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Hand Surgery Risks and Safety Information | Roswell | WoodstockHand surgery, like any other general or cosmetic surgery procedure, will involve certain risks and complications. The surgeon can adopt less invasive techniques, choose the right candidates, and follow the latest safety protocols to minimize the risk factors. The patient should also diligently follow the pre- and post-operative instructions to mitigate the risks.

Hand surgery is a personal journey for a patient, and they should choose to undergo it only after assessing all the potential risks and complications. Triple board certified hand surgeon and plastic surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif provides hand surgery to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding communities. During the initial consultation, Dr. Yalif will discuss these risks to help the patient make a well-considered decision.

 

Specific Risks

Risk factors can vary depending on the type of hand surgery or cosmetic surgery performed. Some of the risks associated with specific procedures include:

 

Carpal Tunnel

Some patients may experience no improvement after the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. In some other cases, the condition may recur after some time.

 

Extensor Tendon

If the cut tendons retract, the patient may need to have additional incisions. In some cases, the tendon repair procedure may fail and may not lead to restoration of function. Unfavorable tendon scarring is another risk with this procedure.

 

Flexor tendon

Similar risks exist in the case flexor tendon treatment. Additional incisions may be necessary if the cut tendons retract, the procedure may fail to restore function, or conspicuous tendon scarring may occur.

 

Tenolysis

Typical risks and complications in this procedure include:

  • Abnormal position of the tendon
  • Need for additional incisions to release scar tissue that is curtailing tendon motion
  • Failure to restore function
  • Tendon rupture
  • Recurrent tendon scarring
  • Seroma formation
  • Wound breakdown

 

Trigger figger

Non-improvement is one of the risks in case of trigger finger treatments. Visible tendon scarring may also occur in this surgery.

Revision surgery is a possibility in such surgical procedures related to the hand or upper extremity. Experienced hand and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas.

 

Common Risks

Some surgical risks and complications are common to all kinds of surgical procedures, including hand surgeries. These may include:

Anesthesia Risks  

Adverse reaction to general anesthesia may occur in a few patients even after all precautions have been taken. An experienced anesthesiologist will be able to identify the reaction early and take corrective steps to prevent any damage.

 

Fluid Collection

Seroma formation or excess fluid collection under the skin in the incision areas may occur in some cases during post-op recovery. The surgeon can minimize this risk by placing temporary drain tubes for the drainage of excess blood and fluid.

 

Delayed Healing

Some patients, particularly the ones with a history of smoking, may struggle with slow healing after the hand surgery. The patient should be prepared to follow the surgeon’s advice carefully to mitigate this risk.

 

Skin Concerns

Altered skin sensation, discoloration, or swelling in the skin, skin contour irregularities and unfavorable scarring are some of the risks that are common to most surgeries, including hand surgery.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Your Hand Surgery Consultation | Atlanta Plastic Surgery | WoodstockConsultation is an essential component of cosmetic surgery or reconstructive procedure related to the hand and upper extremity. The surgeon will closely engage with the patient during the consultation process to evaluate their anatomical condition of the hand as well as understand their personal functional and aesthetic needs and goals.

Based on the inputs received during this consultation, the surgeon will prepare a customized hand surgery plan. The consultation also provides an opportunity to establish a personal rapport between the patient and the surgeon. Dr. Asaf Yalif is a board certified hand surgeon and plastic surgeon providing various procedures to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding communities.

 

Health Assessment

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will examine the general health condition of the patient to determine their fitness to undergo reconstructive or plastic surgery of the hand. The patient should provide previous medical records and full information related to any existing health conditions, ongoing treatments or known drug allergies.

During this consultation, the patient should also provide a list of any prescription as well as non-prescription medications that they may be taking, including herbal supplements and vitamins. If the patient is a smoker, they should be forthcoming about it, and be committed to stop smoking for a certain period of time that the surgeon will advise pre- and post-surgery.

The surgeon will carefully examine the patient’s hand condition to evaluate the risk factors and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Diagnostic tests may sometimes have to be ordered to learn more about the condition or extent of damage. The surgeon will also inform the patient about the potential risks and complications, recovery aspects and expected results to help them make an informed decision.

Many surgeons require the patient to fill a questionnaire to ensure that all aspects of the health evaluation are covered. The degree of pain and discomfort, the limitations of movement and the progression of disease will also be evaluated at the time of initial consultation. The surgeon may ask the patient to perform certain hand movements to know the precise difficulties.

Information related to pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, anemia, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension will be required. If any existing medical condition has changed recently, the patient should let the surgeon know about it. Experienced hand surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas.

 

Diagnostic Tests

X-rays may have to be performed as a part of the consultation process to determine the precise nature of the problem with the hand or extremities. A separate set of x-rays for the wrist and forearm may be required in some cases. The current x-rays may be compared with previous reports to determine any change or deterioration.

An MRI test may be required in some cases to examine the inner hand structures more minutely. The MRI may reveal any infections, tendon issues or other underlying complications. The surgical plan for the hand or upper extremity will be finalized after a comprehensive consultation process has been completed.

 

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Types of Hand Surgery | Atlanta Hand Surgeon | Woodstock | RoswellSevere injuries or degenerative diseases related to the hand or upper extremity may sometimes require hand surgery. In some cases, the correction of functional anomalies may have to be accompanied by cosmetic surgery to restore the shape and appearance of the hand. An experienced surgeon will customize the procedure to make it less invasive and achieve consummate results.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is a dedicated surgeon with triple board certifications in hand surgery, plastic surgery and orthopedic surgery. Patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive state of the art procedures for the hand from Dr. Yalif.

 

Degenerative Diseases

Tendonitis or tendon damage, arthritis, and nerve damage are some of the common degenerative diseases related to the hand, wrist and upper extremity. Dr. Yalif is a board certified hand surgeon and plastic surgeon with advanced training and experience in addressing degenerative diseases of the hand.

Dr. Yalif will employ his knowledge of the intricate interconnections between the soft tissue and bones of the hand and arm to treat the disease, reduce the risk of long-term damage, and prevent potential loss of normal hand function. He receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for hand surgery.

 

Workplace/Sports Injuries

Hands are one of the common parts to sustain injury at the workplace or during a sports activity. A number of surgical and non-surgical treatments are offered by Dr. Yalif to address workplace and sports related hand injuries. He will repair the injury to restore normal function of the hand, and use his skills as a cosmetic surgeon to provide a natural looking appearance to the repaired hand.

Two of the primary workplace and sports injuries of the hand that Dr. Yalif will treat include repetitive motion or repetitive strain and stress injuries, and fractures and breaks of the hand, arm, wrist, fingers, and thumb.

 

Trauma/Reconstructive

Traumatic injuries to the hand, arm, and fingers may sometimes require reconstructive surgery. Dr. Yalif will first repair the immediate condition and then treat the long-term consequences of a traumatic hand injury with reconstruction.

Hand reconstruction surgery may be necessary in severely traumatic injuries of the hand, finger and arm, as well as amputations.

 

Scar Treatment

Severe accidents related to the hands or fingers can have both physical and emotional consequences. Sometimes even after the surgical restoration of the hand or finger function following a traumatic injury, unfavorable scarring may occur.

In some cases, a previous hand surgery may have been performed incorrectly to leave visible scars. Dr. Yalif performs advanced hand reconstruction surgeries with minimal scarring. He will also perform scar reduction surgery to improve hand aesthetics.

 

Hand Rejuvenation

Significant hand rejuvenation can be achieved with cosmetic hand surgery techniques for patients who are bothered by the unsightly or aging appearance of the hands. Hands can appear wrinkled due to loss of volume and skin laxity, making the bones, veins, and tendons appear more conspicuous.

Dr. Yalif can provide both surgical and non-surgical solutions to restore the youthful appearance of the hands, forearms, and wrists.

 

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Types of Hand Fractures | Roswell Hand Surgery | Woodstock | AtlantaA fracture within the complex hand structures should be correctly diagnosed in order to provide the right treatment. Poor diagnosis or incorrect treatment may result in reduced function, long-term discomfort and even deformity. Hand surgery may be necessary to repair fractures of the hand, wrist or arm in extreme cases.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is a board certified hand surgeon as well as plastic surgeon providing cutting edge treatments for the hand and upper extremity. Patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive treatments from Dr. Yalif.

 

Classification of Fractures

Fractures of the hand may be classified by the angle of force placed on the bone or by the severity of the deformity occurring in the bone.

 

Displaced

In this case, the bone snaps in two and the fractured ends are in alignment.

 

Non-displaced

The bone is cracked, but still maintains a straight alignment at the broken ends.

 

Closed/Simple

The fracture remains confined within the body and does not penetrate through the skin.

 

Open/Compound

The fracture causes the skin to puncture, which significantly increases the risk of infection.

 

Comminuted

In this fracture, the bone is broken into multiple piece.

 

Buckle Fracture

In this case, the ends of the bone are driven into each other, creating compression in the bone.

 

Stress Fracture

This refers to a hairline crack on the bone.

Dr. Yalif has the necessary training and expertise in cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery and hand surgery to provide effective solutions for hand fractures to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas.

 

Common Fractures of the Arm, Hand and Wrist

The majority of fractures related to the arm, hand and wrist come under the following key categories:

 

Distal Radius Fracture (Colles’ Fracture)

This fracture is usually caused when a person falls onto the outstretched arm. It leads to a break in the radius or forearm bone, usually about an inch above the wrist. An intra-articular fracture will extend into the joint, while an extra-articular fracture will not.

 

Distal Ulna Fracture

This fracture is similar to a distal radius fracture, but it involves a fracture of the ulna, which is the second forearm bone.

 

Fracture of the Finger

Even a minor fracture of the finger should be treated in a timely manner to avoid risks such as long-term stiffness, misalignment, pain and impairment of function.

 

Hand Fracture

Long bones of the hand, known as the metacarpals, may break to cause a fracture that accounts for one-third of all hand fractures. A ‘boxer’s fracture’ may occur in the fifth bone of the hand leading to the little finger.

 

Scaphoid Fracture

The scaphoid is a small wrist bone, located where the wrist is bending on the thumb side. This fracture may commonly occur when a person falls onto the palm of the hand.

 

Thumb Fracture

The thumb has vital role in the function of the hand, which makes it important to address even small thumb injury quickly. Thumb injuries can also increase the risk of arthritis. Thumb is made up of several tiny bones, and most severe fractures of the thumb usually occur near the joints.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Repetitive Hand Motion Injury | Roswell Hand Surgeon | WoodstockRepetitive motion injuries are among the most common injuries, which typically worsen due to the repetitive actions of everyday life. Particularly, with the widespread use of computers and mobile devices, the incidence of repetitive hand motion injuries has gone up. In extreme cases, hand surgery may have to be performed to correct these injuries.

Repetitive hand motion injuries may also occur due to simple actions such as scrubbing a floor or throwing a ball. More than half of all athletic-related injuries arise due to repetitive motion. Dr. Asaf Yalif is a qualified hand surgeon and plastic surgeon providing treatments for repetitive hand motion injuries to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations.

 

Types of Repetitive Hand Motion Injuries

Tendinitis and bursitis are the two most commonly types of repetitive hand motion injuries. It can be difficult to distinguish between these disorders and in many cases they may occur at the same time.

 

Tendinitis

A tendon is fibrous tissue connecting the muscle to bone. It enables movement in the joints in every part of the body. When an inflammation occurs in the tendon, it is a case of tendinitis. Elbow, such as a tennis elbow, and biceps and shoulders are common sites for tendinitis.

The inflammation usually takes place at the site of insertion into the bone. Tendons run through a lubricating sheath, which may also get inflamed. This condition is called tenosynovitis. Tenosynovitis is very similar to tendinitis, and is treated in a similar way.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common compression nerve disorder, may occur due to tenosynovitis of the wrist. However, this cause-effect relationship has not been conclusively established. Dr. Yalif is a cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery and hand surgery expert providing treatments for tendinitis to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas.

 

Bursitis

A bursa is a tiny sac or pouch present in an area where friction may occur and serves to lubricate or cushion the area between the bone and tendon. Inflammation of a bursa sac is known as bursitis. The elbow is one of the common areas where bursitis can occur. Bursitis may be traumatic, gouty or infectious in nature. Repetitive motion injuries are usually involved with traumatic bursitis. This is the most common type of bursitis among people below 35 years.

 

Causes of Repetitive Hand Motion Injuries

These injuries occur due to microscopic tears in the tissue. When the body fails to repair the tears as fast as they occur, it will create inflammation, and lead to pain. Repetitive activity, trauma, friction, systemic disease, and crystal deposits are the common causes of repetitive hand motion injuries. The hand surgeon will determine the precise cause before recommending appropriate treatment for these injuries.

 

Symptoms of Repetitive Hand Motion Injuries

Tendinitis: Pain over the injury site is the most common symptom associated with tendinitis. The skin overlying the inflamed tendon may become warm and red.

Biceps: The painful spot may be in the groove where the arm meets the shoulder.

Tennis elbow: This pain is in the elbow and is reproduced by extending the wrist.

Bursitis: Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, and decreased range of motion over the affected area.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

What Causes Pain in Arthritis? | Woodstock | Hand Surgeon | RoswellPain is a symptom that informs a person that there is a problem in the body. It is never a good idea to ignore this signal. In case of arthritis, the pain is usually concentrated in the joint areas. This pain can be dull, sharp, stinging, or giving a feeling of tightness with significant discomfort.

Dr. Asaf Yalif  is a cosmetic surgery and hand surgery expert providing treatments for a wide range of conditions, including arthritis pain. Dr. Yalif is a board certified plastic surgeon as well as hand surgeon receiving patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations.

 

Key Causes of Joint Pain

Some of the common causes of joint pain include the following:

  • Inflammation occurring in the tissues in the joints, which could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis
  • The cartilage becoming worn off and the lubricating fluid in the joint getting depleted, which will result in the bones rubbing against each other with every movement – a sign of osteoarthritis
  • Build-up of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation – a sign of gout

The patient should get in touch with a surgeon or another medical professional with experience in addressing pain conditions related to arthritis.

 

Acute Arthritis Pain

Acute pain arising due to any reason will usually last for a short while. This could be anything ranging from a few seconds when a person gets burned or injured, to a few weeks, as in a back strain. The treatment for acute pain is primarily pain relieving medications such as opioids, analgesics or NSAIDs. In arthritis and related conditions, acute pain will occur during flare-ups when the disease is highly active.

 

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain lasts longer and occurs persistently for at least three to six months. In some cases, the chronic pain will last for a lifetime. Most arthritic pain is chronic. The cause of this pain in rheumatoid and other inflammatory types of arthritis is ongoing inflammation. This could be a result of the immune system attacking the body’s own tissue. In osteoarthritis, this pain is caused due to mechanical damage to the affected bones.

Chronic pain over time can produce neurological changes, which can make the pain increasingly rooted and more difficult to treat. The continuing inflammation and the damaged created by arthritis will make it hard for the body to switch off the pain response over time. This is the cause of ongoing in chronic arthritis patients even when the underlying issue has been treated.

This kind of pain may be treated with drugs that help maintain chemical balance in the brain. Anti-convulsants and anti-depressants are included in such drugs. Experienced hand surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yalif provides arthritis pain treatments to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas.

 

Body Weight

Excess body weight can make a significant impact on the degree of pain a patient experiences from arthritis. The pressure on the joints increases due to extra body weight, particularly in the knee, feet, and hip areas. Losing weight can reduce stress on the joints and decrease pain.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

What is Tendonitis of the Wrist? | Woodstock Plastic Surgery | RoswellProblems related to the hands or wrists may not always be addressed with cosmetic surgery, and may require specialized treatment. One such condition is wrist tendonitis, which is a common problem marked by inflammation and irritation of the tendons around the wrist joint.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is a trained hand surgeon as well as plastic surgeon providing cutting edge procedures to treatment conditions such as wrist tendonitis. Dr. Yalif provides these treatments to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations.

 

Where does it Occur?

Many tendons surround the wrist joint. Wrist tendonitis will generally occur in one of these tendons, but it may also involve multiple tendons in some cases. Wrist tendonitis often occurs at points where the tendons cross each other or pass over a bony area.

The tendon sheaths contain a fluid called synovial fluid. When this fluid becomes inflamed, the condition of tenosynovitis or tendonitis is created. Although any tendon can become symptomatic, but tendonitis usually occurs in a few specific tendons as an outcome of the anatomy and the specific hand-related activities an individual performs.

 

Symptoms

Pain in the wrist is the most common symptom of wrist tendonitis. Other key symptoms include:

  • Swelling in the wrist area
  • Redness and warmth of the tendons
  • Grinding sensation when the tendons move

The hand surgery and plastic surgery expert will diagnose wrist tendonitis by identifying the characteristic signs. Depending on the specific tendon that is inflamed, the surgeon may perform tests that involve stretching of the specific tendons to locate the exact source of inflammation. Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for wrist tendonitis treatment.

 

Treatments

The provider may recommend an appropriate treatment plan to address the condition of wrist tendonitis:

Immobilization

The wrist may be placed in a cast or splint as a first step. When the painful tendon is rested, the inflammation will usually go down.

 

Ice Pack Application

Ice therapy may be used to cool inflammation and stimulate blood flow to the area of tendonitis. The earlier this treatment is start, the more effective it may be.

 

Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help to manage pain symptoms, and more importantly, help to treat the wrist tendonitis. The medications can reduce swelling and inflammation of the soft tissue.

 

Cortisone Injection

In case of a severe condition of wrist tendonitis, cortisone injections may be recommended. This is a powerful anti-inflammatory treatment that involves directly delivery of the medication into the site of inflammation. The extent of treatment should be carefully monitored because it has steroids.

 

Surgery

When all other treatment approaches prove to be ineffective in resolving the wrist tendonitis, surgery may be the only option left. Surgery can be used to release the area of tight tendon sheath that is causing the difficult and painful tendon movements.

Sometimes the surgeon may decide to remove the inflammatory tissue in order to create extra space for the tendon to move freely. Patients should also discuss with the surgeon about steps to prevent future flare-ups of wrist tendonitis.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Hand Surgery Risks and Safety Information | Roswell | WoodstockAny cosmetic surgery or another surgical procedure will typically involve certain basic risks. The same also applies to hand surgery, which is a complex procedure that should only be performed by a highly trained and experienced surgeon. The surgeon will discuss about the risks and safety information during the pre-operative consultation to ensure that the patient makes a well-considered decision.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is a leading hand surgeon as well as board certified plastic surgeon providing cutting edge procedures to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations. Dr. Yalif enjoys an outstanding track record of success in hand surgery and various other procedures, and is able to minimize the risk by using the latest, proven surgical techniques combined with his advanced skills.

 

Common Risks

The patient will be required to sign consent forms before any plastic surgery or hand surgery procedure to ensure that they are fully clear about the procedure they will undergo and the potential risks and complications that may be associated with it. Some of the risks that are common to hand surgery and other surgeries include:

  • Excessive bleeding or hematoma
  • Blood clot formation
  • Infection during or after the surgery
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Skin contour irregularities
  • Altered skin sensation
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Persistent swelling in the hand
  • Skin discoloration
  • Poor healing of the incision areas
  • Allergies to suture materials, glue, tape, topical preparations, blood products or injected agents
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Cardiac and pulmonary malfunction
  • Damage to nerves, muscles, blood vessels
  • Unresolved pain
  • Possibility of revision hand surgery

An experienced cosmetic surgeon will be able to minimize risks during surgery by operating in a completely sterile environment, performing the procedure will precision, keeping the incisions discreet and minimal, and following the latest safety protocols at every step.

The surgeon will also provide detailed safety and care instructions to the patient for the post-operative recovery phase. If the patient adheres to these instructions carefully, the post-operative risks will be minimized. Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for hand surgery and various other procedures.

 

Specific Risks

Specific risks associated with hand surgery may include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome recurrence or non-improvement
  • Failure of tendon repair and inability to restore function
  • Retraction of cut tendons, requiring additional incisions
  • Recurrent tendon scarring
  • Tenolysis
  • Abnormal tendon position
  • Rupture of tendon
  • Trigger finger
  • Wound breakdown
  • Seroma formation

Additional incisions may be required where scarring has occurred. In some cases, new incisions may have to be made to release scar tissue that may be limiting tendon motion.

 

Minimizing the Risk

Hand surgery is a very personal decision, and the patient should take the decision after acquiring a complete understanding of the potential risks and complications. Clear communication and trust between the patient and the surgeon, meticulous surgical planning, skillful execution in the operating room, and diligent follow-up during recovery will ensure a very high rate of success in hand surgery procedures.

 

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Your Hand Surgery Consultation | Hand Surgeon | Woodstock | RoswellPre-op consultation is a vital aspect of any cosmetic surgery, reconstructive or corrective surgical procedure. It allows both the patient and the surgeon to develop a clear understanding of the condition. The surgeon will create a customized treatment plan based on the engagement with the patient during this consultation process.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is a board certified plastic surgeon with additional advanced expertise in the areas of orthopedic surgery and hand surgery. Dr. Yalif provides various surgical and non-surgical procedures to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations.

 

Health Evaluation

The safety and success of any plastic surgery or hand surgery procedure will depend to an extent on how candidly the patient shares information about their past and present health conditions, habits and lifestyle. The surgeon will need to know the patient’s medical history, previous surgeries, current medical conditions, ongoing treatments, and known drug allergies, if any.

If the patient is using any prescription medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins, they must inform the surgeon during the consultation. The surgeon will also need to know about the patient’s use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs, and will advise restrictions related to these.

The hand condition of the patient will be examined in detail to determine the course of treatment and assess the risk factors. If required, the surgeon may decide to perform a few diagnostic tests to clearly define the problem. Information about the likely results, and any potential side effects, risk or complications will also be shared with the patient.

Some surgeons may require the patient to fill a detailed questionnaire to ensure all aspects of health assessment are covered in an exhaustive manner. The pain level, physical limitations of the hand, and progression of the hand pain and problems will be evaluated. The surgeon may like to know about specific hand-related activities that the patient finds difficult to perform.

The surgeon will need information on any pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, anemia, obesity, diabetes and hypertension. The patient should inform if these existing medical conditions have changed recently. The treatment plan can be impacted due to these conditions.

 

X-ray and MRI

X-rays will be performed as a part of pre-operative consultation process to know details about the health of the hand and extremities. A set of x-rays to examine the wrist may also be requested. The surgeon will compare the x-rays with any x-rays from the past and other health evaluation results. This will help them determine how the hand has undergone a change or has deteriorated over time.

In some cases, an MRI may be requested to look at the inner hand structures more closely. If there are any infections or tendon issues or other complications, these may be assessed with the help of MRI. Leading cosmetic surgeon and hand surgeon Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for hand surgery.

The surgeon will also discuss about the patient’s personal health and aesthetic needs and goals, and incorporate these into the treatment plan.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

What is Trigger Finger? | Atlanta Hand Specialist | Roswell |WoodstockTrigger finger is a painful condition wherein a bent finger or thumb gets locked and then intermittently snaps back to a straight alignment. The motion is akin to pulling and releasing a trigger, which gives it the name “trigger finger.” The condition may require hand or cosmetic surgery in exceptional cases, while mostly it can be treated non-surgically.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is triple board certified in orthopedic surgery, hand surgery, and plastic surgery. Dr. Yalif is a highly trained and experienced surgeon providing treatments for conditions such as trigger finger. Patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive treatments from Dr. Yalif.

 

Symptoms

People suffering from a trigger finger will commonly experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain and discomfort
  • Irritation
  • A popping or clicking sensation when flexing or extending the digit
  • A digit locked in a bent or straight position

The cosmetic surgeon and hand surgeon will advise the appropriate treatment for trigger finger according to the severity of symptoms. Advanced cases may need surgical release of the trigger finger to widen the constricted part of the pulley that is preventing the tendon from sliding smoothly. Leading plastic surgeon Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for trigger finger.

 

Treatment Options

Medications

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen may provide relief from the pain and discomfort. However, these are temporary solutions and may not provide relief from the swelling constricting the tendon sheath or trapping the tendon.

 

Non-invasive Therapy

  • The patient may be advised to take adequate rest and avoid activities that require repeated grasping or gripping or prolonged use of vibrating handheld machinery for about one month.
  • Icing the palm several times a day may provide relief to some people, while some others may benefit more from warm water soaks.
  • The surgeon may recommend wearing a splint at night to keep the affected finger in an extended position for up to six weeks. Splinting will help rest the tendon and prevent the curling of fingers into a fist while sleeping.
  • Gentle stretching exercises may be performed to support mobility in the finger.

 

Steroid Injections

In more severe cases, injections of steroid medications may be placed in the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation and enable the tendon to glide freely. The treatment is effective in up to 90 percent of non-diabetic patients. Diabetics may benefit from it only in about half the cases. Repeat injection may be needed in some cases.

 

Percutaneous Release

The surgeon will numb the palm and then insert a sturdy needle into the tissue around the affected tendon. The needle will be moved along with the finger will help disrupt the constriction that is blocking the tendon’s smooth motion. The procedure may sometimes be performed under ultrasound control.

 

Surgery

In extreme cases, the surgeon will work through a small incision near the base of the affected finger. The constricted section of the tendon sheath will be corrected through the incision. The procedure is usually performed at a surgical room.

 

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

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