Undergoing hand surgery can be daunting, but knowing what to expect afterwards makes anxiety less of an issue. As most hand surgeon Singapore experts tell their patients, recovery is different based on the procedure, but some post-effects are universal for most hand surgeries.
Discomfort and pain are to be expected following surgery on the hands. You are likely to suffer from throbbing, tenderness, and discomfort for the initial few days. Your Singapore hand surgeon will instruct you on relevant pain medication for coping with the same. On the progress of healing, strong pain eventually dissolves, with some soreness remaining for up to several weeks.
Swelling is yet another unavoidable after-effect. Your hand will feel puffy and tight, particularly in the first week post-surgery. To reduce swelling, elevate your hand above heart level as much as possible, including while sleeping. Many hand surgeon Singapore clinics suggest supporting your hand on pillows while resting. Ice packs (never put directly against skin) will also serve to decrease inflammation.
Limited mobility will impact you on a temporary basis. Even something as simple as buttoning a shirt or typing may become difficult. This limitation results in part because of bandages and splints, but also because your body naturally protects itself from movement that could lead to pain. Your Singapore hand surgeon will tell you when it is okay to start moving your hand more normally.
Temporary numbness or tingling near the site of surgery is to be expected. Nerves in your hand are sensitive, and surgery may inflame them and cause strange feelings. These will usually settle down within a few weeks, but in some patients they may take longer. Any numbness which persists or worsens should be brought to your hand surgeon’s attention in Singapore.
Scars are inevitable with any operation. How visible they will be relies on the surgery, your complexion, and the way your body heals. Hand surgeon Singapore specialists try to use methods to make scarring minimal, but visibility is unavoidable. Scars eventually soften and get less noticeable in time.
Stiffness of your fingers and wrist can persist even after bandages are removed. This is to be expected due to addressed through rehabilitation. Your hand surgeon in Singapore will likely refer you to a hand therapist who specializes in exercises that will restore your flexibility and strength. Adhering to these exercises greatly enhances long-term outcomes.
Psychological impacts catch patients off guard sometimes. Temporary reliance on others for everyday activities can be frustrating and emotionally overwhelming. Most hand surgeon Singapore clinics recognize this facet of recovery and might provide access to coping mechanisms for helping you manage the feeling.
Recovery timelines vary widely. Simple procedures might allow return to light activities within weeks, while complex reconstructions could require months before resuming normal function. Your hand surgeon in Singapore should provide realistic expectations for your specific situation.
A little setback now and then during the recovery process is to be expected. Your hand will be some days better and some days not so good. This does not always mean that there is something wrong unless there is more pain, drainage, fever, or opening of the wound. Long-term, good function is accomplished by most patients, although certain procedures can permanently alter hand strength or dexterity. Your Singapore hand surgeon should explain these options prior to your procedure.
Be mindful that adherence to post-operative instruction, follow-through on all appointments, and successful completion of indicated therapy are pivotal steps toward ensuring maximum recovery after hand surgery.
