Pilonidal Sinus Laser Treatment in Leicester
Minimally Invasive Laser Assisted Closure (PiLAC) at The Health Suite Leicester
Pilonidal sinus disease affects the skin at the top of the buttock crease (near the tailbone). It can cause recurrent infection, abscesses, pain, discharge and difficulty sitting comfortably. At The Health Suite Leicester, we offer laser-assisted pilonidal sinus treatment (PiLAC)—a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery in appropriately selected cases.
What Is a Pilonidal Sinus?
A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel/cavity in the skin, usually within the natal cleft. It often contains:
- Hair
- Debris
- Inflammatory tissue (and sometimes pus)
Symptoms can include:
- Pain and swelling near the tailbone
- Recurrent abscess formation
- Persistent or intermittent discharge
- Discomfort when sitting or exercising
Pilonidal disease is more common in:
- Young adults
- People who sit for long periods
- Those with coarse/thicker body hair
- Those with deep natal clefts or friction/sweating in the area
Why Consider Laser Treatment (PiLAC)?
Traditional surgery may involve excision and a larger wound, sometimes requiring weeks of healing and wound care.
Laser assisted closure aims to:-assisted closure aims to:
- Minimise tissue removal
- Reduce wound size
- Shorten recovery time
- Reduce post-operative discomfort
Many cases can be performed as a day-case, often with local anaesthetic, depending on clinical assessment.
What Can PiLAC Treat?
PiLAC may be considered for:
- Chronic pilonidal sinus
- Recurrent disease
- Persistent discharge
- Symptoms not settling with conservative measures
If there is an acute abscess, drainage may be needed first before definitive treatment.
Book a Consultation
For assessment and minimally invasive pilonidal sinus treatment in Leicester: Book a private colorectal consultation at The Health Suite Leicester.
Why choose The Health Suite for Pilonidal Sinus Laser Treatment?
Consultant-Led Expertise
Treatment by an experienced Colorectal Surgeon ensures accurate assessment and safe, personalised care.
Minimally Invasive Options
Laser-assisted PiLAC offers smaller wounds, less pain, and quicker recovery compared with traditional surgery.
Private & Discreet Care
On-site minor procedures in a confidential setting with continuity of care and clear aftercare guidance.
How the Laser-Assisted Procedure Works
Procedure time is often around 15–20 minutes, depending on complexity.
Anaesthetic
The area is numbed (anaesthetic approach confirmed during consultation).
Sinus tract clearance
The opening is gently accessed, and the tract is cleaned—removing hair, debris and infected material. This step is important in reducing recurrence.
Laser ablation
A fine laser fibre is passed along the tract. Controlled energy treats the sinus lining while preserving surrounding tissue.
Healing
The tract collapses and seals internally. Because the external opening is small, there is usually no large incision. A small dressing is applied.
Minimally Invasive Laser Assisted Closure (PiLAC) at The Health Suite
| Benefits of Laser-Assisted Pilonidal Treatment | Risks and Possible Complications | Recovery and Aftercare | Who Is Suitable for Pilonidal Laser Treatment? |
| Minimally invasive (no large excision/flap in suitable cases) Reduced post-operative pain for many patients Quicker return to normal routine Smaller wound and simpler dressing needs Good option for selected chronic/recurrent disease | As with any procedure, risks can include:Mild pain, swelling or bruising Temporary discharge during healing Infection Recurrence (especially with complex/branching tracts)Some extensive or complex disease patterns may be better treated with alternative surgical approaches. Assessment is key to choosing the safest and most effective plan. | Most patients have mild discomfort for a few days. Aftercare commonly includes:Keeping the area clean and dry Avoiding prolonged sitting initially Avoiding heavy lifting for several days Following guidance on hair control and reducing friction/sweatingFollow-up is arranged to ensure healing is progressing well and to reduce recurrence risk. | You may be suitable if:You have a chronic or recurrent pilonidal sinus Your sinus anatomy is appropriate for laser closure You want a minimally invasive optionAn alternative approach may be advised if:Disease is extensive or branching Scarring is significant There is an uncontrolled acute infection at the time of assessment |
Common Q&A about Pilonidal Sinus Laser Treatment
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Symptom checker
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please book an appointment with us. Symptoms can vary from person to person and from condition to condition. A proper diagnosis can only be made through a thorough medical examination.
Our clinicians will carry out a full assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Do you have pain or swelling near the tailbone?
Persistent discomfort at the top of the buttock crease is a common sign of pilonidal sinus, often worsening when sitting or exercising.
Have you experienced recurrent abscesses or infections in the natal cleft?
Repeated infections or boil-like swellings suggest chronic pilonidal disease that may require definitive treatment like laser closure.
Is there persistent or intermittent discharge from a sinus opening?
Oozing pus, blood, or fluid from a small opening in the cleft indicates a pilonidal tract that may not heal on its own.
Does sitting for long periods cause significant discomfort?
Pain when sitting, driving, or working for extended periods can interfere with daily life and signal the need for intervention.
Have conservative measures like hygiene, hair removal, or creams failed?
When non-surgical management doesn’t resolve symptoms, minimally invasive PiLAC treatment may be suitable.
Is the sinus chronic or recurrent despite previous treatments?
Repeated flare-ups or long-standing tracts are indications for laser-assisted closure to prevent further recurrence.
What we treat
At The Health Suite Leicester, our private medical clinic offers expert care whenever you need it. Our team of experienced GPs and healthcare professionals provide personalised diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, ensuring high-quality, professional care in a comfortable setting.
Click below to view useful info on a few of the common conditions we treat:
Chronic Pilonidal Sinus
Laser-assisted closure (PiLAC) treats long-standing pilonidal tracts by sealing the sinus internally while preserving surrounding tissue, reducing pain, discharge, and recurrence risk.
Recurrent Disease
Patients with repeat flare-ups after previous treatments benefit from PiLAC, which targets residual sinus tracts minimally invasively.
Persistent Discharge
Continuous or intermittent fluid from the sinus opening can be addressed with laser ablation to close the tract and promote healing.
Symptomatic Tracts Not Settling with Conservative Measures
For tracts unresponsive to hygiene, creams, hair control, or sitz baths, PiLAC offers a quick, outpatient solution to resolve symptoms.
Pain or Discomfort When Sitting or Exercising
By collapsing and sealing the sinus internally, PiLAC reduces the mechanical irritation and discomfort associated with sitting or physical activity.
many more
Our clinicians manage a broad spectrum of conditions, and individual assessment allows us to tailor care beyond the examples listed. We encourage you to book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and appropriate treatment options.
Meet our Pilonidal Sinus Laser Treatment Clinicians
Meet our dedicated team at The Health Suite Leicester, where skilled professionals are committed to providing exceptional care tailored to your medical and wellness needs.
Mr Franscois Raunau
Treatment options and pricing
Browse and click below to book any of our available services.
Pilonidal Sinus Laser Treatment: Initial Appointment
Consultant assessment of pilonidal sinus, review symptoms, and plan personalised laser treatment with safe, minimally invasive options.
Pilonidal Sinus Laser Treatment: Procedure
Minimally invasive PiLAC laser treatment clears the pilonidal sinus tract, promotes healing, and reduces pain with small wound and quick recovery.
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Have a query about Pilonidal Sinus Laser Treatment at The Health Suite Leicester?
We recognise that getting the healthcare assistance you need can be difficult. So if you have a query, feel free to contact us and one of our treatment co-ordinators will be happy to help. We aim to reply to all queries within 24 hours (Mon – Fri).