Lasting Relief is Possible, Even When Other Treatments Haven’t Worked

Pilonidal Cyst Removal & Reconstruction

Our surgical team offers a permanent, advanced solution if previous attempts to drain or excise have failed. Don’t wait to restore your quality of life with lasting relief.

Reclaim Control Today

My story / experience. I had a pilonidal cyst for many years. The pain became too much and decided I wanted it removed. I needed to see a surgeon and started to research. I found Dr. D’Angelo through my insurance. I called for an appointment and got in within a week of my call – and that was for a new patient. My appointment went very well. Dr. D’Angelo did not rush me or interrupt me when I spoke. Truly listened to me and my concerns. Dr. D’Angelo was very honest when she provided her knowledge and thoughts of my issue. Dr. D’Angelo informed me she would be happy to do the surgery and would be able to remove the cyst and made sure I was aware there would be a chance removing the cyst might not relieve my pain. She did say if the surgery did not help, we would work together to pinpoint the problem to get it fixed. SUCCESS!! I had the surgery and my pain is gone. Yes, gone. I have Dr. D’Angelo to thank. From my first meeting with her to the day of surgery to my follow-up – Dr. D’Angelo was very thorough, friendly, easy to talk with, and listens to the patient. I am SO GLAD I chose Dr. D’Angelo as my surgeon. The EHT office is very nice, well organized, and clean. Her staff is very friendly and helpful. Her assistant, Kate, is awesome. Communicates via phone and email and responds quickly. I would gladly recommend Dr. D’Angelo to any of my family, friends, and anyone reading this review who need surgery. Should I ever need surgery again, I will call Dr. D’Angelo!

End the Recurrence. Reclaim Your Comfort.

Take the first step toward a more youthful, natural look. Our team is here to help you decide if a deep plane facelift is right for you.

What Makes Pilonidal Cyst Removal Different From Other Approaches?

Addresses the root of the problem

Proven technique performed by experts

Lower recurrence rates

Peace of mind with predictable results

Stop the Cycle of Infection Today

Pilonidal cysts can happen, but they don’t have to become your new normal. At The Plastic Surgery Center, our experts combine advanced surgical techniques with compassionate care to deliver permanent solutions, not temporary fixes.

If you're struggling with a pilonidal cyst, take the next step toward a life free from pilonidal disease by scheduling your consultation today.

How Pilonidal Cyst Removal & Reconstruction Works

When conservative treatments no longer provide relief, surgical removal and reconstruction are often the most effective way to resolve the issue and prevent future flare-ups.

There are several approaches to removing a pilonidal cyst, depending on the extent of the condition:

Excision with Draining: The surgeon removes the cyst and surrounding infected tissue, leaving the area open to allow any remaining fluid to drain.
Excision and Primary Closure: The cyst is removed, and the wound is immediately closed with sutures.
Excision with Open Healing: The entire cyst and affected tissue are removed, but the area is left open to heal naturally over time.

Reconstruction can be performed once the cyst is removed to restore healthy tissue coverage and improve long-term outcomes.

During this procedure, PRMA surgeons use flap reconstruction techniques to reposition nearby healthy skin and tissue and close the wound.

This approach treats the existing problem and reshapes the surrounding tissue to create a healthier environment.

For patients, this approach also means:

A return to normal life
Fewer doctor visits
Lasting peace of mind

1-3hrs

Procedure Time

Typically Outpatient

Procedure

2-4 Weeks

Recovery Time

What to Expect

Consultation

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation where we review your medical history, examine the affected area, and discuss your experiences with past treatments. Together, we’ll create a personalized surgical plan to achieve lasting relief.

During the Procedure

Pilonidal cyst removal is performed under anesthesia for your comfort. Our surgeons carefully remove the diseased tissue and use advanced flap techniques to close the area to minimize recurrence and support healthy healing.

Recovery

Most patients return home the same day and notice steady improvement over the following weeks. While light activity is usually possible within days, full healing typically occurs within several weeks — giving you lasting comfort and peace of mind.

Real Patients. Real Results

Before

After

Patient #1

Am I a Candidate for Pilonidal Cyst Removal?

If you’re tired of dealing with recurring infections, repeated procedures, or ongoing discomfort, advanced pilonidal cyst removal may be the permanent solution you’ve been looking for.

You may be a candidate if you:

Have experienced repeated flare-ups or infections despite previous treatments.
Have had drainage or excision procedures that failed to prevent recurrence.
Want a long-term solution that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Have been referred for specialized care due to a complex or severe pilonidal condition.

See If It’s Right For You

Why Patients Trust the Plastic Surgery Center

The Plastic Surgery Center is a trusted destination for advanced surgical approaches throughout the Northeast. Our network includes over 30+ surgeons with decades of experience in plastic & reconstructive surgery.

Leader in Complex Reconstruction

Our surgeons specialize in advanced techniques, including flap reconstruction, to treat even the most challenging pilonidal cases.

Expertise That Drives Results

With decades of combined experience, our team consistently achieves lower recurrence rates and long-term relief where other treatments have failed.

Personalized, Compassionate Care

We understand the frustration and embarrassment pilonidal disease can cause. Every treatment plan is tailored to your needs, goals, and comfort.

Focus on Lasting Outcomes

Our goal isn’t just to resolve today’s problem; it’s to help you move forward confidently, free from chronic discomfort and repeat procedures.

Meet Your Surgical Team

Select a Doctor

Peter Andrawes, MD
Russell Ashinoff - MD, FACS
Dr. Joseph Dayan - MD
Patrick Greaney, Jr. - MD, FACS

Peter Andrawes, MD

Dr. Peter Andrawes is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with specialty training in hand and microsurgery.

Dr. Andrawes offers a wide variety of cosmetic procedures for the face, breast, and body. His facial specialties include eyelid surgery, face lift, rhinoplasty, and non-surgical procedures. His breast procedures include breast augmentation, lift, and reduction. He also offers body contouring, including abdominoplasty and liposuction.

Dr. Andrawes is highly skilled in reconstructive surgical procedures, including breast reconstruction and skin cancer reconstruction after Mohs surgery. Additionally, he has special training in the treatment of complex hand and wrist injuries and different hand diseases as well as peripheral nerve reconstruction.

Dr. Andrawes graduated from KasrAlAiny School of Medicine in Cairo, Egypt with excellence with honors. He then completed general surgery training at Staten Island University Hospital – Northwell Health in Staten Island, New York. Throughout this time, Dr. Andrawes placed first in writing short stories and won a surgical scholar award, resident teaching award, and chief resident of the year award.

Dr. Andrawes continued his training to complete a fellowship in plastic surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital – Weill Cornell in Houston, Texas. Following this, he completed an additional fellowship in orthopedic hand and microsurgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hamot in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Andrawes has published multiple research papers, earning an award from the American College of Surgeons. He has also presented at national meetings and conferences, where he has earned multiple scholarship awards. Additionally, Dr. Andrawes has completed several mission trips to Egypt and Haiti.

In his free time, Dr. Andrawes enjoys cooking, exercising, playing soccer, and traveling.

Russell Ashinoff - MD, FACS

Dr. Ashinoff earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science at the University of Albany, graduating with honors and receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Research. He earned his medical degree at the SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. Dr. Ashinoff was then chosen to continue his training in General Surgery at the renowned New York University and Bellevue Hospital program in Manhattan. While there, he spent an additional year conducting research in the Laboratory for Microvascular Research and Vascular Tissue Engineering. His work was featured at several national and international meetings and was published in numerous medical journals. Dr. Ashinoff then trained as a Fellow in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, where he worked alongside pioneers in the field of plastic surgery, learning the most innovative and advanced techniques in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. During this time, he published scientific articles on Eyelid Rejuvenation and Breast Reconstruction, as well as authored a book chapter on the treatment of pediatric craniofacial trauma.

Dr. Ashinoff is Double Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and The American Board of Surgery. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS). He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Seton Hall-Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. He has been named a Castle Connolly Top Plastic Surgeon, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for Cancer, and has also been recognized as a Top Doctor by Inside Jersey Magazine. Additionally, Dr. Ashinoff has been included on the list of Top Surgeons and Top Plastic Surgeons since 2008 by The Consumer Research Council of America.

Dr. Ashinoff is the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Ocean Medical Center. Dr. Ashinoff is the director of The Center for Lymphedema Surgery at the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, which has been nationally recognized as a Lymphatic Disease Surgery Center of Excellence by the Lymphatic Education and Research Network. He offers cutting-edge surgical procedures for patients with lymphedema, including free lymph node transfer, lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), and lymphedema liposuction. Dr. Ashinoff actively aims to advance treatment options for lymphedema and raise awareness about this condition by conducting multi-hospital research studies and authoring scientific publications.

Dr. Joseph Dayan - MD

Dr. Joseph Dayan is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a focus on lymphedema surgery, breast reconstruction, and facial reanimation. In 2024, he established The Institute for Lymphatic Surgery and Innovation within the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction. Dr. Dayan obtained his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, followed by a plastic surgery residency at Georgetown University Hospital. He completed a fellowship in advanced microsurgical reconstruction at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. With a strong interest in medical innovation, Dr. Dayan also completed an executive MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to joining The Institute, Dr. Dayan spent 10 years at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he established lymphatic surgery and facial nerve programs and augmented microsurgical breast reconstruction. He is excited to join our network to continue to build these programs across the region.

Dr. Dayan is internationally recognized for his contributions to lymphedema surgery, breast reconstruction, and facial reanimation. He has pioneered new techniques with a focus on elevating the standard of care through innovation and research. His surgical contributions include the DUG flap (thigh-based breast reconstruction), neurotized DIEP flaps, and dual nerve transfers for facial paralysis. Dr. Dayan also specializes in lymphovenous bypass, vascularized lymph node transplant, and immediate lymphatic reconstruction. In addition to reconstruction, Dr. Dayan performs a variety of cosmetic procedures for the face, breast, and body.

Dr. Dayan is a recipient of the Godina Traveling Fellowship, recognizing his contributions to the field of microsurgery. He has over 100 peer-reviewed publications, numerous book chapters, and recentlyedited the textbook “Multimodal Management of Upper and Lower Extremity Lymphedema”. Dr. Dayan is founding president of the American Society for Lymphatic Surgery and board member of the Lymphatic Education and Research Network to advocate for patients with lymphedema.

Dr. Dayan has been recognized as Castle Connolly's America's Top Doctor in 2024, Top Doctor in the New York Metro Area in 2023, and national and regional Top Doctor in New York Magazine from 2016 to 2020.

Patrick Greaney, Jr. - MD, FACS

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Trained at some of the most renowned institutions in the country—including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Weill Cornell/NewYork-Presbyterian—he brings a deep breadth of surgical knowledge and technical skill to every case. He was also accepted into a highly competitive six-year combined pre-med and medical program straight out of high school.

Over the course of his career, he has received numerous honors for surgical excellence and his dedication to education, including repeated “Top Doctor” and “Top Cancer Doctor” recognitions across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for the last 10 years. He has led high-volume reconstructive programs, contributed extensively to clinical research, and mentored the next generation of surgeons. Patients value his attentive, personalized approach and his commitment to achieving natural, confident results through state-of-the-art care.m at id sapien. Curabitur laoreet rutrum placerat. Suspendisse potenti. Nam tempus felis et metus dapibus, in ullamcorper ipsum iaculis.

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Meet Your Surgeons

Dr- Peter Andrawes Headshot (1)-1 (1)

Peter Andrawes, MD

Dr. Peter Andrawes is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with specialty training in hand and microsurgery. He offers a wide variety of cosmetic procedures for the face, breast, and body. His facial specialties include eyelid surgery, face lift, and rhinoplasty.

AshinoffHeadshot

Russell Ashinoff, MD, FACS

Dr. Ashinoff is the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Ocean Medical Center. He offers cutting-edge surgical procedures for patients with lymphedema, including free lymph node transfer, lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), and lymphedema liposuction.

Joseph Dayan, MD, MBA

Ritwik Grover, MD

Dr. Grover brings a unique blend of artistic ability and extensive training. His interests in plastic surgery are wide-ranging from breast reconstruction to body contouring after weight loss, to full-body cosmetic surgery procedures.

Matthew Kaufman, MD, FACS

Dr. Kaufman is highly skilled in all aesthetic surgery procedures of the face and body. These procedures include: facelift, blepharoplasty (eyelid rejuvenation), nose reshaping (rhinoplasty), ear reshaping (otoplasty), chin surgery, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift/reduction and abdominoplasty.

Robert T. Nevitt III, MD

Dr. Robert T. Nevitt III is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with particular interest in breast reconstruction and full body aesthetic procedures.

Tushar Patel, MD, FACS

Dr. Tushar Patel is a specialist in reconstruction after cancer surgery, traumatic injury, and the abdominal wall. His exceptional microsurgery training enables him to perform the most sophisticated reconstructive procedures to treat facial and extremity deformities, as well as breast reconstruction.

Deepak Ramesh, MD

As an expert in harmonious facial rejuvenation, Dr. Ramesh enjoys practicing all aspects of facial surgery, including eyelid and eyebrow lifts, face and neck lifts, laser skin resurfacing, and cosmetic orbital decompression.

Michael Rose, MD, FACS

Dr. Michael Rose, Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, is an expert in reconstruction following cancer surgery or deforming accidents. He specializes in breast reconstruction, offering the most advanced breast reconstruction techniques to meet the unique needs and aesthetic preferences of his patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my pilonidal cysts keep coming back?

Pilonidal cysts often recur because traditional treatments like drainage or simple excision don’t address the underlying problem: the deep sinus tracts and tissue environment that allow cysts to reform.

How is flap reconstruction different from the procedures I’ve already had?

Unlike basic drainage or excision, flap reconstruction involves removing the cyst and surrounding tissue, then repositioning healthy tissue to close the area in a way that prevents future infections.

Am I a good candidate for removal if I’ve had multiple failed surgeries?

Yes. Many patients who choose removal have undergone several previous procedures without lasting success. Our advanced techniques are designed to help in these complex, chronic cases.

What is the recovery process like?

Most patients go home the same day as surgery and resume light activities within a few days. Full healing typically occurs over several weeks, and you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up visits to help ensure a smooth, successful recovery.

Will this procedure permanently solve my problem?

While no surgery can guarantee a 100% cure, flap reconstruction dramatically reduces recurrence rates compared to traditional treatments. For most patients, it offers long-term, and often permanent, relief from chronic pilonidal disease.

Is the surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Most patients experience only mild discomfort afterward, which is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.

How soon can I return to work or school?

Many patients can return to desk work or light activity within a week, though more physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period. Your surgeon will provide personalized guidance based on your case and healing progress.

Contact Us

You don’t have to keep living with the pain, frustration, and constant setbacks of recurring pilonidal cysts.

With advanced surgical solutions, we deliver lasting relief and the freedom to get back to life without worry.

Reach out today to schedule your consultation.