Answered

  • What does a Pilonidal Disease Specialist do?

    A Pilonidal Disease Specialist, like Dr. Rafailov at Pilofix, is a medical professional who has dedicated their practice to understanding, diagnosing, and treating pilonidal disease exclusively. While pilonidal disease treatment is considered part of general surgery, specialized training and experience in this area can significantly improve patient outcomes. Unlike general surgeons, a specialist focuses on the nuances of this specific condition, from its initial presentation to complex, recurrent cases. This includes expertise in a range of highly specialized treatment approaches, such as Antibiotic Management, Emergency Surgical Drainage for acute abscesses, and advanced surgical techniques like the Cleft-Lift procedure (also known as Bascom Flap repair) and Pit-Picking, which are often the most effective long-term solutions for pilonidal disease. Our dedicated focus ensures that patients receive highly specialized, up-to-date, and effective care.

  • Why is it important to see a Pilonidal Surgeon?

    Seeing a Pilonidal Surgeon is crucial for several reasons. Pilonidal disease can be complex and challenging to treat effectively with conventional methods, often leading to recurrence, chronic pain, and non-healing wounds. A specialist possesses an in-depth understanding of the disease’s anatomy and pathology, enabling them to:


    • Accurately diagnose: Differentiate pilonidal disease from other conditions.
    • Offer advanced, effective treatments: Provide surgical options like the Cleft-Lift, which is the gold standard for definitive surgical treatment of recurrent pilonidal disease and non-healing wounds, boasting significantly higher success rates and lower recurrence compared to traditional approaches. We also utilize methods like Pit-Picking for suitable candidates.
    • Minimize recurrence: Specialized techniques aim to remove the affected tissue and reshape the area to prevent future problems.
    • Improve recovery: Expert care can lead to faster healing and better cosmetic outcomes.
    • Handle complex cases: Effectively manage patients who have had multiple failed surgeries or severe, chronic disease. At Pilofix, our singular focus on pilonidal disease means you benefit from unparalleled experience and a commitment to achieving a definitive cure.

  • How do I choose the right Pilonidal Disease Specialist?

    Choosing the right Pilonidal Disease Specialist is a critical decision for effective treatment and long-term relief. Here are key factors to consider:


    1. Dedicated Focus: Look for a specialist or clinic that exclusively or primarily treats pilonidal disease. This indicates a deep level of expertise.
    2. Specialized Procedures: Inquire about the types of surgeries performed. Specialists should be proficient in advanced techniques like the Cleft-Lift procedure, which is proven to be highly effective, and offer a range of options including Emergency Surgical Drainage and Pit-Picking as appropriate.
    3. Experience and Success Rates: Ask about the specialist’s experience, the number of pilonidal procedures performed, and their reported success rates (especially for recurrence). Pilofix is the only dedicated practice in the Northeastern US delivering the highest cure rate to patients.
    4. Patient-Centered Approach: Seek a specialist who prioritizes direct communication, compassion, and honest guidance throughout your treatment journey.
    5. Online Reviews and Testimonials: Review what other patients say about their experience with the specialist and their outcomes. Many of our patients have found lasting relief after multiple failed surgeries elsewhere.
    6. Accessibility and Communication: Ensure the specialist and their team are accessible for questions and follow-up care.

    At Pilofix, Dr. Rafailov embodies these qualities, offering dedicated expertise, a proven track record with high cure rates, and a compassionate, straightforward approach to patient care for pilonidal disease. Connect with us today.

  • How is the Cleft-Lift procedure different from "open wound" surgery?

    Unlike traditional surgeries that leave a wide-open wound to heal from the "bottom up" (which can take months and often fails), the Cleft-Lift (Bascom Flap) is a closed procedure. It reshapes the gluteal cleft to remove the cause of the disease and uses healthy tissue to close the area. This results in a significantly faster recovery and a much higher success rate (over 99%).

  • I live out of state. Can I do an initial consultation virtually?

    Yes. We understand that many patients travel long distances to see Dr. Rafailov. We offer remote consultations where we can review your medical history and photos to determine if you are a candidate for surgery before you book your travel to New Jersey.

  • What is the typical recovery time before I can return to work or school?

    Most patients are able to return to light activity and sedentary work or school within 1 to 2 weeks following a Cleft-Lift procedure. We provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure your healing stays on track and you can return to your normal life as quickly as possible.

  • Does Pilonidal Fix treat patients who have had failed surgeries elsewhere?

    Absolutely. Approximately half of our patients come to us after one or more unsuccessful surgeries. We specialize in "salvage" cases—treating non-healing wounds and recurrent disease that other general surgeons may not be equipped to handle.

  • Is the procedure covered by insurance?

    We work with various insurance providers and aim to make specialized care accessible. Because every plan is different, we recommend contacting our office with your insurance information so our team can perform a verification of benefits and provide you with a clear understanding of your coverage.

Ready for lasting relief? Explore more answers and find your path to healing in our additional FAQs.

Top Pilonidal Surgeon in New Jersey: What to Look For →

Serving the Northeast & Beyond

Top-Tier Pilonidal Care, Conveniently Located for Your Recovery.

While pilonidal disease can feel isolating, expert help is closer than you think. Pilonidal Fix is the premier dedicated practice for pilonidal disease in the Northeastern United States. Located in New Jersey, our clinic is specifically situated to serve patients across the Tri-State area and those traveling from across the country for specialized care.


Our Primary Service Areas Include:



  • New Jersey: Serving Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Union Counties, including Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson.
  • New York: Just 45 minutes from Manhattan, we frequently treat patients from NYC, Long Island, and Westchester.
  • Pennsylvania & Connecticut: Easy highway access for patients seeking a permanent cure via the Cleft-Lift procedure.


Traveling for Care? We are located less than an hour from New York City and only 45 minutes from Newark International Airport (EWR). We offer streamlined consultations for out-of-state patients to ensure your journey to a cure is as smooth as possible.

CONTACT US TODAY!

Contact Pilonidal Fix today and let us help you leave your pain behind.

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