The Truth about Pilonidal Cysts

“What’s that bump on my tailbone that my doctor just called a cyst?  Is it tailbone pain? Is it an infection? Was I born with it? Do I need surgery?”

Well for one thing, if you’ve been told that you have a pilonidal cyst, there is no congenital cyst.  Your tailbone is not directly involved. It is an infection. You were not born with it. If it persists, recurs, frequently causes you symptoms, or limits your activity you might need an operation.

Please be careful in choosing what operation to have and which surgeon to have perform that operation.  Please choose a surgeon with significant experience. Please explore our Pilonidal Surgery FAQ for advice on the type of questions one should ask when discussing the surgical care of pilonidal disease.  And strongly consider traveling to have your operation performed by someone who treats pilonidal disease frequently.

Pilonidal Disease: An Explainer

If you are reading this website, you are probably looking for a better way to treat your pilonidal disease. Please our patient explainer.

Patient Testimonials: The Blog

Read success stories from surgery patients

This Procedure Has Truly Changed My Life
I had the cleft lift procedure from Dr. Sternberg in May of …
No More Fear of Flare-Ups
It has been approximately six months since the surgery, and I have …
Make the Cleft Lift Procedure Your First Choice of Surgery
So, you develop a symptomatic pilonidal “cyst” (really an abscess), or sinus …
What Medical Care Can Look Like at its Best
My experience with Dr. Sternberg and his team from the beginning was …

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