Hand Surgery in Draper, UT

Draper, UT board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester, or Dr. Chiddy, is also a trained and skilled hand surgeon. To complement his plastic surgery skills, Dr. Chiddy learned how to perform minimally invasive hand surgery. Because of this, he can help patients regain function in their hand(s) and provide a natural and healthy appearance. Hand surgery is a very specialized type of microsurgery that incorporates precise and effective techniques to treat your hand. If a patient has a severe injury, congenital disorder, or damage to the tendon and nerve, Dr. Chiddy performs complex hand surgery to ensure their hand looks natural while reconstructing the fine muscles, bones, and peripheral nerves.

Hand pain and potential loss of function can be debilitating and keep you from the life you want to live. Dr. Chiddy is here to help. Benefits of hand surgery performed at our Draper, UT facility include:

• Specialized treatment for your unique condition and attention to detail
• Focus on both function and appearance
• Skin, nerves, joints, and tendons can all be treated
• Detailed aftercare instructions are provided by our staff
• Relief from pain and lack of function
• Surgeries might not require general anesthesia

Dr. Chiddy assesses each patient's unique condition, focusing on those with severe injuries, congenital disorders, or damage to tendons and nerves. Ideal candidates are those experiencing functional limitations or cosmetic concerns in their hands and seeking both aesthetic and functional improvements. During your consultation, Dr. Chiddy will evaluate your specific needs to determine the best surgical approach to restore the natural appearance and functionality of your hands.

For patients who suffer from conditions that affect the hands, this can significantly hinder their ability to perform everyday activities. If you do, it can impact everything, from completing small tasks to managing strenuous work. Patients can experience a variety of conditions that reduce the function and impact the cosmetic appearance. Thankfully, with today’s medical advancements and Dr. Chiddy’s expert knowledge, he can treat many of these conditions. 

Ulnar neuropathy, or cubital tunnel syndrome, impacts one of the ulnar nerves. This nerve is one of the primary ones within the hand, and it helps give your hand strength. If damaged, it can cause problems with dexterity or the ability to feel sensations. Ulnar neuropathy has several notable symptoms, which include loss of hand strength, numbness or prickling in the fourth and fifth fingers, elbow tenderness, and weakness in the muscles attached to the index, ring, and pinky fingers.

Dupuytren’s disease happens when the layer of tissue underneath the skin starts to thicken. Typically, the condition affects the palm of the hand, but it may also impact the fingers. If it impacts the fingers, this condition is known as Dupuytren’s contracture. This condition is progressive and usually starts as thickened skin on the knuckles or the palms.

Ganglion cysts are tiny, liquid-filled lumps that occur in the wrist and hand. Occurring near the joints and tendons, patients may have lumps on the palm or wrist. They can feel hard or soft and may cause mild to severe pain. Generally, they are only about an inch long or not even visible. If you experience this condition, it’s important to note that ganglion cysts do not cause cancer, do not spread, and can show up at every age. Sometimes, they may go away without requiring professional treatment.

Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a painful condition that happens when the arm is overstrained. This condition is a common overuse injury in tennis, which is how this condition received its name. Sometimes, it can happen to patients who perform repetitious movements of the arm and wrists. Often, this condition occurs in professions that require lots of repetitive movement in the arms and wrists, such as mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, butchers, and painters. Also known as lateral elbow pain, tennis elbow can cause uncomfortable symptoms if left untreated.

A trigger finger or thumb can cause extreme pain when a patient’s fingers or thumbs become locked while bent. Most often, this condition impacts the ring finger, and it can create uncomfortable symptoms, like tightness or popping sensations.

Carpal tunnel syndrome a condition that impacts one of the main nerves in the hand called the median. When the nerve is pinched, it can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms in the hand, such as pain, weakness, dexterity loss, and decreased function.

When it comes to hand surgery, Dr. Chiddy can choose from a variety of techniques. Each treatment is tailored to meet your needs and address the painful symptoms you experience. For patients who have functional or pain problems caused by a congenital defect, Dr. Chiddy may use skin grafting or z-plasty to treat the hand. If you need reconstructive surgery, he uses techniques that treat nerve damage or injuries to the tendons or soft tissue. Depending on your condition, you may require microsurgery for conditions that utilize precise techniques to treat the tendons or nerves. If microsurgery is needed, Dr. Chiddy uses specialized technology to perform delicate treatments. No matter the type of technique or technology used, Dr. Chiddy’s goal is to provide natural-looking results while improving hand function.

Based on the treatment type and the intricacy of your hand surgery, you may be discharged the same day or require an overnight stay for careful monitoring. Dr. Chiddy performs your treatment in his accredited AAAASF surgical suite so you can have a comfortable and private experience. Your recovery time depends on the type of treatment, and if you suffered from a severe hand injury or trauma, you may require physical therapy. After any type of hand surgery, our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions. To ensure your hand heals properly, we highly recommend following all of the directions. You will also need to schedule follow-up appointments so Dr. Chiddy can assess your healing progress.

How much does hand surgery cost?

The cost of hand surgery varies from patient to patient. Your total cost depends on the type of surgery, its extent, and complexity, as well as additional medical procedures or physical therapy needed to achieve a specific outcome. Dr. Chiddy can make sure you receive the proper treatment at an affordable price.

Is hand surgery be covered by insurance?

Hand surgery could be paid in part by medical insurance based on your coverage and condition. Our administrative team in Draper, UT, can assess your coverage and verify your benefits. We also accept a variety of payment options, such as low-interest medical financing.

How long should I plan to take off from work?

You may want to take a couple of weeks off from work and strenuous activities after hand surgery. We can give you a better idea of what to expect so that you can plan accordingly. It's important to be aware that everyone's experience is different, and we will do everything in our power to ensure you heal quickly and effectively.

How do I prepare for hand surgery?

There are several ways to prepare for hand surgery. We recommend that you get plenty of rest, follow all pre-operative instructions as given by our team, and stock up on healthy foods to help nourish your body while it heals. You should also avoid smoking before and after the procedure since it can impair wound healing.

Are the results of hand surgery permanent?

The results of hand surgery are often long-lasting, but some people may require additional treatment or physical therapy after their procedure. However, your outcomes depend on the procedure performed, your anatomy and health, as well as other factors. Dr. Chiddy can provide personalized advice based on your case and goals.

At his office in Draper, UT, Dr. Chiddy performs delicate cosmetic and reconstructive hand surgery to help reduce painful symptoms caused by various hand conditions. Don't let hand pain hinder your everyday life. If you experience weakness, numbness, or stiffness in the hands, this could impact even the easiest activities. Dr. Chiddy's goal is to provide functional and natural-looking results for people who experience congenital defects, trauma or injury, or certain hand conditions. Each patient receives a unique treatment plan that Dr. Chiddy tailors to their needs and goals. Once he has developed a plan and thoroughly listened to your questions, his team will provide information about the cost or financing through Prosper and Mountain America Credit Union. Located near the Greater Salt Lake City Area, we encourage you to call and schedule an appointment to learn more.