Post-surgical advice

For optimal results, it is important to follow these post-surgery instructions. These will ease recovery, scarring and allow for a general healing process with less pain.

• It is important to sleep with your head raised at an angle between 15 and 30 degrees.
• To reduce swelling, you can apply ice during the first 24 to 72 hours. To do this, put the ice in a plastic bag and wrap it in a damp cloth and then apply it to the dressing for 10 to 15 minutes every 1 or 2 hours.
• Please note that the worst of the swelling should appear within the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery.
• Keep the steristrips until they fall off and leave wound to open air. After 24 to 48 hours, you can gently wash your face and operated area, using mild soap.
• Stitches will be removed a few days later at the CLSC. It is always better to notify your CLSC beforehand.
• About 14-21 days after your surgery, start circular massages of the scar. You must press hard on the scar with your fingertips. The pressure should be strong enough for the skin to turn white under your fingers.
• The pain felt during the massages will decrease over time.
• The final result of the scar should occur between 9 and 18 months post-op.
• It is very important to protect the scarred skin throughout the entire year following surgery (summer and winter) using a quality sunscreen and a hat.
• If bleeding occurs, press hard with a gauze against the bone and squeeze continuously for 20 minutes without looking under your fingers.
• If the wound opens, or becomes red, if there is a thick discharge or if the pain increases significantly, move up your appointment with your surgeon or head to the emergency room.

For optimal results, it is important to follow these post-surgery instructions. These will ease recovery, scarring and allow for a general healing process with less pain.

• It is essential to keep the dressing until your next appointment with Dr. Salib who will remove it.
• Keep your elbows under your shoulders for the next 2 to 4 weeks. Factor in your tolerance level when about to make more intensive movements. Lift light weights for 4 weeks; no restrictions afterwards.
• For your follow-up appointment, bring a sports bra (elastic) or an old bra. Not a wired bra. Remove the wire if needed from your old bras.
• Wear this bra 24 hours a day for 2 weeks, and no wired bra for 4 weeks.
• After removing the surgical dressings, you will be able to start taking showers as usual except for the first week when water jets should be used on your back only.
• Try to keep your Steristrips as long as possible.
• When the Steristrips have fallen off, you may begin massaging the scar. You must press hard on the scar with your fingertips. The pressure should be strong enough for the skin to turn white under your fingers.
• The pain felt during the massages will decrease over time.
• The final result of the scar should occur between 9 and 18 months post-op.
• Please note that breasts can remain swollen up to 3 months after surgery.
• If the wound opens, or becomes red, if there is a thick discharge or if the pain increases significantly, move up your appointment with your surgeon.

This information section is for you if your treatment plan does not require a formal follow-up in ergotherapy or physiotherapy.

1st day post-surgery

The operated hand must be maintained higher than the level of the heart. For a period of 24 to 48 hours, rest your hand on a pillow whenever you are sitting or lying down. Keep your dressing for 5 days.

2 to 3 days after surgery

Do your finger and wrist exercises (see next page) for 10 minutes, 4 to 6 times a day. Do the exercises as long as you have not regained full mobility of your fingers. Also, use your hand as much as possible in your daily activities without resistance.

5 days after surgery

Remove your dressing and wash with water and a mild non-perfumed soap.

10 days after surgery

If scar is well-closed 48 hours after removal of the stitches, begin massaging the scar 3 times a day for 2 minutes, using a perfume-free moisturizer. Massage the scar in circular motions. You must press hard on the scar with your fingertips. The pressure should be strong enough for the skin to turn white under your fingers.

3 weeks after surgery

Gently handle a soft ball, such as an anti-stress ball, 3 to 4 times a day, 5 minutes at a time.

4 to 6 weeks after surgery

Begin strengthening your hand if necessary, replacing the soft ball with a firm one.

6 weeks after surgery

Return to work and usual activities

• Always keep in mind:
• Avoid repetitive wrist movements
• Avoid high-frequency vibrating tools

For computer work, it is important that your work workstation be well-adapted

Download Finger and Wrist Exercises (PDF) here

***Pain and stiffness are normal during the first 3 months after surgery. They are caused by swelling due to surgery. When the swelling diminishes, so will the pain.

***If your situation does not seem to improve normally, consult your doctor.