Hand Surgery in Portland, OR
Hand surgery restores function and relieves pain in the hand and wrist — from removing ganglion cysts to releasing trigger finger and treating thumb arthritis. Dr. Sam Bartholomew, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Portland who performs reconstructive hand procedures with a focus on function, comfort, and minimal scarring.
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Bartholomew has extensive training in the intricate anatomy of the hand — the nerves, tendons, blood vessels, and soft tissue that determine your ability to grip, pinch, and perform fine motor tasks. His meticulous surgical technique prioritizes both restoration of function and minimizing visible scarring.
Conditions We Treat
Dr. Bartholomew specializes in the surgical treatment of common hand and wrist conditions:
- Ganglion Cysts — fluid-filled lumps on the wrist or hand that can cause pain or limit function when they press on nerves or tendons.
- Trigger Finger — a condition where a finger catches or locks due to inflammation of the tendon sheath.
- Dupuytren's Contracture — thickened palm tissue that gradually pulls the fingers inward, limiting hand function.
- De Quervain's Tenosynovitis — inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and limiting thumb movement.
- Thumb (Basal Joint) Arthritis — degenerative joint disease of the thumb's basal joint, treated with thumb arthroplasty when conservative measures fail.
Why Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Hand Surgery?
Plastic surgeons train extensively in the hand's fine anatomy and microsurgical technique. This specialized training, combined with aesthetic surgical principles, means that hand reconstruction receives the same attention to detail and precision as cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Bartholomew's board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (FACS credential) reflects his commitment to excellence in both function and appearance. His hand surgery training ensures that your procedure restores not just function, but also minimizes scarring and maintains the natural appearance of your hand.
The Hand Surgery Process
Your hand surgery journey begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Bartholomew will:
- Evaluate your hand condition and discuss your symptoms and functional goals
- Explain the surgical procedure and what to expect
- Discuss anesthesia options (local, regional, or general)
- Review recovery time and hand therapy recommendations
- Answer all your questions
Most hand surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures, allowing you to return home the same day. Depending on the procedure, anesthesia is typically local with sedation or general anesthesia.
After surgery, you'll receive detailed post-operative instructions. Hand elevation, ice, and pain management are important for the first few days. Many patients benefit from hand therapy to restore strength and flexibility.
Recovery and Aftercare
While recovery timelines vary by procedure, most patients experience:
- Days 1-3: Rest, elevation, ice for comfort
- Week 1-2: Return to light activities; most patients can return to work
- Weeks 3-6: Gradual increase in hand use; hand therapy may begin
- 6-8 weeks: Most patients have returned to normal activities
Dr. Bartholomew will monitor your healing with follow-up appointments and coordinate with hand therapists to ensure optimal recovery and function restoration.
See Real Patient Transformations
From restoring the ability to grip to relieving chronic pain, we've helped countless patients regain hand function and comfort. Explore our before and after gallery to see the results possible with expert hand surgery.
Schedule Your Hand Surgery Consultation Today!
Is hand pain or limited function affecting your quality of life? Contact Samuel V. Bartholomew, MD, FACS, today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Bartholomew will evaluate your condition, discuss your goals, and explain your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hand surgery often treats conditions that limit function or cause pain — not purely cosmetic concerns. These procedures are frequently covered by insurance. Ganglion cyst removal, trigger finger release, and other functional hand surgeries are typically classified as reconstructive. We recommend verifying your coverage with your insurance, and our office can help with pre-authorization.
Recovery varies by procedure. Most hand surgeries are outpatient procedures with initial recovery in 1-2 weeks. Return to normal activities typically takes 4-8 weeks. Hand therapy is often recommended to restore strength and flexibility. Dr. Bartholomew will provide a specific recovery timeline during your consultation.
Hand surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the procedure and your preferences. Dr. Bartholomew will discuss anesthesia options with you and recommend the best approach for your situation.
If you experience persistent hand pain, loss of grip or pinch strength, numbness, a locking finger, or other symptoms that affect daily function and conservative treatment has not helped, hand surgery may be beneficial. Dr. Bartholomew will evaluate your condition and discuss all options during your consultation.
Yes, hand therapy is often an important part of recovery after hand surgery. It helps restore strength, flexibility, and fine motor control. Dr. Bartholomew will coordinate with experienced hand therapists in Portland to ensure optimal recovery and return to full function.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Bartholomew has extensive training in hand anatomy and microsurgical technique. His surgical approach prioritizes restoration of function while minimizing scarring. He combines the precision of plastic surgery with hand surgery expertise for optimal results.