Hidradenitis Suppurativa Groin Surgery Post-Op Instructions
Wound Care
Your wound may be healing by secondary intention, primary closure, or with a graft/flap. Follow the instructions specific to your closure type.
If healing by secondary intention
This means the wound was left open.
- Change dressings 1–2 times daily or as directed.
- Gently cleanse with warm water or mild soap and water in the shower once daily.
- Pat dry. Do not rub.
- Apply prescribed topical medication if ordered.
- Use non-adherent, absorptive dressings to manage drainage.
- Keep surrounding skin clean and dry to prevent irritation.
If closed with sutures or staples
- Keep incision clean and dry for 24–48 hours.
- After that, showering is permitted unless otherwise instructed.
- Do not soak. No baths, pools, or hot tubs until cleared by your physician.
- Apply a light dressing if there is drainage.
- Sutures are typically removed in 10–14 days unless absorbable.
If graft or flap reconstruction
- Avoid tension, stretching, or pressure on the area.
- Follow specific positioning or activity restrictions given at discharge.
- Report any color change immediately, including dusky, pale, or blackened tissue.
Drainage
Moderate drainage is common, especially with open wounds.
- Use absorbent pads or gauze to protect clothing.
- Foul odor, sudden increase in drainage, or pus-like discharge should prompt a call to the office.
Pain Management
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed.
- Transition to acetaminophen or NSAIDs as tolerated, if appropriate.
- Ice packs may be used externally for 15–20 minutes at a time.
- Avoid direct contact between the ice pack and the wound.
- Mild to moderate discomfort is expected and improves over 1–2 weeks.
Activity
- Avoid heavy lifting, squatting, straining, or vigorous lower body activity for 2–4 weeks.
- Minimize friction in the groin area.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing and breathable underwear.
- Gradually resume normal activity as tolerated.
- Most patients return to light activity within 1–2 weeks, depending on wound size.
Hygiene and Skin Care
- Shower daily once cleared.
- Avoid shaving the area until fully healed.
- Do not apply deodorants, powders, or fragranced products near the wound.
- Do not soak in a bath, pool, or hot tub until cleared by your physician.
- Smoking cessation is strongly encouraged to improve healing.
Bowel Care
Avoid constipation to reduce strain on the surgical site.
- Use stool softeners if prescribed.
- Maintain adequate hydration and fiber intake.
Expected Healing Timeline
- Small excisions: 2–4 weeks.
- Large excisions healing by secondary intention: may take 6–12+ weeks.
- Some scarring is expected.
Call the Office If You Develop
- Fever greater than 100.4°F
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling
- Worsening pain after initial improvement
- Excessive bleeding
- Separation of wound edges
- Foul odor, sudden increase in drainage, or pus-like discharge
- Difficulty urinating
- Signs of graft or flap compromise, if applicable
- Any symptom that feels unusual or concerning
Follow-up
Your doctor will check how you are healing after surgery. Please keep all recommended post-operative appointments.
Contact the office if you need to confirm or reschedule your follow-up visit.
When to seek emergency care
If you think you are having an emergency, call emergency medical services right away.
Seek urgent medical care for:
- chest pain
- trouble breathing
- fainting
- severe weakness
- heavy ongoing bleeding
- severe pain that is rapidly worsening
- confusion
- signs of a serious allergic reaction
Schedule or confirm your follow-up
If you have questions about your recovery or need to confirm your post-operative appointment, please contact the office.
Request an Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to heal after hidradenitis suppurativa surgery?
Healing depends on the size of the wound and the type of closure. Small excisions may heal in 2–4 weeks. Larger wounds healing by secondary intention may take 6–12 weeks or longer.
Is drainage normal after hidradenitis suppurativa surgery?
Yes. Moderate drainage can be common, especially if the wound was left open to heal by secondary intention. Foul odor, pus-like drainage, or a sudden increase in drainage should prompt a call to the office.
Can I shower after surgery?
Showering is usually allowed once cleared by your surgical team. Gently cleanse the area with warm water or mild soap and water, then pat dry. Do not rub the wound.
When can I return to normal activity?
Most patients can return to light activity within 1–2 weeks, depending on wound size and discomfort. Avoid heavy lifting, squatting, straining, friction, or vigorous lower body activity for 2–4 weeks unless cleared earlier.
What should I wear after groin surgery?
Wear loose-fitting clothing and breathable underwear to reduce friction and irritation in the groin area.
When should I call after surgery?
Call if you develop fever greater than 100.4°F, increasing redness, warmth, swelling, worsening pain after initial improvement, excessive bleeding, wound separation, foul-smelling drainage, difficulty urinating, or signs of graft or flap compromise.
