To correct some moderate to severe hand or wrist fractures and other conditions involving muscles and tendons, surgery may be required.
If you’ve met with a surgeon who has suggested hand or wrist surgery, keep these three important tips in mind to prepare for a smooth, stress-free recovery.*
1. Arrange for Some Help
You’ll need someone to drive you home from your hand or wrist surgery, as well as help you around the house for a few days while you recover. Arrange for some extra help from a trusted, responsible adult beforehand so you can have the peace of mind knowing that all your bases will be covered when you come home.
2. Keep Your Arm Elevated
Keeping your arm elevated can help to reduce swelling while your body heals. Try to prop it up on a few pillows while watching TV or reading a book for the first few days after surgery.*
Apply an ice pack for no more than 20 minutes at a time during the first day of recovery to help with swelling.*
3.Avoid Getting Your Incision Wet
Your plastic surgeon should provide you with a detailed list of hand surgery recovery instructions to maximize healing and minimize the risk of infection and other complications. One rule you should be sure to follow is to keep your incision as dry as possible during the healing process. One trick is to wrap your hand or wrist is plastic wrap while you take a shower to avoid getting it wet.
*This information is for education only and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.
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