Is Hand Surgery Painful?

Most hand surgeries involve minimal pain, especially with local anesthesia and modern techniques. Mild soreness, stiffness, or temporary numbness may occur after surgery, but are usually well-controlled with medication and resolve over time.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You can expect an initial consultation, a pre-op appointment (if needed), the procedure, and a few follow-up visits to monitor healing. Complex cases may involve more frequent follow-ups or physical therapy.

How Long Until I See Results?

Some of our Chicago-area patients experience immediate relief from symptoms such as numbness or pain (e.g., carpal tunnel). Others may see progressive improvement over weeks to months as healing continues and inflammation decreases.

Can I Combine Hand Surgery With Other Procedures?

Yes—depending on your needs. Cosmetic patients sometimes combine hand surgery with treatments such as skin rejuvenation or body contouring. Functional procedures can often be scheduled alongside other elective or insurance-based care.

What Are the Risks Associated With Hand Surgery?

Potential risks include infection, stiffness, poor wound healing, nerve damage, scarring, or limited range of motion. For more information on the risks associated with our hand surgery procedure, please call one of our Chicago offices.

Chicago, IL

Hand Surgery

Chicago, IL

Introduction

Introduction to Hand Surgery

The hand is an incredibly complex structure—equal parts function and finesse—and when something goes wrong, it can impact your daily life. Hand surgery is a range of procedures designed to restore mobility, repair injuries, and relieve pain caused by trauma, arthritis, nerve conditions, or congenital deformities.

At A New You Plastic Surgery in Orland Park, Dr. Samir Shah provides highly specialized care for hand conditions, backed by years of advanced training and fellowship experience in microsurgery.

What is Hand Surgery?

Hand surgery refers to any procedure aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, or improving the appearance of the hand and wrist. This can include treatment for fractures, nerve compression (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), tendon injuries, arthritis, cysts, tumors, and congenital differences. Some procedures focus on restoring form and appearance after trauma, while others are meant to address long-standing pain and limited mobility. Dr. Shah tailors each surgical plan to the patient’s unique hand anatomy and the severity of the condition.

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Who Are the Best Candidates For Hand Surgery?

If you’ve experienced a hand injury or are struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, ganglion cysts, or arthritis, you may be a candidate for hand surgery. Ideal patients are typically in good overall health and have not responded well to non-surgical treatments. Dr. Shah also evaluates patients who have suffered workplace injuries or repetitive stress trauma and provides personalized care plans based on the demands of their daily routine or profession.

What Are the Benefits of Hand Surgery?

Hand surgery can significantly improve your quality of life. Patients often experience increased strength, reduced pain, improved range of motion, and better use of their hands. Cosmetic concerns, such as prominent cysts or visible deformities, can also be addressed. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, tradesperson, or anyone who relies on their hands (which is basically all of us!), hand surgery can help restore confidence and everyday function.

What’s the First Step?

The first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Samir Shah at A New You Plastic Surgery. During your visit, Dr. Shah will perform a detailed physical examination, review imaging if necessary, and discuss your symptoms and history. If hand surgery is the recommended course of action, he’ll walk you through the procedure, expected recovery, and outcome. Our team is also happy to help coordinate workers’ compensation cases and provide documentation for your employer or insurance.

What to Expect on the Day of Hand Surgery

Depending on the type of surgery, procedures may be performed in-office using local anesthesia or at an outpatient surgical facility with light sedation.

Dr. Shah will outline the plan ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect. You’ll need to have someone available to drive you home, especially if sedation is used. Some procedures, like carpal tunnel release or cyst removal, may take as little as 30–45 minutes, while more complex tendon or fracture repairs may require a bit longer.

Hand Surgery Recovery

Most patients are able to return to light activities within a few days, but full recovery depends on the type and complexity of your procedure. Swelling and mild soreness are normal for the first several days. Dr. Shah will provide specific post-operative instructions, including how to protect the hand, when to start movement, and when follow-up care or physical therapy may be needed. Some procedures require a temporary splint or dressing, while others involve immediate gentle motion to encourage flexibility and prevent stiffness.

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How Much Does Hand Surgery Cost in Chicago, IL?

The cost of hand surgery in the Chicago area—including Orland Park—varies widely based on the type of procedure, whether it’s medically necessary, and your insurance coverage.

Many hand surgeries, especially those related to injury, nerve compression, or functional impairment, may be covered by insurance or workers’ compensation.

For cosmetic or elective procedures, Dr. Shah’s team will provide you with a cost breakdown during your consultation, and financing plans may be available for self-pay patients.

Our Ethos

Why Choose Dr. Shah?

Dr. Samir Shah is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience and skills in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

Earned his medical degree at the Chicago Medical School.
Trained in general surgery and completed a plastic surgery fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center.
Completed a one-year fellowship in hand surgery/microsurgery under the direction of world-renowned hand surgeon, Larry Hurst, M.D., at Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY.
Site director for Aesthetic Rotation at A New You
Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Illinois- Chicago Department of Plastic Surgery
Has published numerous scholarly articles in medical journals and lectured at local organizations.
Is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Illinois Society of Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Hand Surgery.

In addition to performing cosmetic surgery, Dr. Samir Shah is a specialist in hand surgery. He completed an additional fellowship in hand/microsurgery in New York. He maintains a separate hand clinic and treats patients who have hand injuries such as fractures, tendons, and nerves, as well as those involving workers’ compensation. In addition, he sees patients with carpal tunnel, tendinitis, arthritis, and cysts.

Dr. Shah performs most procedures using local anesthesia and, for some patients, sedation. The procedures are performed in the office or at an outpatient facility. Many injuries can be managed without patients traveling to the emergency room.

You can view commonly performed procedures by Dr. Samir Shah. Learn more information about Dr. Samir Shah’s hand practice.

Hand Surgery FAQ’S

Patient Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I always feel like family there

The whole entire team is fantastic. From the front desk to outpatient surgery.

I always feel like family there. They listen to you, they address your concerns, and give you the best advise/treatment that suits your needs.

– Donna B.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Dr. Shah has the talent to make the fountain of youth a reality

Dr. Rajendra Shah is an exceptionally skillful surgeon who has an artist’s eye for determining what it takes to enhance natural beauty, coupled with the ability to make it happen with natural results. It has been a pleasure dealing with Dr. Shah who takes the time to answer all of my questions, and address my concerns while providing the best options for me. He also has a wonderful staff who are all friendly and knowledgeable. My experience with Dr. Shah has been completely positive, and I highly recommend him. Dr. Shah has the talent to make the fountain of youth a reality.

– Erin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Dr.Shah and his staff are amazing

Dr.Shah and his staff are amazing. Everyone is so friendly and inviting. I had a breast augmentation done 2 months ago and I feel great. Dr.Shah gave me the perfect size for my body type and was very honest and knowledgeable about how the procedure and recovery would go. Overall it was a very comfortable and great experience!

– Kelly M
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
They are very professional and yet have a personal touch!

Dr. Shah and his team are the best! They are very professional and yet have a personal touch! I highly recommend this practice !!

– Kimberly D.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are interested, please call our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Samir Shah, board-certified plastic surgeon. Call 708-424-3999 or contact us online.

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