Support the Fight Against Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Join us in raising awareness and funds for Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a chronic skin condition. Your support can help improve lives through advanced treatments and surgical interventions.
About Me
My name is Sienna Tahernia, and I am a senior at Marymount High School in Los Angeles, California. My father, Dr. Amir Tahernia is a prominent reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon who specializes in the surgical treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). Being raised by my father who is passionate about helping those suffering from this debilitating skin condition has inspired me to want to find a way to get involved as well. This website will provide an overview of the disease and explain my efforts in helping individuals who have been diagnosed with HS.
I’m also interested in pursuing a career in medicine, which has led me to pursue an internship with my father. I interned with him to gain firsthand experience in the medical field and understand the dynamics of patient-doctor relationships. I engaged in hands-on activities like answering calls, booking appointments, and organizing surgeries. In addition, I was able to receive insight from his patients, allowing me to expand my knowledge of the medical world. I created slideshows and presented them to his office, sharing what I had learned and connecting them to the patients I saw and their medical issues.
About Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition characterized by painful, recurrent abscesses and nodules that typically develop in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. These lesions can be inflamed, leak pus, and may lead to tunnels under the skin (sinus tracts). HS can significantly impact quality of life due to pain, discomfort, and potential scarring. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it involves inflammation of hair follicles and sweat glands. Treatment options range from antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to surgical interventions in severe cases.
Surgical treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), particularly in severe or recurrent cases, often involves flap reconstruction. Flap reconstruction is a surgical technique where healthy tissue is moved from one part of the body to another to repair or replace damaged tissue. In the context of HS, flap reconstruction aims to remove affected skin and create a more stable, durable closure to reduce recurrence and improve healing.
My Fundraiser
I am raising funds to help patients who suffer from Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). This is a debilitating skin condition affecting many who can’t find relief or help. Patients often go from doctor to doctor to find a solution, but most remain symptomatic and in persistent pain. My father, Dr. Amir Tahernia, is a reconstructive plastic surgeon who’s made it his mission to help hundreds of patients with HS. Unfortunately, many who seek his care are uninsured and can’t afford to travel and see him. Through this fundraising effort, I have helped provide access to care and surgery performed by my father. The funds will be used to cover the costs of the surgery center and anesthesia. My father will be waiving his surgeon’s fee and will be performing the surgeries pro bono. We hope to help as many patients as we can through this endeavor.
Patient stories
These are some videos of patients who underwent surgery with Dr. Tahernia to treat their Hidradenitis Suppurativa
