Hand

You might not think about just how essential your hands are to your daily life until injury, illness or other issues affect one or both of your hands, rendering you unable to perform even the simplest tasks. Sometimes, these problems cause serious damage to the hand that may require surgery to repair. Because the hands are also one of the most visible areas of the body, you also want a pleasing cosmetic result from your surgery.

Specialist plastic surgeons like Dr Teston are often the best choice for hand procedures. In addition to Dr Teston’s experience treating a variety of hand conditions, her training in plastic surgery ensures she will provide you with a positive aesthetic result, with both minimal scarring and as much restoration of the original appearance of the hand as possible. She offers different techniques and procedures that allow her to address your concerns and produce the best outcome for you.

Whether your hand has been injured by trauma or repetitive motion, or a condition has developed that restricts your function, Dr Teston may be able to help. Some of the procedures she provides include:

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that affects the wrist and the hand. It occurs when the carpal tunnel, a bony passage in the wrist, narrows and puts pressure on the main nerve that runs from the arm to the hand. The result can be pain, tingling of the hand and fingers, and reduced function of the hand.

Dr Teston performs a surgical procedure that widens the passage in the carpal tunnel, relieving pressure on the median nerve. The operation is performed as a day surgery using general anaesthesia, and often provides permanent improvement in both the patient’s comfort and ability to use the hand.

Dupuytren’s Disease

Dupuytren’s disease is a condition in which tissue thickens in the hand and causes one or more fingers to bend inward, known as Dupuytren’s contracture. While the problem is not usually painful, it can restrict your ability to use your hand and fingers. The condition is quite common in Australians of Anglo-Saxon background, and is seen more often in men than women.

Surgical treatment for Dupuytren’s disease and Dupuytren’s contracture involves dividing the thickened tissue to allow the affected finger to straighten on its own. Dr Teston performs this surgery with special attention to creating a good cosmetic result. Careful placement and suturing of incisions minimises visible scarring after the procedure.

Stenosing Tenosynovitis

This condition, more commonly known as trigger finger, is characterised by popping when the affected finger is bent or straightened. In severe cases, the finger can become locked in the bent position, restricting your ability to perform many daily tasks. Stenosing tenosynovitis occurs when inflammation narrows the sheath that tendons pass through from the hand to the finger.

When Dr Teston treats trigger finger, she surgically enlarges the opening of the sheath so the tendon can pass through freely. This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, and patients can go home the same day. Once the finger fully heals after surgery, you should see significant improvement in its movement and function.

Fractures

Fractures to the hand can often be complex to treat, due to the many bones located in this area. In addition to impacting your ability to perform certain functions, in some cases, fractures can also lead to significant deformity of the hand. Repair of the fracture is designed to restore both form and function as much as possible after the injury.

Surgery is often the chosen approach to treating hand fractures, to repair the break and to ensure a positive cosmetic result. Dr Teston has extensive experience in this area, and is well-versed in the techniques necessary to produce a successful restoration of the hand. Hand surgery for fractures is performed using general anaesthesia, and an overnight stay in an accredited hospital is often needed to ensure a safe start to your recovery process.

Ganglion Removal

Ganglion cysts are rarely a serious medical concern, but they can grow to be quite large and unsightly. In addition, these cysts can lead to pain, irritation, or reduced mobility, depending on their location. The problem is usually exacerbated because the cysts often form on the wrist, hands or fingers.

While surgical removal of a ganglion cyst is a relatively straightforward procedure, choosing a plastic surgeon for your surgery will likely guarantee the best possible cosmetic result. Dr Teston will use the smallest possible incision and the least conspicuous placement to ensure visible scarring is minimal. This procedure will either be performed using local or general anaesthesia, and is typically done as a day surgery.

Tendon and Nerve Repairs

Injuries to the hand often disrupt the delicate nerves and tendons located there. While the damage can be repaired surgically, it takes experience in these types of micro-procedures to guarantee the best possible results. In addition to restoring function, there may be some cosmetic concerns you want to address as well.

Tendon and nerve repairs are often used to restore both form and function to the injured hand. Dr Teston’s plastic surgery training, combined with her extensive experience in hand procedures, offers you peace of mind in knowing you will be in good hands throughout your surgical experience. These procedures are usually performed using general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital, and may or may not involve an overnight stay.

Whether a hand is damaged by injury or a medical condition, surgical repair is often the first choice to restore form and function. Trust your hand to Dr Teston, who has the experience and expertise to provide you with the best treatment and the most attractive cosmetic results. To learn more, schedule your personal consultation with Dr Teston today on (02) 9708 3511.