Carpal Tunnel Release

If you’ve been struggling with pain, inflammation, and impeded range of movement caused by carpal tunnel, you’ve probably tried a variety of solutions to improve symptoms. From pain medications to physical therapy, there are numerous non-surgical treatments available for carpal tunnel. Unfortunately, these solutions aren’t always effective. When less invasive options aren’t working, it’s time to discuss carpal tunnel release surgery. At Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – a division of U.S. Dermatology Partners, our trusted cosmetic surgeons provide advanced surgical treatments, including carpal tunnel release.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Release?

Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure used to relieve pain, tension, and weakness in the hand and wrist that occurs due to pressure on the median nerve that runs through the wrist and hand. It may also be referred to as nerve or carpal tunnel decompression. The median nerve and tendons work together to flex the hand and curl the fingers. This structure that controls hand movement runs through the wrist within the carpal tunnel, which is very narrow. This makes it common for swelling or inflammation in this passage to pinch the median nerve, which causes pain and limits movement. During a procedure, the surgeon will cut through the carpal ligament to increase the space in the carpal tunnel by essentially ‘opening up the roof of the tunnel’.

What are the Benefits?

There are many benefits to moving forward with surgery if less invasive treatments are ineffective, including:

Relieving pain and pressure in the wrist and hand
Restoring most if not the full range of wrist movement
Improving dexterity
Preventing further damage to the nerves and other structures

Recovery After Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel release is one of the easiest and least invasive procedures offered by our experienced plastic/hand surgeons. This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home immediately after your procedure. There’s no need for an overnight hospital stay. Your surgeon will provide instructions for at-home care immediately following treatment. Your hand and wrist will likely be placed in a soft wrap for at least 2-3 days with restricted activities for 2-3 weeks. You’ll need to keep the incision (sutured area) clean and dry until the follow-up appointment with your surgeon who will evaluate your healing progress. For the weeks and months following carpal tunnel release surgery, you should perform a range of exercises and may be referred for a hand therapy program to develop and strengthen the muscles if needed.

What Are the Risks Associated?

Any surgery, even the safest and least invasive, will have risks, and carpal tunnel release surgery is no different. Before you move forward with any surgical procedure, you should talk through all of your treatment options with a skilled hand surgeon. Those who are struggling with carpal tunnel should try less invasive treatment options, and surgery is typically only recommended if these solutions aren’t effective.

While a plastic surgeon will do their utmost to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure, some risks associated with carpal tunnel surgery include:

Allergic response to medications, bandaging, or anesthesia
Persistent symptoms
Bleeding heavily immediately after surgery or for a prolonged period during healing
Injury to internal structures like blood vessels, nerves, or muscles
Numbness or loss of sensation that may be temporary or permanent
Muscles weakness
Infection
Scarring
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a rare usually short-term condition causing swelling and discomfort

I’m Interested in a Carpal Tunnel Release Procedure

If you are seeking more details or wish to take the next step towards a Carpal Tunnel Release procedure, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Our expert team is readily available to provide you with comprehensive information and guide you through the process of scheduling a consultation. We understand that your decision is important, and we are here to address any additional questions or concerns you may have. Your well-being and comfort are our top priorities, and we are committed to ensuring that you embark on your journey towards relief and improved hand function with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today to start the path toward a more comfortable and pain-free life.