Unique Set Of Skills

Dr. David E. Halpern is board certified in micro-hand surgery

Micro-Hand Surgery at Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery

Accidents can happen at any time, and a severe hand or finger injury needs immediate and highly qualified care. Dr. David E. Halpern is board certified in Micro-Hand Surgery and has been part of the regular Hand Call Team at Tampa General Hospital for the past 15 years.

What is Micro-Hand Surgery?

Micro-Hand Surgery is a specialized field that focuses on repairing intricate structures of the hand, including bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, and tendons. Utilizing advanced microsurgical techniques and technology, surgeons operate with enhanced precision under a microscope.

This approach allows for intricate procedures to be performed with minimal incisions, leading to more precise outcomes and reduced recovery time. The technology used in our Tampa Micro-Hand Surgery procedure, including specialized instruments and magnification devices, enables surgeons to address complex hand issues that require exceptional accuracy and delicacy.

Tampa micro-hand-surgery model with blonde hair

When is Micro-Hand Surgery necessary?

Micro-Hand Surgery is necessary for a range of conditions that affect the hand and require precise surgical intervention. Common treatments include:

Nerve Repairs

For injuries that cause nerve damage, resulting in loss of sensation or function.

Tendon Repairs

Essential for rejoining severed tendons, often due to trauma or injury.

Replantation

Reattaching fingers or hands that have been severed.

Congenital Defects Correction

Addressing birth defects of the hand for improved function and appearance.

Joint Reconstruction

Restoring or replacing damaged joints due to arthritis or injury.

Fracture Repairs

Precisely aligning and fixing broken bones in the hand.

Vascular Surgery

Repairing or reconstructing damaged blood vessels in the hand.

These procedures aim to restore as much function and appearance to the hand as possible, often following injury, disease, or congenital conditions.

Micro-Hand Surgery Benefits

From undergoing Micro-Hand Surgery Tampa patients get significant benefits that can greatly improve a patient's quality of life, especially for those suffering from hand injuries, deformities, or degenerative conditions. This advanced surgical approach achieves precision and effectiveness, leading to several advantages:

Improved Hand Function: Restores or enhances mobility, grip strength, and dexterity.
Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Alleviates chronic pain or discomfort from injuries or conditions like arthritis.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appearance: Corrects deformities, leading to a more natural and appealing look.
Minimal Scarring: Due to smaller incisions, scarring is significantly reduced.
Quicker Recovery: Microsurgical techniques often result in shorter recovery times.
Higher Precision: Allows for delicate and intricate procedures, improving overall outcomes.

The benefits of a non-surgical procedure or concurrent recovery include less trauma to the hand, reduced risk of complications, and the possibility of addressing multiple issues in one procedure.

Micro-Hand Surgery Candidates

Candidates for Micro-Hand Surgery in Tampa typically include individuals with:

Traumatic Injuries: Such as severed fingers or crushed hands.
Degenerative Conditions: Like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hand.
Nerve Disorders: Including carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve injuries.
Congenital Anomalies: Birth defects impacting hand function or appearance.

However, certain factors may contraindicate or disqualify a person from this treatment:

Active Infections: Surgery might be postponed until the infection is resolved.
Certain Chronic Health Conditions: Such as uncontrolled diabetes or blood clotting disorders.
Severe Scarring or Poor Skin Condition: This may affect the surgery's outcome.
Age Considerations: Extremely young or elderly patients might face increased risks.

Ultimately, a thorough evaluation by a qualified hand surgeon is necessary to determine an individual's suitability for Micro-Hand Surgery. This includes assessing the specific hand issue, overall health status, and treatment goals.

Consultation and Preparation

During the consultation for Micro-Hand Surgery Tampa patients can expect a detailed evaluation of their hand condition, including a physical examination and possibly imaging tests. The surgeon will discuss treatment options, expected outcomes, and any risks involved. Patients should be prepared to share their medical history, current medications, and any allergies. Preparing for surgery may involve adjusting medications, refraining from smoking, and arranging for post-surgery care and transportation.

Procedure

Micro-Hand Surgery typically involves local or general anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort throughout the procedure. The surgery duration varies, generally lasting from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The surgeon uses specialized microsurgical tools to address issues like nerve or tendon repair, bone realignment, or reconstruction. The focus is on precision, minimizing tissue damage, and ensuring optimal results. The procedure's meticulous nature allows for targeted treatment with less invasive techniques.

Results, Recovery, and Aftercare

Results from Micro-Hand Surgery may be seen immediately, with full benefits developing as healing progresses over weeks to months. Post-treatment, patients often experience some swelling and discomfort, managed with prescribed medication. Downtime can vary, with some returning to light activities within days and more strenuous activities after several weeks. Key aftercare includes following the surgeon's instructions on wound care, avoiding strenuous activities, and possibly undergoing physical therapy. Regular follow-up appointments are important for monitoring healing and maintaining results. Proper incision care is crucial for minimizing scarring and ensuring the best possible functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Tampa hand surgery model with black hair

Why choose Dr. Halpern?

Dr. David E. Halpern is a board-certified hand surgeon who earned the prestigious CAQ (Certificate of Added Qualification) in hand surgery after his general and plastic surgery training. His one-year Hand and Microsurgery Fellowship at the world-renowned Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital from 1995-1996 has given him a unique set of skills to solve many complex reconstructive hand problems.

During his career, Dr. David E. Halpern has reattached severed hands and completed hundreds of replant surgeries. He also works on complex issues such as severe open tibial fractures with exposed bone and hardware, along with limb salvage procedures in aggressive cancer cases. Along with teams of specialists, he has saved numerous limbs and lives—allowing many individuals to have much more normal appearances and functionality. To get more information about Dr. David E. Halpern's experience or to schedule a consultation for Tampa Hand Surgery, please contact his office today.

Schedule Your Tampa Micro-Hand Surgery Consultation at Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery Today

Take the first step towards expert hand care by scheduling your Micro-Hand Surgery consultation at Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery under the experienced guidance of Dr. David E. Halpern. Discover the personalized solutions we offer to address your hand-related concerns.

Reach out to Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery today and begin your journey towards improved hand function and appearance with Dr. David E. Halpern.

Micro-hand Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Is Micro-hand Surgery painful?

Micro-hand surgery is typically performed under anesthesia, minimizing pain during the procedure; post-surgery, some discomfort may be experienced but is generally manageable with medication.

What are the risks associated with Micro-hand surgery?

Risks include infection, nerve damage, stiffness, and, in rare cases, complications related to anesthesia or healing issues.

Will there be considerable scarring following Micro-hand Surgery?

Scarring is usually minimal in Micro-Hand Surgery due to the precision and small scale of the incisions, but it varies depending on the specific procedure and individual healing.

Will I need to stay overnight in a hospital following Micro-Hand Surgery?

Most Micro-Hand Surgeries are outpatient procedures, and an overnight hospital stay is typically not required.

How much does Micro-Hand Surgery cost?

The cost of micro-hand surgery varies per patient based on the specific procedure. Dr. Halpern's team will provide procedure costs during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

For a More Confident Tomorrow

Schedule your consultation with Dr. David E. Halpern today

Dr. David E. Halpern is Tampa’s nationally renowned triple-board certified plastic surgeon, carefully blending expertise and artistry with extraordinary care. For the past two decades, Dr. Halpern’s dedication to exceptional care and commitment to his patients have made him Tampa’s most trusted plastic surgeon. Place your confidence in the capable hands of Tampa plastic surgeon Dr. David E. Halpern by scheduling a consultation today.

Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery is located in the Hyde Park area of South Tampa. We serve patients in Tampa Bay, Hyde Park, and out-of-town patients across Florida and beyond.

Micro-Hand Surgery in Tampa, FL