Trigger Finger Release

Restore smooth finger movement and eliminate painful catching with expert surgical treatment for trigger finger.

What is Trigger Finger Treatment?

Trigger finger release typically involves surgically dividing the tight pulley (A1 pulley) that causes your finger or thumb to catch, lock, or trigger when bending. This outpatient procedure typically takes 15-20 minutes under local anaesthesia with sedation and immediately restores smooth tendon gliding. Dr Marc Seifman's technique aims to completely release the tendon ensures complete release while protecting surrounding structures.

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Trigger Finger Treatment at a Glance

Best suited for: People experiencing pain and catching or locking of the thumb or finger when bending.

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Recovery time: A few weeks for wound healing. Gradually increasethe amount of use after this over the course of the next two weeks.

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Surgical Procedure: Approximately 30 minutes

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Hospital stay: Day stay

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Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia.

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Am I the right candidate for this?

You may be a candidate if your finger catches, locks, or triggers when bending, causes pain or stiffness, interferes with daily activities, or hasn't responded to conservative treatments like splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections. Both single and multiple finger involvement can be treated.

What is the process?

Start with a GP referral and consultation with Dr Marc Seifman. After confirming the diagnosis through examination, surgery can typically be scheduled as an office procedure under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. The small incision is made in the palm, and immediate finger movement is tested. Follow-up ensures proper healing and function.

Post-operative care and recovery timeline

Recovery involves keeping the small wound dry for a few days with gradual return to normal activities over 1-2 weeks. Immediate gentle finger movement is encouraged. Most patients return to desk work within 2-3 days and full activities within 2-3 weeks. Hand therapy is rarely needed.

Risks and additional info

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, stiffness, and very rare nerve or blood vessel injury. Relief is typically immediate and permanent. Some patients may develop trigger finger in other digits. Dr Seifman will discuss your specific situation and expected outcomes.

Is this surgery right for me?

Is this treament right for me?

There are different treatments for trigger finger. The first stage might include resting that particular hand or wearing a splint at night. This may be all that is required to relieve your symptoms. If you have tried conservative management or it is not an option for you, then you may be interested in a steroid injection into the area, or surgery (trigger finger release).

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All of the therapies aim to achieve the same goal – to avoid the tendon catching on the pulley. At Tailored Plastic Surgery, we discuss this with you and aim to help guide you with your decision making process.

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What does the procedure
journey look like?

To begin your journey at Tailored Plastic Surgery, you will typically have an initial consultation to discuss your goals and see how we can help you. If you wish to proceed, we will schedule the surgery on a date that suits you. We will discuss the steps you need to take in the lead-up to your surgery, and also on the day of your procedure.

After the procedure, you will likely have a dressing on the wound which should be kept clean and dry. Specific instructions will be given to you after the procedure.You may experience some discomfort a number of hours after the procedure once the effects of the local anaesthetic wear off, and these are usually easily addressed with pain medications that can be purchased over the counter at supermarkets or pharmacies. You should be able to go home on the same day.

You should be able to return to work within one or two weeks depending on what your regular occupation is. We advise against strenuous physical activity and exercise within the first two weeks.

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Four phases of plastic surgery journey. Phase 1: 1 hour consultation to discuss goals. Phase 2: Book and prepare for your surgery. Phase 3: 1 day, the procedure. Phase 4: 6-8 weeks post surgery, the recovery.

Procedure Risks

Trigger release is a surgical procedure performed to relieve symptoms associated with the flexor tendon catching on the pulley as you bend your finger. In addition to general surgery risks, there are some potential procedure-specific risks and complications involved, including:

Infection:

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Following proper postoperative care instructions and maintaining good hygiene can help minimise this risk

Recurrence of Symptoms:

Although trigger release surgery is designed to alleviate symptoms, there is a small possibility that symptoms may recur over time, or that you develop trigger finger symptoms in another digit. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeons can help monitor your condition and address any recurring symptoms.

Scarring and Adhesions:

After the surgery, scar tissue may form around the incision site. In some cases, this scar tissue can cause adhesions, which may lead to restricted finger or wrist movement.

Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury:

During the trigger release procedure, there is a small risk of inadvertently damaging nearby nerves or blood vessels. This can result in temporary or, rarely, permanent sensory changes, weakness, or vascular complications.

Still unsure? Here are some FAQs…

Can I have a trigger finger release on more than one finger at the same time?

It is possible to have trigger finger releases of multiple digits on one hand at the same time. However, we do not recommend having surgery on both hands at the same time. While it may seem convenient to treat both sides at the same time, the recovery might be a bit difficult if you have both hands bandaged. At Tailored Plastic Surgery, we are happy to discuss your treatment priorities with you and target your treatment towards your individual goals.

Will I have a scar?

Any time you have surgery that affects all the layers of the skin, a scar is formed. At Tailored Plastic Surgery, we are experienced in techniques that aim to both minimise any scarring, as well as hide the scarring in less noticeable places.

Is there anything I should do before my appointment?

Before your appointment, you may wish to try non-operative treatments, including wearing a splint at night to help with the pain.

Can I have a trigger finger release if I haven’t tried non-surgical treatments first?

At Tailored Plastic Surgery, we believe that everyone’s journey is unique to them, and therefore, what may work for one person may not be appropriate for another. We will discuss your concerns and goals with you, and then work on a treatment pathway together with you, to best help you in your particular circumstances.

How long after my procedure will I see an improvement in my symptoms?

Most people feel relief in their symptoms as soon as the local anaesthetic wears off, and are able to move their finger with no more triggering. At Tailored Plastic Surgery, we are here to guide you through your procedure and the post-operative journey.