Pilonidal disease is a chronic skin infection that occurs in the crease of your buttocks near your tailbone, with symptoms ranging from mild (a simple ingrown hair) to severe (an abscess). The chief causal factor is a deep buttock crease or cleft. Deep clefts are moist, promote bacterial growth, and create friction that suck hair and debris into enlarged pores that become infected. If the buttock crack is not made shallower the disease will likely return.
Pilonidal cleft surgery, also called the Bascom cleft lift, alters the depth and shape of the crease where the problem occurs.
Proctologist Lisa A. Perryman of Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in Parker, Colorado, specializes in Bascom cleft lift surgery, which treats the pilonidal disease while also preventing future episodes by making the deep cleft shallower.
Like other “lift” procedures, a pilonidal cleft lift removes and shifts skin and fatty tissue. Instead of targeting skin laxity or appearance, a cleft lift shallows the butt crease (gluteal cleft), making the disease less likely to recur. Scarring is minimal.
As with many surgical procedures, the success of your cleft lift relies on the surgeon’s expertise and your surgical aftercare. During your consultations, we will go over the key aspects of the simple home care necessary for the few weeks following your surgery.
Surprisingly, a cleft lift generally produces little post-operative pain, and it will diminish each day. We’ll discuss your pain tolerance and the need for prescription medication during your pre-operative appointment. Alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen is typically sufficient to control inflammation and pain after a day-or-two.
Drain Tube
A surgical drainage tube is placed near the top of your incision to help keep your wound free from excess fluids and allow the healing to begin. It minimizes swelling and reduces the risk of fluid build-up. Usually, the drain remains in place for about a week after your procedure and then is easily removed in the office by Dr. Perryman in minutes. (Patients say the drain tube is the most uncomfortable part of the surgery because of its awkwardness.)
It’s important to keep the surgical wound dry and clean. It’s OK to shower but no soaking in a bathtub for six weeks after surgery.
An antiseptic solution called Betadine can be used to clear around the drain site. You’ll want allow the solution to air dry, then cover with a waterproof dressing.
Although rare, if you suspect an infection or have concerns about the wound, call Dr. Perryman’s office.
It is important to baby your bottom for the first month after surgery. You will need to limit bending, twisting, lifting, and strenuous activities that may injure the area and cause the flap to fail. Sitting (even on the incision) and walking are encouraged. You may experience some numbness in the area for a while, which is normal. You can return to work or school when your feel comfortable and can sit, usually in one week or so. Most schools and employers will accommodate you during your recovery from surgery.
We encourage you to come to your follow-up appointments. There, Dr Perryman can check how well you are healing and answer any questions. You will be surprised how good you feel and how quickly you can return to a normal lifestyle just one month after pilonidal cleft lift surgery.
Contact Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists when you’re affected by pilonidal disease for the most advanced and reliable treatment available. Call or send us a message today to book your visit.
