Dupuytren's Disease

What is digital palmar fasciectomy?

Dupuytren’s disease is a very common, progressive condition that affects the fascia layer that normally provides a protective padding and anchors the skin of your palm. In patients with Dupuytren's, this fascia abnormally thickens and tightens over time, acting like internal tethering strings, pulling one or more fingers tightly bent toward the palm. The gold-standard surgical approach where we make precise incisions in the palm and fingers to physically remove the diseased, thickened fascia, freeing the underlying tendons and restoring movement.

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Before & After Photos

Before

After

Patient 01

Patient Number

142039

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

Before

After

Patient 02

Patient Number

142040

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

Before

After

Patient 03

Patient Number

142041

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

Before

After

Patient 04

Patient Number

142042

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

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What to expect

Pre-op

Before Surgery

Click here to learn more about what to expect during consultation.

Who is a good candidate?

• Healthy
• Individuals who cannot fully extend their fingers
• Individuals experiencing significant functional impairment
• Realistic expectations

How to Prepare for Surgery

• You may need to do bloodwork and additional investigations
• Stop smoking for 4-6 weeks
• Avoid herbal supplements for 2 weeks
• Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatories for 1 week
• Ask whether you need to hold certain medications before surgery

Risk & Complications

Procedure

On the Day of Surgery

Click here to learn what to expect on the day of your operation.

Anesthesia

• Regional block with sedation

Duration of Surgery

• 1-2 Hours

Incisions

• Along the affected fingers
• Palm

Post-op

After Surgery

Click here to learn what to expect with your recovery and long-term results.

Wound care

• You will be placed in a splint. Please keep this clean and dry until your follow-up 1 week from surgery. You will be given instructions on how to care for your incisions during that visit.

Sutures

• Removed within 2 weeks

Return to light work

• 3-4 weeks

Return to regular activity or exercise

• 6-12 weeks

Please follow all of the specific instructions given to you and attend your follow-up appointment as arranged.

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What is the average cost of a palmar fasciectomy?

OHIP Covered (if applicable)

Costs may include:

Pre-op Investigations

Anesthesia

Equipment & Facility

Nursing Fee

Surgical Fee

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What are my Financing Options?

Every patient should have access to flexible financing options when considering a procedure. At Elevate Plastic Surgery, we partner with leading Canadian financing providers to help make your journey more accessible. Please contact us to learn more.

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Beautifi Financing

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Frequently Asked Questions.

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We believe in absolute candor with our patients: there is currently no permanent cure for Dupuytren’s disease. Because it is a genetic condition, your body will always have the underlying tendency to produce this thickened tissue. A palmar fasciectomy physically removes the diseased cords causing your current contracture, "resetting the clock" on your hand function. While the surgery is highly effective, the condition can recur in the same finger or appear in other fingers years down the road.

A palmar fasciectomy is the gold-standard surgical treatment for Dupuytren's. During the procedure, we make precise incisions along the natural creases of your palm and the affected finger. We then meticulously separate the vital nerves and blood vessels from the thick, diseased cords of fascia. Once the underlying anatomy is protected, we carefully excise (remove) the diseased tissue, physically releasing the tension so your finger can straighten out.

We do not recommend surgery if you only have painless nodules or mild dimpling in your palm. Surgery is only indicated when the contracture begins to interfere with your life. You can try the "Table Top Test" at home: try to place your hand completely flat, palm down, on a table. If you cannot get your hand flat because your finger is permanently bent, it is time to discuss a surgical release.

Depending on the specific type of cord you have, you may be a candidate for a less invasive procedure called Needle Aponeurotomy. Instead of opening the hand to remove the tissue, we use a fine needle to systematically puncture and weaken the tight cord beneath the skin until it "snaps," releasing the finger. While the recovery is much faster (a few days), the recurrence rate is significantly higher and faster than with a formal surgical fasciectomy.

Hand therapy after surgery is a must! Following surgery, your hand therapist will guide you in regaining your range of motion. They will also fabricate a custom plastic splint that holds your fingers in an extended, straight position. You will continue to wear it every night while you sleep for up to 3 to 6 months. This prolonged night splinting is critical to counteracting the natural shrinking of the healing tissue.