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.
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Browse All Testimonials and Patient Stories
This Procedure Has Truly Changed My Life
I had the cleft lift procedure from Dr. Sternberg in May of 2022 and I couldn’t be happier!
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…
The kind of doctor that restores one’s faith in healthcare
It is unfortunately all too uncommon to find a doctor like Doctor Sternberg these days, and at age 74, I speak from a lifetime of experience. The level of concern and interest he showed me, and his follow up and communication, should…
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…
Our son suffered from Pilonidal Disease for almost three years
Our son suffered from Pilonidal Disease for almost three years. He went through four failed surgeries, and his daily life activities, that he enjoyed doing, were on hold because of constant pain and open wounds that kept reoccurring. After a lot of…
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…
Dr. Sternberg was there for my son in every way possible
My son Kyle was in a really bad place after two failed pilonidal surgeries, and with no clear plan from our surgeon to fix this, it was time for a specialist. We were lucky to find Dr. Jeffrey Sternberg and I’m not…
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…
Dr. Sternberg is kind, attentive, compassionate, and professional
Dr. Sternberg performed a cleft lift surgery on my son for pilonidal disease. He is an expert on the disease and has been perfecting this complicated surgical procedure for 20 years with complete success. My son had suffered from pilonidal disease for…
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 was there for me without being judgmental
I was referred to Dr. Sternberg for a review of my GI condition after I was urgently hospitalized. After meeting with him and him reviewing the scans I brought with me, he recommended surgery. He explained the process to me, but I,…
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 have found Dr. Sternberg to be as concerned with post surgery care, as he is with pre-surgery
Dr. Sternberg has performed three surgeries on me, two bowel resections and the incision and drainage of a perianal abscess. My first surgery was complicated [due to] a widespread abscess in and around my psoas muscle, caused by a fistula. When my…
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
‘Please don’t get any other surgeries besides the Cleft Lift’
After four failed and mentally taxing surgeries, I knew I needed to find a surgeon that truly cared about the outcome of their patients . . . finding the Sternberg Clinic was a game changer! Not only was the process of flying…
‘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…
‘Bottom line – Dr. Sternberg is an ACE at this procedure’
My teenage son was 16 when he found an odd little hole near his tail bone. We were at the doctor that day and they informed us that he had a pilonidal cyst. If you’re reading this review you know how deadly…
‘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…
‘My daughter was treated sympathetically and with respect that made me feel comfortable’
My daughter was diagnosed with pilonidal disease in summer 2021, we found Dr. Sternberg through an international pilonidal society platform. From start to finish, every step was flawless. My daughter had no issues during the procedure or any postoperative infection. Dr. Sternberg…
‘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…
‘Let me save you sleepless nights searching for cures, go see Dr. Sternberg’
My 17 year old daughter suffered for quite sometime with this pilonidal problem. Numerous times we had to get her cyst drained. I felt so sad because she would always be in pain and she was so embarrassed. After speaking with three…
‘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…
‘Our daughter smiling again and the pain gradually subsiding’
Our daughter experienced back pain a few years ago, and we thought that it was a pilonidal cyst. There were several reasons for this. First, we had experiences in our family with a cyst that was successfully removed. Second, the surgeons we…
‘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.…
‘Forever grateful to have met Dr. Sternberg and his team’
Everything about the Sternberg Clinic is a breeze! I suffered with Pilonidal disease for almost 3 years. After 3 failed surgeries and countless cauterization procedures done by doctors, like frogs in a well, unwilling to follow new advancements in medicine, I was…
‘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…
‘I’m back to doing my daily activities again and even more’
I honestly have no clue where to start. But long story short, the first time I started to notice my problem with Pilonidal Disease was back in December of 2018. Went to urgent care the next day and all they told me…
‘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…
‘I couldn’t believe that my life was back to normal’
I am a 24-year-old recovered patient from the Cleft Lift procedure. I first found out I had Pilonidal Disease when I was 19 and it was definitely some weird news to me (I got the Cleft Lift when I was 23 so…
‘Highly effective’: Recommendation from a patient of 20 years
I have been a patient of Dr. Sternberg for roughly 20 years and always found him to be very professional, knowledgeable with a wonderful demeanor. This also goes for his office staff. All my procedures and treatments have been as comfortable as…
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…
High praise from a grateful sufferer of an acute pilonidal abscess that was drained with great relief
This dude is a pilonidal expert. For those that don’t know what this is, it’s this really annoying cyst in your butt crack that makes it hurt to sit down. It’s like having a zit / bruise on the end of your…
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.…
I’m a Woman. I can’t have Pilonidal ‘Cyst’, right?
Do I have a Pilonidal Cyst? I’m a woman. I thought that only guys got Pilonidal Disease? That’s a common theory we hear from patients at The Sternberg Clinic for Pilonidal Surgery, but it’s not true. While men are more likely to…
‘I don’t know why other doctors do not do this surgery’
I went through Dr. Sternberg’s pilonidal cyst surgery over two years ago and I am very happy I made that decision. I was dealing with the issue for months. I went to Kaiser initially to see if they could remove it, but…
‘Dr. Sternberg is confident, kind and has great empathy for his patients struggling with Pilonidal Disease’
Our 19 year old son suffered for the years after a failed Pilonidal Surgery in San Diego. He was left with an open wound that required daily care, his quality of life was totally compromised, he had to leave University on the…
‘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.…
‘The Cleft Lift procedure he performs is definitely at the cutting edge of his field’
Dr. Sternberg, without question, is one of the top experts (if not the best) in treating pilonidal disease in the world. Since my freshman year of high school, I repeatedly struggled to combat the seemingly undefeatable pilonidal disease. I first had surgery…
‘I can not explain to you the sense of reassurance, and relief that both my son and I felt’
We traveled from Orlando Florida to San Francisco to have surgery with Dr. Sternberg for my son. I simply wish we went to him first. The surgeon that performed the first excision left my son with a very large and deep wound.…
‘Do not go through multiple surgeries that can make your life miserable’
My experience with Dr. Sternberg and his staff was the most amazing medical experience I have ever been a part of. I had been suffering from pilonidal disease for 4 years with no where to turn. My first pilonidal surgery done here…
‘Do not go to anyone else. You will thank yourself later’
I had surgery with Dr. Sternberg to fix a pilonidal cyst about 9 years ago. I was around 15 or 16 at the time. Let me start the review by saying, in the strongest possible terms: If you have pilonidal disease, get…
‘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.
‘This surgeon has a ‘blackbelt’ in pilonidal cyst surgery’
listen up people never wrote a review Dr. sternberg is the only answer to your pilonidal cyst. he is the best of the best. i had the worst pilonidal cyst you could imagine, and he fixed me. listen to me….he will fix…
‘3 years later, I’ve got no symptoms and would say it’s a 100% success for me’
I’m extremely satisfied with the results of my surgery. After dealing with the cyst for what seemed like a few years, getting prodded with needles, and draining, I was fortunate enough to referred to Dr. Sternberg. He was very informative about the…
‘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…
‘We are so incredibly grateful to have found Dr. Sternberg’
As I sit here writing about our experience with Doctor Sternberg, I truly hope that I am able to do him justice and convey clearly to everyone what an amazing physician, surgeon, and human being he is. While on vacation in San…
‘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…
‘At 28 years young, I decided there had to be a better solution’
Before I found Dr. Sternberg, I lived with pilonidal disease for over 15 years. It started as a small bump on my tailbone that I figured happened because of a fall straight on my rear end. I was 12 years old at…
‘I’m so glad we said no to an open wound surgery’
Couldn’t be happier with Dr. Sternberg. He and his staff are second to none. Dr. S has a great bedside manner and takes time to explain when others didn’t seem to know what to do. Andrea and the staff were patient, kind,…
‘I did not ask a girl out on a date in fear of her finding out about this problem’
At 15 years old, I felt a bump at the top of my butt crack. I was not sure what it was so I went to our pediatrician. He told me it was hemorrhoids. So for a few months, I treated it…
‘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…
‘Dr. Sternberg and his staff really changed our lives’
When my 17 yr old son was diagnosed with Pilonidal disease I spent hours researching surgeons. I chose a highly reputable surgeon yet did not realize the importance of searching outside of my very large network of doctors in the Silicon Valley.…
‘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…
‘I have to thank Dr. Sternberg and staff for all they did for him’
This review is long overdue. We waited almost a year to make sure everything was alright with our son and getting over the trauma of the experience. I have to thank Dr. Sternberg and staff for all they did for him!!! Jacob…
‘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…
‘I couldn’t believe how little pain I experienced during my recovery’
I had a cleft lift done by Dr. Sternberg in September of this year. I flew to San Fransisco all the way from Canada because of his stellar reputation and how helpful his staff had been to me even just on 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…
‘He truly is the best in world for this operation’
My life had come to a sudden halt when my ARMY recruiter told my I MUST get rid of that tiny opening just under my tail bone or their was no way I was going to make it through MEPS and unfortunately…
‘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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