Recovery after Dupuytren’s surgery
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Mater Private Clinic
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Plastic Surgery Queensland
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Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
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Recovery after Dupuytren’s surgery takes time, and hand therapy is often an important part of healing. Swelling, wound healing, scar softening and movement improve gradually, and recovery varies from patient to patient.
Hand surgery Brisbane & Gold Coast
Recovery after Dupuytren’s surgery
Recovery after Dupuytren’s surgery takes time, care and hand therapy. The operation is designed to release or remove the tight tissue pulling the finger into the palm, but the recovery period is just as important as the surgery itself.
Your hand will need time for swelling to settle, wounds to heal, scars to soften and movement to improve. Every patient recovers differently, depending on the severity of the contracture, which fingers were involved, skin quality, joint stiffness and general health.
After surgery, your hand will be dressed and protected. It is normal to have swelling, bruising and discomfort. Keeping your hand elevated can help reduce swelling, especially in the first few days.
Plastic Surgeon Brisbane & Gold Coast, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)
You will be given instructions about pain relief, dressings and how to look after the wound. You may be encouraged to gently move the fingers, but this must be done according to your post-operative instructions.
Avoid heavy lifting, gripping, pushing or pulling during this early stage.
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Hand surgery for Dupuytren’s disease
Wound care
Dupuytren’s surgery may involve incisions in the palm and fingers. The palm can be sensitive after surgery, and wounds in this area can sometimes take longer to settle because the hand is used so often.
You will have follow-up appointments to check healing. Dressings may be changed during these visits. Sutures are usually removed once the wound has healed enough, depending on the surgical plan and your progress.
Please contact the rooms if you develop increasing pain, spreading redness, discharge, fever, worsening swelling or concerns about the wound.
Hand therapy
Hand therapy is often an important part of Dupuytren’s recovery. Your hand therapist may help with:
Finger movement
Swelling control
Scar care
Splint fitting
Desensitisation
Strength and function over time
A night splint is commonly worn for 6 to 8 weeks to help maintain the finger position while healing occurs. The splint is usually worn at night, although your therapist will guide you based on your operation and progress.
Exercises should be performed as advised. Too little movement can contri
Return to work depends on your job and which hand was treated.
Desk-based work may be possible earlier, particularly if the operated hand is not under strain. Manual work, tools, lifting, gripping and repetitive hand use usually require more time.
We will discuss this before surgery so you can plan around work and home responsibilities.
Driving should wait until you can safely control the car, grip the steering wheel and respond quickly without being limited by pain, dressings or medication.
Daily tasks will gradually become easier as swelling improves and movement returns. It is common for the palm to feel tender or sensitive for several weeks.
Scars in the palm can take time to soften. Some firmness, sensitivity or tightness may persist while the tissues remodel. Hand therapy and scar massage may help during this stage.
Dupuytren’s disease can recur over time. Surgery treats the affected tissue present at the time of the operation, but it does not remove the underlying tendency to form Dupuytren’s tissue. Ongoing monitoring may be needed.
Where do you operate?
I consult from my private rooms at Mater Private Clinic and I operate as a plastic surgeon at many private hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland.
I can see Gold Coast patients from my private rooms: Shop 9/109 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Waters. I operate at
Hand surgeon Dr Hadj | Brisbane & Gold coast
Support through recovery
My team and I will guide you through each stage of recovery, from wound care to hand therapy and return to activity. The goal is to support healing, movement and hand function in a safe and steady way.
Recovery from Dupuytren’s surgery is a partnership. I perform the surgery, but hand therapy, splinting and careful healing all play an important role in helping your hand recover.
Plastic Surgeon Brisbane & Gold Coast, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)
About Dr Andrew Hadj, Plastic surgeon Brisbane
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