Pilonidal Disease: The Blog

Read Testimonials from our Patients

Hear from our patients around the world
who have traveled to The Sternberg Clinic to treat their Pilonidal Disease with Cleft Lift surgery.
Read their stories and share your testimonial

Browse All Testimonials and Patient Stories

No More Fear of Flare-Ups

It has been approximately six months since the surgery, and I have not experienced a single flare-up. It feels as though I can finally embrace life again without any concerns or worries.

What Medical Care Can Look Like at its Best

My experience with Dr. Sternberg and his team from the beginning was outstanding; everyone was kind and super responsive. At my first visit he took the time to sit down with me and explain the disease in a way that I had…

No Pain for First Time in Years

I had four prior pilonidal surgeries and I was starting to lose hope as to when my life as a regular 20 yr old male will start. I was left with an open wound for months on end and my local surgeon…

Gave Me My Life Back

In May 2022 I underwent surgery at a local office for my pilonidal condition in hopes that I would be fixed and recover quickly. Suffice it to say, that did not happen. Fast forward eight months later I was still dealing with…

I was never able to find a case like mine

For four years I dealt with a pilonidal abscess. I was never able to find a case like mine, four little pits and nothing else. I saw two different dermatologists, who both gave me steroid shots and told me I would need…

I prayed for years… and Dr. Sternberg was the answer

I cannot say enough praise for Dr. Sternberg and his team. My son has suffered from Pilonidal Disease for five years, since he was 17 years old. He had endured three surgeries which required years of “healing” from top wound care centers…

Quality of Life Post-op has been Fantastic

It’s amazing how much discomfort you can learn to put up with. I had symptoms of pilonidal disease for 12 years, and had multiple unsuccessful “conventional excision” operations over a four year span starting in 2017. I declined a fourth, extremely invasive…

A solution to my pilonidal problem seemed elusive

I have suffered from Pilonidal Disease since December 2019, requiring multiple visits to the emergency room, urgent care, and ultimately, a failed excision surgery to remove the “cyst.” Pilonidal Disease and its standard treatments impacted every aspect of my health and lowered…

This surgery gave me my life back

I had been dealing with the pilonidal disease for 6 years and had received a brief operation in Canada that only made it worse. Once in contact with the Sternberg clinic, they were able to tell me exactly what was going on,…

I Traveled… and I Could Not Be Happier

Every country in the world needs a Pilonidal expert like Dr. Sternberg. I’m a 22 year old male and I suffered from this nasty disease since November 2020. I received surgery for it once which was a wide excisional marsupialization which never…

I feel better now than I have for the past 5 years

I can’t recommend Dr. Sternberg and his staff enough, especially Emon, for everything they have done. I’m about 2 and a half months since surgery and I feel better now than I have for the past 5 years. Without any hesitation I…

Very thankful for Dr. Sternberg’s expertise!

My son [suffering from Pilonidal Disease] was referred to a local rural surgeon who proposed a surgery that would have involved months of wound care, possible skin graft and wound vac. We scheduled, but did our research and found Dr. Sternberg. Before…

Dr. Sternberg saved my life!

I am a 23 year old Canadian and I can’t even begin to explain how honoured I am to have been a patient of Dr. Sternberg. Dr. Sternberg saved my life! After three failed surgeries in Canada, I was left stranded in…

You shouldn’t trust your body to anyone else.

Like many of the other reviewers, I got my life back thanks to Dr. Sternberg. I’d previously experienced 5 failed surgeries for pilonidal disease, and at 27 was ready to give up and live with this condition for the rest of my…

Pain-free for the First Time in Years

After struggling with Pilonidal disease for over two years and going through one failed surgery, Dr. Sternberg saved me from all of this. My original doctor had recommended repeating the original, failed surgery that I had. Discouraged, I looked elsewhere for care.…

Don’t Go Anywhere Else

Pilonidal cyst pain is the worst. It’s no way to live. And the surgery that most people suggest for it is devastating, and takes several MONTHS to recover from. I dealt with it for years because the traditional surgery for the condition…

Superb Medical Skills

I cannot say enough enough about the medical skills of Dr. Sternberg when it came to my son’s second surgery for his pilonidal disease, this past January 2018. The first surgery with the local general surgeon not only didn’t work, it left…

I am now back to living a normal, healthy life

After suffering for over five months, (while) working with another doctor, unsuccessful surgery and visits to the emergency room, I finally went to Dr. Sternberg for a second opinion. He diagnosed my problem immediately and told me how it could be remedied…

I can live again without worrying about the pain

Dr. Sternberg is the best person to go for pilonidal cyst because of his years of experience in curing this disease. His cleft lift procedure is superior than the open wound surgery that other surgeons do. I am happy that I can…

Four Years Later, Still Healed

Unbelievably grateful to Dr. Sternberg and his team for helping my pilonidal disease. After a year of suffering, and two failed surgeries, their surgery… worked. I was healed! Four years later, still healed, and expect to be indefinitely. — Alexander

I couldn’t be happier

You cannot find a better colorectal surgeon anywhere. Dr. Sternberg did my procedure and I couldn’t be happier with the way he took care of me. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to have any procedure involving gastrointestinal tract.

It was totally worth traveling

Warmly, sincerely and eternally grateful to Dr. J. Sternberg for restoring our son’s health, bringing back his joyful smile and his opportunity to enjoy his youthful life to the fullest. Along with this thank you, we wish for Dr. Sternberg many blessings.…

Dr Sternberg earned my trust quickly

I’d had a horrific surgery for a pilonidal abscess 2 years prior by a general surgeon when I came to Dr. Sternberg. I had grown increasingly skeptical of surgeons but Sternberg is knowledgeable with a great attitude. He earned my trust quickly.…

I was able to go out and be active after a week

I had a pilonidal cyst for nearly two years (which lasted through two surgeries by different surgeons). After Dr. Sternberg operated, I was able to go out and be active after a week, and a month later I had completely recovered. He…

I Will Always Be Grateful

My son is no longer living in pain and hiding from the world because of this disease. Dr. Sternberg saved my sons life and I will always be grateful. He cares and is the best! — Monica

‘I recommend this procedure 100%’

It has been almost a year since my cleft lift surgery and I have had no issues. Outpatient surgery, I was on my way home the next day. Recovery was so quick and painless. After suffering for years with this disease and…

‘Completely changed my life for the better’

I went to get the surgery from Dr.Sternberg three months ago and it’s completely changed my life for the better. In the first two weeks I was completely pain free and able to move around like nothing happened. Two weeks later, I…

‘He gave me hope when I had none’

At the beginning of 2019, I was diagnosed with a “pilonidal cyst,” something I had never heard of before. My first surgery was March of 2019. It wasn’t with the surgeon I had been referred to since he no longer performs that…

‘Never met a better doctor and I am a nurse’

If you or a family member have been suffering from pilonidal disease and you are desperately searching for a solution you can stop looking and contact Dr. Sternberg. My son had two prior surgeries each making his condition worse. We spent months…

‘From start to finish, every step was flawless’

We were given the diagnosis for pilonidal disease by our family physician for our child. We found Dr. Sternberg through the international pilonidal society platform. From start to finish, every step was flawless; Dr. Sternberg delivers the best and latest treatment for…

‘I wish I discovered Dr. Sternberg sooner’

A few months ago, when I was perusing this website researching if I should go to Dr. Sternberg, I recall being baffled by the testimonial section. So many sounded like they were writing about me — you’re not alone. I hope that…

‘Highly skilled in his field’

Dr. Jeffrey Sternberg is a true gem, a rare find; the only expert you should go to for pilonidal disease. He is able to explain the cleft lift procedure and answer any questions you have in an impressive, adept manner. Highly skilled…

‘I’m overwhelmed with relief ‘

Thanks to Dr. Sternberg I have a new shot at a normal life. For five years I had to deal with a never ending leaking wound on my backside that never went away, until now. From start to finish, every step was…

‘Dr. Sternberg is the expert in his field’

Dr. Sternberg is the only doctor you should seek out to treat a pilonidal diagnosis. I wish that I had discovered his clinic when we first started down the road of treating the “pilonidal cyst” my son had been diagnosed with at…

‘My son has his normal life back!’

Thank you Dr. Sternberg, finally my son has his normal life back! My son previously had four unsuccessful surgeries for Pilonidal Disease. His story started in 2017 with a pilonidal cyst. Through this process he withdrew from college twice and his life…

‘I have not felt this good since I can remember’

After many failed attempts and countless Doctors, E.R’s and Dermatologist visits to get my cyst under control, I was at my breaking point. I currently live in New Hampshire and I wanted this surgery done by someone I knew I could trust.…

‘I was able to return to my virtual job within 5 days’

When I first got a pilonidal cyst, my gastroenterologist was quick to highly recommend Dr. Sternberg and other medical professionals reaffirmed that recommendation. My original hope of having him perform his cleft lift and pilonidal excision surgery before my cyst returned was…

‘Thank you from the bottom of this mom’s heart’

From the beginning of our first email to Dr. Sternberg to the weeks after surgery, the Sternberg clinic has been the most supportive and compassionate to our son. My son had been dealing with pilonidal disease for 2 years prior to me…

After three failed surgeries…

After three failed surgeries over a year and a half with other surgeons, Dr. Sternberg and his team were able resolve my pilonidal disease quickly and with minimal discomfort. Over a year later and there have been on further issues or signs…

Surgery and Recovery Time Were Minimal

I had a more mild pilonidal situation and opted for the cleft lift by Dr. Sternberg to prevent abscess formations that would require treatments with higher failure rates and greater chances of reoccurrence. It was an excellent decision, the surgery and recovery…

Fix the Previous Mistakes

Coming from a botched surgery that got infected, and having an open wound for over a year, I was extremely happy that Sternberg was able to fix the previous mistakes. Life got so much better not having to constantly worry about this…

‘The “Guru” of pilonidal disease’

Dr. Sternberg saved my son from years of problems and potential surgeries! He is an amazing doctor and we feel so fortunate to have been referred to him. My 16-year-old son had pilonidal disease and was treated at Urgent Care because we…

‘No pain, quick recovery, and a return to normal life’

THANK YOU DR. STERNBERG!!! After suffering a hard fall, I developed a draining abscess in the upper left area of my buttocks. I first went to a Dermatologist, who performed a painful in-office surgery. After the surgery, the area worsened. The Dermatologist…

‘I haven’t felt this great in a while’

I just want to thank Dr Sternberg for being so great and to spread awareness for others who are also going through the same uncomfortable experience we call ‘pilonidal’. After having my first pilonidal surgery a couple years back I seemed to…

‘The gold standard for pilonidal surgery’

I lived with a pilonidal cyst for two years – it was uncomfortable to sit normally and limited my ability to exercise. I saw a couple local doctors who recommended surgery, but the procedure they would perform involved a lengthy recovery with…

Thanks from a Cured High School Student

After our daughter endured three failed surgeries by other providers to treat her pilonidal disease and missed nearly a year of high school, we turned to Dr. Sternberg. Our daughter was so worried that a Cleft Lift would radically change her appearance,…

The Cleft Lift procedure is as good as it gets

I have a lot of gratitude for Dr. Sternberg and his team! I learned about pilonidal disease and surgeries online and found them dismal and not encouraging at all. It was gloomy to see that most surgeons would recommend a procedure which…

A College Freshman’s Story of Pilonidal Surgery

I was a freshman in college and spent long hours in the library studying.  The chairs were wooden and not comfortable, but they kept me awake. Near the end of my first semester, I began having a pain back there.  It was…

Discovering the ‘Cleft Lift’

I had my pilonidal for several years before I found this website in my attempt to deal with the problem once and for all. Through this site, I discovered the “cleft lift” proceedure as pioneered by Dr. John Bascom of Oregon. I decided…

Finally, a Successful Surgery

My son had surgery for a pilonidal cyst 4 years ago, he continued to have pain after surgery, had 2 more surgeries last year and had to leave school because it got to the point where he could not sit anymore—we saw…

Surgery saved my high school football career

I could not have had a greater experience with Dr. Sternberg and his team! I visited a surgeon before finding Dr. Sternberg who told me that my football career would be over and that I would require pilonidal surgery that would take…

‘We got our son back’

My son (24) had surgery to remove a pilonidal cyst in 2017 at an HMO which was a nightmare from the beginning. It had taken four months to properly diagnose the problem, and the surgeon there had stapled the site of the…

A Comfortable and Well-Informed Patient

Dr. Sternberg and his team are phenomenal in my opinion. I went in for a pilonidal operation. From first consultation to surgery I felt comfortable and well-informed about the whole process. Dr. Sternberg and team did a great job with my surgery.…

‘Great doctor, great treatment’

I had the pilonidal surgery over 10 years ago and I still have no signs of the cyst coming back. If I could remember, I was up and around 3-4 days after surgery and returned to all my activities within the month.…

‘It was a perfect surgery’

Dr. Sternberg treated me for a very persistent pilonidal cyst 10 years ago. It was a perfect surgery and I have had no recurrence since that day. I have deep respect for Dr. Sternberg’s abilities and technique. – Anne R.

‘We are forever in his debt’

Dr Sternberg quite literally saved my son. Suffering from a pilonidal cyst, my son had surgery. It failed, and for a year he was trying to function like a normal teen, but in massive pain, and with an incision that wouldn’t heal…

‘This experience has been amazing’

My son, Drew, who is 19 years old, had surgery with Dr. Sternberg on the 17th of July 2019. This was Drew’s third surgery. In October of 2018, Drew was away at school at the University of San Francisco, playing baseball. This…

‘Within three days he was back to school’

My sixteen year old son had suffered with a pilonidal cyst which, after months of painful treatments and antibiotics, resulted in a traditional cyst removal surgery the first week of his Junior year of high school. After missing weeks of school and…

‘Thank you Dr. Sternberg’

Almost a year out. Surgery worked. Still a little numb but a worthwhile trade against the problems I had before. The Dr.’s staff is great and very helpful. Living with a pilondial cyst is magnitudes harder than going with Sternberg’s method of…

‘I couldn’t be more grateful’

I never thought I would see the light at the end of the tunnel, the day I would be healed. After three failed surgeries (one open excision surgery and two failed cleft- lift procedures) and dealing with this never ending nightmare for…

‘Without fear, and without pain’

I saw Dr. Sternberg for a cleft lift in November of 2018. He and his staff made the process as easy as possible – helping me figure out where to stay since I was coming in from Georgia, working with me on…

‘Surprisingly very easy and quick’

I struggled with Pilonidal disease from when I was 19 until I was 25 (last year). I had many flare ups over the years that left me bed-ridden for weeks on end. I finally had enough and decided to research the best…

‘The best decision I have ever made in my life’

I had been suffering with Pilonidal Disease for three years. Not knowing much about the disease and how difficult it is to treat, I immediately went into my first operation after spending a few visits with my normal practitioner. They directed me…

‘They have honestly changed my life’

I have had multiple appointments and meetings with Dr. Sternberg since 2014, when I was first diagnosed with pilonidal disease. The first time I met Dr. Sternberg was during my initial “flare up” on my pilonidal cyst. I had gone to the…

‘Great at communicating with us’

Dr Sternberg is the greatest! My son had to two ER drains for his back pilo cyst over a 6 month period. Nobody locally truly knew what to do to get it to stop. Finally a surgeon heard about Dr S and…

‘It was the best decision we made’

Dr. Sternberg is the most knowledgeable Doctor on the subject of pilonidal disease. My son had been referred to a general surgeon by our family doctor. The surgeon removed so much tissue that the wound was not healing. We were referred to…

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Liz’s Story: A patient testimonial

We received a letter from a patient of The Sternberg Clinic named Liz, who successfully recovered from Pilonidal Disease after multiple failed surgeries. Read Liz’s story.

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If you had Pilonidal Surgery at The Sternberg Clinic, send us a message using the contact form below. If you are reaching out for a medical issue please contact our office staff directly.