“How long does it take for an incision to heal after hand surgery?”
I am a 42 year old male. I want to know how long does it take for an incision to heal after hand surgery?
6 Answers
It depends on your body's innate healing/repair mechanisms, but 4-8 weeks.
Most incisions can be exposed to brief water exposure after approximately 1-2 days (i.e., showers), and immersion (tub baths, pools) after 2 weeks; however, 6-8 weeks is the standard time to consider incisions "healed" barring infection or other complications. Each surgery is unique, however.
By 2 weeks most hand wounds have accrued enough strength to perform basic activities of daily living to the point where there would be little fear of the wound breaking down.
Typically, the stitches will be left in for 8 to 10 days. However, there will be some scar tissue which peaks at six weeks and disappears by six months.
Harrison Solomon, M.D.
Harrison Solomon, M.D.
That really depends upon the length and location of the incision. Usually within 10-14 days the incision is fully healed. However, it can take several months for a scar to fully mature and flatten out.
The skin in the hand is very unique. It will need at least two weeks to close. Expect soreness for 6-8 weeks
