Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa surgery and specialist care in Türkiye.

Prof. Dr. Bekir Atik portrait

Appointment

Request a consultation

International
Which body areas are affected?*
Send WhatsApp message

Patient experiences

Hidradenitis Suppurativa patient stories

Open channel

Questions and answers

Short answers with video

From Hidradenitis Suppurativa to healing treatment journey in Türkiye

Welcome

Your treatment journey in Türkiye

This guide helps international Hidradenitis Suppurativa patients understand consultation, treatment planning, travel, cost factors, surgery and recovery follow-up.

What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

A chronic inflammatory skin condition

Hidradenitis Suppurativa may cause painful nodules, abscesses and tunnels in areas such as the armpits, groin, buttocks and under the breasts. In advanced cases, surgery can support long-term local control.

Online evaluation before treatment

Planning starts before you travel.

1Medical history review
2Photo assessment of affected areas
3Review of previous treatments
4Online consultation planning
5Preliminary treatment plan

What to bring before coming to Türkiye

Travel checklist

Passport
Previous test results
Current treatment list
Previous surgery reports, if any
Regularly used medicines

First consultation day

  • Detailed physical examination
  • Disease stage assessment
  • Surgical plan preparation
  • Operation details explained
  • Questions answered clearly

Surgical treatment process

  • Wide surgical excision
  • Partial excision
  • Skin graft applications
  • Local flap repairs
  • Combined reconstructive methods
  • Laser applications when suitable

The aim is to remove diseased tissue, improve comfort, reduce infection burden and lower the risk of local recurrence.

Hospital stay duration

Same-day discharge
1-3 days hospital stay
3-7 days hospital stay
Special cases may need longer follow-up

After surgery period

Recovery is followed step by step.

Pain controlled with prescribed pain relief
Dressing and wound-care needs
Temporary movement limitation
Temporary swelling
Detailed care instructions from the doctor

Recommended stay in Türkiye

3-7 days for smaller procedures
10-14 days for more extensive procedures
The final duration depends on healing progress

After returning to your country

Photo-based wound checks
Video consultations
Healing progress follow-up
Long-term result assessment

Pre-surgery document

Patient Information Form

Download the English pre-surgery patient information form before your consultation.

Download PDF

Clinical approach

Fast assessment. Early intervention.

Clinical frame

If painful nodules appear in the armpits, groin or any recurring body area, early specialist assessment is recommended. Once HS is diagnosed, early-stage care may involve clinical follow-up and surgical planning together. In advanced stages, surgical management often becomes the primary option.

Early assessment

Painful nodules in the armpits, groin or any recurring body area should be assessed early through a specialist consultation.

Combined planning

In early stages, clinical follow-up and surgical planning can be considered together after diagnosis.

Advanced-stage surgery

In stage 3 or severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa, surgical management often becomes the main option for diseased tissue.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa stages

Hurley classification helps clarify severity.

3 stages

HURLEY I

1
  • Single or limited abscesses
  • No tunnels
  • Minimal scarring may occur

HURLEY II

2
  • Recurring abscesses
  • Limited tunnels
  • Moderate scarring

HURLEY III

3
  • Widespread disease
  • Connected tunnels
  • Marked scarring and inflammation
G

Patient reviews

Deni bar

Local Guide · 2 months ago

5 ★

The consultation felt reassuring, the team was attentive and the process was calm.

Arda Aktugan

6 reviews · 4 months ago

5 ★

The Hidradenitis Suppurativa process was explained clearly and step by step.

Sudenaz Guler

3 reviews · 4 months ago

5 ★

The medical knowledge and patient approach gave real confidence.

Deni bar

Local Guide · 2 months ago

5 ★

Communication was fast, the team was organized and everything was clear.

Arda Aktugan

6 reviews · 4 months ago

5 ★

It was a reassuring consultation and the whole process was explained carefully.

Deni bar

Local Guide · 2 months ago

5 ★

The consultation felt reassuring, the team was attentive and the process was calm.

Arda Aktugan

6 reviews · 4 months ago

5 ★

The Hidradenitis Suppurativa process was explained clearly and step by step.

Sudenaz Guler

3 reviews · 4 months ago

5 ★

The medical knowledge and patient approach gave real confidence.

Deni bar

Local Guide · 2 months ago

5 ★

Communication was fast, the team was organized and everything was clear.

Arda Aktugan

6 reviews · 4 months ago

5 ★

It was a reassuring consultation and the whole process was explained carefully.

Frequently asked questions

Key questions for international patients

What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?+
Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic, recurring inflammatory skin condition. It often appears in areas exposed to friction, such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, buttocks and inner thighs. It may cause painful nodules, abscesses, drainage, odor, scarring and tunnel-like tracts under the skin.
Is HS contagious?+
No. HS is not contagious and it is not caused by poor hygiene. It cannot be passed to another person through touch, birth or breastfeeding. Family history, hormones, weight, smoking, friction and sweating may influence the course of the disease.
When should a patient seek medical advice?+
Early assessment is important when painful lumps, recurring abscesses or draining wounds appear in the same area. Repeated lesions in the armpits, groin or other friction zones should not be treated as a simple boil without specialist evaluation.
What are the stages of HS?+
The Hurley classification is commonly used. Stage I includes limited abscesses without tunnels. Stage II includes recurring abscesses with limited tunnels and scarring. Stage III includes widespread disease with interconnected tunnels, chronic drainage and marked scarring.
When is surgery considered?+
Surgical planning may be considered when recurrent abscesses, sinus tracts, chronic drainage, scar tissue, pain or movement limitation affect daily life. The aim is to remove diseased tissue and restore the area as safely as possible.
How much does Hidradenitis Suppurativa surgery cost?+
The cost of Hidradenitis Suppurativa surgery depends on the disease stage, affected body area, operation size, anesthesia needs, hospital stay and whether reconstruction such as a flap or skin graft is required. A clear treatment and cost plan can be prepared after medical evaluation.
How long is recovery after Hidradenitis Suppurativa surgery?+
Recovery time varies according to the operated area and the size of the procedure. Smaller procedures may need a shorter follow-up period, while wide excision, skin grafts or flap repairs may require longer wound care, movement precautions and remote follow-up after returning home.
Can international patients travel to Türkiye for HS surgery?+
Yes. International patients can share their medical history and affected-area photos before travel so the first assessment, possible treatment plan, expected stay and follow-up needs can be discussed in advance.
Is surgery a permanent cure for Hidradenitis Suppurativa?+
Surgery may provide strong long-term local control when diseased tissue is fully removed from the treated area. However, HS is a chronic condition and new lesions may still appear in other sweat-gland areas, so follow-up remains important.
Do you treat severe or stage 3 Hidradenitis Suppurativa?+
Advanced or stage 3 Hidradenitis Suppurativa may involve interconnected tunnels, chronic drainage and extensive scarring. These cases usually require careful surgical planning, removal of diseased tissue and reconstruction based on the body area involved.
Who performs Hidradenitis Suppurativa surgery?+
Hidradenitis Suppurativa surgery should be planned by an experienced surgical team familiar with excision, wound closure, skin grafts, flap repair and post-operative follow-up. Prof. Dr. Bekir Atik is a Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery specialist.
Can HS come back after surgery?+
When the diseased tissue is removed adequately, recurrence in that exact area may be reduced. However, HS can still appear in other sweat-gland areas of the body, so follow-up and early evaluation of new lesions remain important.

Location and contact

Visit the clinic location or send your form.

Contact form

Contact the clinic

+90 532 461 59 97
Which body areas are affected?*
Bekir Atik signature logo
Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health
Istanbul Medical Chamber
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Heart of Health logo