Why the Cleft Lift Procedure/Pilonidal RAF (rotation and advancement flap) Should and Will Be the Gold Standard for Pilonidal Disease

Pilonidal disease can feel like a never-ending battle. Many patients endure painful flare-ups, failed surgeries, and a constant worry that their condition will come back. But here’s the good news: with the right surgeon and the right procedure, a cure is absolutely possible! At The Sternberg Clinic in San Francisco, California, Dr. Jeffrey Sternberg specializes in the Cleft Lift Procedure, also known as the Pilonidal RAF Procedure (for Rotation and Advancement Flap). This technique is designed to solve the root problem behind pilonidal disease: the deep cleft between the buttocks, which traps hair, sweat, and bacteria, leading to infections. Unlike older methods that simply remove the infected tissue, the Pilonidal RAF reshapes the area, making the buttock cleft shallower, to prevent future problems—and it works.

At The Sternberg Clinic in San Francisco, California, Dr. Jeffrey Sternberg specializes in the Cleft Lift Procedure, also known as the Pilonidal RAF Procedure (for Rotation and Advancement Flp). This technique is designed to solve the root problem behind pilonidal disease: the deep cleft between the buttocks, which traps hair, sweat, and bacteria, leading to infections. Unlike older methods that simply remove the infected tissue, the Pilonidal RAF reshapes the area, making the buttock cleft shallower, to prevent future problems—and it works.

Why Is the Cleft Lift/Pilonidal RAF Procedure Better Than Other Surgeries

1. Exceptionally Low Recurrence Rate

Many surgeries for pilonidal disease, like wide excision, have recurrence rates as high as 30-50%. In contrast, our recurrence rate in the last 1,250 consecutive RAF operations is less than 1%, which is the lowest reported recurrence rate.  Additionally, several of these patients didn’t have true recurrences but required more minor revisions because of very large abscesses at the time of their first RAF Procedure.

2. Quicker Recovery

The Cleft Lift Procedure/RAF minimizes pain and recovery time. Most of our patients are back to school, work, or their daily routine within 2 weeks. The operation is outpatient, meaning there is no hospital stay.

3. Fixes the Problem, Not Just the Symptoms

Open excisional surgeries leave large open wounds that take months to heal.  If the wound is closed after an excisional operation dead (empty) space is left which often becomes filled with infected fluid.  The Cleft Lift/RAF eliminates this issue by eliminating dead/empty space, flattening the cleft to prevent future infections, and leaving the closed incision off to one side so it’s in the open air and heals. 

Why Experience Matters

Achieving these results isn’t just about the technique—it’s about the surgeon. The Cleft Lift Procedure/Pilonidal RAF is a specialized procedure that requires skill and experience.   The procedure has a long learning curve for tackling difficult cases. At The Sternberg Clinic, we’ve helped thousands of patients, including those who’ve had multiple failed surgeries elsewhere. If you’re struggling with pilonidal disease, traveling to see an expert like Dr. Jeffrey Sternberg is worth it. After all, getting your life back is priceless.

What Patients Say

Many of our patients tell us, “I wish I had known about this sooner.” Here’s what one patient shared:

“After years of failed surgeries, I was nervous about trying again, but Dr. Sternberg changed my life. The Cleft Lift/Pilonidal RAF cured my pilonidal disease for good. I feel like myself again!”

Take the First Step

If you’re tired of flare-ups, failed surgeries, or living in pain, don’t wait any longer. Contact us at The Sternberg Clinic to schedule a consultation.  Please visit our “How to Become a Patient” webpage to understand how.  We’ll help you understand your options and get you on the path to a permanent solution.

Yours truly,