Relief for Your Hands
Hand Surgery
Dr. Jonathan Zelken, MD · Board-Certified · Newport Beach, CA
As a fellowship-trained hand surgeon, Dr. Zelken restores strength, flexibility, and function — correcting injury, disease, and congenital differences with the precision your hands deserve.
Approach
Specialized Hand Expertise
Dr. Zelken completed the hand training for his plastic surgery residency at the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore — a program widely regarded as the nation's best, where he completed twice as many rotations as required.
He is passionate about both the reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the hand and is willing to take on the most challenging cases — from carpal tunnel release and fracture management to tendon and nerve repair, trigger finger, adding or replanting fingers, and rejuvenating the aging hand with fat, fillers, and phototherapy.
Hand surgery is highly specialized, which is why trusting a surgeon with Dr. Zelken's credentials is in your — and your hands' — best interest.
The Procedure
What is Hand Surgery?
Hand surgery restores the strength, function, and flexibility of your hand, wrist, and fingers, and can also relieve pain you are experiencing. Dr. Zelken commonly helps patients who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and Dupuytren's contracture — a disabling disorder in which thick, scar-like tissue forms within the palm, restricting movement and bending the fingers into an abnormal position.
Because it is such a highly specialized field, hand surgery is a powerful option to correct disfigurement, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
Tailored to You
Conditions & Procedures
Every hand is different; so is every plan.
- Carpal Tunnel Release Relieves pressure on the median nerve to ease numbness, tingling, and hand weakness.
- Tendon & Nerve Repair Reconnects cut or retracted tendons and nerves to restore movement and sensation after injury.
- Fracture Management Realigns and stabilizes broken bones of the hand and wrist for proper healing.
- Trigger Finger Release Frees a finger that catches or locks so it moves smoothly again.
- Congenital Correction Reconstructs fingers affected by conditions such as syndactyly that are present at birth.
- Hand Rejuvenation Restores the aging hand with fat, fillers, and phototherapy for a refreshed look.
Benefits of Hand Surgery
Restores strength, flexibility, and function to the hand and wrist.
Relieves chronic pain from carpal tunnel, arthritis, and contracture.
Corrects congenital differences and traumatic injuries.
Improves grip and everyday use of the hand.
Rejuvenates the appearance of aging hands.
Enhances confidence and overall quality of life.
Is It Right For You
Who is a Good Candidate?
Hand surgery can be performed at any age and is an excellent option if you are experiencing painful conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or Dupuytren's contracture. Ideal candidates are in good health, without a life-threatening illness or condition that impairs healing, and have specific, realistic goals for their surgery.
As with any procedure, it is critical that candidates are non-smokers and are committed to following Dr. Zelken's prescribed course of treatment. During your consultation, he will examine your hand in detail and recommend the approach best suited to restoring its function.
What to Expect
Your Hand Surgery Procedure
Every hand surgery begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Zelken examines your hand in detail, discusses your goals and medical history, and may take photographs for your record. Your candor about your health and lifestyle directly supports the safety and success of your procedure, and this is the ideal time to ask any questions.
Depending on your situation, he will recommend local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia for your comfort. Techniques are matched to your condition: tendon repair reconnects retracted tendons after trauma; carpal tunnel release relieves pressure on the median nerve; and congenital differences such as syndactyly are corrected by separating fused fingers to restore motion and appearance. Dr. Zelken may combine one or more techniques, closing incisions with removable or dissolvable sutures. As swelling subsides, the results of your surgery gradually become more evident.
Healing Timeline
Recovery
After Surgery
- Bandages, dressings, and sometimes a splint protect and support the surgical site.
- Detailed care instructions and medications aid healing and reduce infection risk.
Follow-Up & Therapy
- Follow-up visits monitor your progress as you heal.
- Hand therapy exercises restore strength, flexibility, and movement — essential to a successful outcome.
Ongoing Healing
- The final outcome develops gradually over time.
- Modifying work habits, when advised, supports long-term improvement after carpal tunnel surgery.
Long-Term
- Complex repairs and microsurgery may take a full year to reach complete function.
- Dr. Zelken's team supports your comfort and recovery throughout.
The Outcome
Results & Longevity
The results of hand surgery reveal themselves gradually as swelling resolves and therapy takes effect. For many patients, restored grip, reduced pain, and improved dexterity make everyday tasks comfortable again.
While advances in technique and Dr. Zelken's skill can accomplish remarkable reconstruction and replantation, some traumatic injuries may not regain completely normal function — a reality he will discuss with you honestly. With diligent therapy and attention to his guidance, most patients enjoy durable, meaningful improvement in the strength and use of their hands.
Transparency
Risks & Considerations
As with any surgery, hand surgery carries risks, and Dr. Zelken will review them fully so you can give informed consent. You may be asked to complete lab work or a medical evaluation, adjust certain medications, and avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and supplements that increase bleeding. Smoking must stop before surgery. Our team provides detailed pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize risks and support your healing.
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Begin Your Journey
Ready to Restore Your Hands?
If you are considering hand surgery or have questions about the procedure, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonathan Zelken.
Common Questions
Hand Surgery FAQ
Answers to the questions patients ask most about hand surgery.
Often, yes. Because many hand conditions are functional, insurance may cover surgery. Precertification is usually required, so confirm coverage with your insurer in advance.
No. Hand surgery is performed on patients of any age; candidacy depends on your health, condition, and goals rather than your age.
Common ones include carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, tendon and nerve injuries, fractures, trigger finger, and congenital differences.
Depending on your procedure, Dr. Zelken may recommend local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia for your comfort and safety.
It varies by procedure. Hand therapy is essential, and complex repairs or microsurgery may take up to a year for full function.
Yes. Therapy is critical to restoring strength, flexibility, and movement, and is essential to a successful surgical outcome.
Yes. Dr. Zelken requires patients to stop smoking before surgery, since it impairs healing and increases the risk of complications.