Hand Surgery

Hand surgery restores comfort, function, and form to one of the body’s most essential tools, helping you return to everyday activities with greater ease and confidence.

Procedure Overview

Our hands are central to how we live, work, and express ourselves. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s contracture, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, or ganglion cysts can limit mobility, cause discomfort, or affect appearance, making even simple daily tasks feel challenging.

Hand surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve both function and appearance. From delicate nerve releases to excising contractures or cysts, each procedure is tailored to your unique anatomy and needs. While some surgeries are performed primarily for functional reasons, many patients also find that improved hand form brings a renewed sense of ease and confidence in social and professional settings.

In some cases, hands can even be rejuvenated by fat transfers to restore more youthful volume and age spots can be removed by laser ablation.

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What to expect

  • Dr. de Chalain will listen to your concerns, carefully examine your hands, review your medical history, and may then recommend investigations such as nerve conduction studies, or imaging tests such as ultrasound or X-rays. Together, you’ll discuss your symptoms and goals to determine whether surgery or a non-surgical approach offers the best solution.

  • Depending on the procedure, you may be advised to stop certain medications, arrange time off work, or prepare your home for a short recovery period. Most hand surgeries are performed under local or regional anaesthetic, though some may require general anaesthesia.

  • The exact procedure depends on your condition and may involve releasing compressed nerves, excising tightened tissue, removing cysts, or reconstructing tendons. Incisions are placed as discreetly as possible, and the aim is always to preserve both function and form.

  • Your hand may be bandaged or placed in a light splint. Some discomfort, swelling, or stiffness is normal but can be managed with prescribed pain relief. Most patients return home the same day.

  • Recovery varies depending on the procedure but often includes hand therapy or physiotherapy to restore strength and flexibility. You may notice gradual improvement in function over weeks to months, with ongoing refinement as swelling settles.

  • You’ll return to the clinic for suture removal (if needed) and regular checks on your healing. Dr. de Chalain will also review your progress with movement and may adjust your rehabilitation plan to ensure the best long-term outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Dr. de Chalain has extensive experience treating a range of hand and wrist conditions that affect comfort, strength, or movement, including:

    • De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (pain and inflammation around the thumb tendons)

    • Dupuytren’s contracture (tightening of tissue in the palm, causing the fingers to curl)

    • Ganglion cysts (fluid-filled lumps on the wrist or hand)

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve in the wrist)

    Other issues such as tendon injuries, trigger finger, or hand trauma can also be addressed surgically when needed.

  • Surgery is generally considered when non-surgical options such as splints, physiotherapy, steroid injections, or other treatments haven’t provided enough relief, or when the condition is affecting daily activities, strength, or sleep. Dr. de Chalain will provide guidance on whether surgery is the most appropriate next step for you.

  • Hand surgery has a very high success rate for improving pain, mobility, and function, especially for conditions like De Quervain’s, ganglion cysts, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Outcomes are best when combined with good aftercare, as well as hand therapy when recommended.

  • The specific procedure depends on the condition being treated. Many hand surgeries are performed under local or regional anaesthetic as day procedures. Techniques may involve releasing tight structures, removing a cyst, decompressing a nerve, or repairing soft tissues, always with the goal of restoring function, comfort, and mobility.

  • Most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with pain relief. Because many procedures use local or regional anaesthesia, you’ll usually go home the same day and can keep discomfort well controlled during recovery.

  • Yes, but hand surgery incisions are typically small and placed in natural creases where possible. Over time, scars usually fade and soften, and our team can advise on scar care techniques to support healing.

  • Most people can use their hand for light tasks quite soon after surgery, often within a few days, but it’s important to avoid heavy lifting or gripping until advised. Dr. de Chalain will provide specific instructions based on your procedure.

  • Recovery time varies depending on the procedure. Many patients return to light daily activities within 1–2 weeks, while full strength and mobility may take several weeks to months. Gentle hand exercises or physiotherapy may be recommended to support recovery and maintain movement.

  • In some cases, hand therapy or gentle exercises are recommended to maintain flexibility and regain strength. This is especially common after surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture or carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. de Chalain will advise you on whether therapy is needed.

  • The cost depends on the type and complexity of the procedure. Some hand surgeries may be covered in part by ACC if the condition is injury-related, or may be funded through private health insurance. A detailed quote will be provided after consultation. For more information on how we price our procedures, see our Pricing Information page.

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