Dr. Vicky Jain Plastic Surgeon - Excellence in Cosmetic Surgeries

What is Finger Deformities (Joined Finger, Extra Finger, Absent Finger)? 

Finger deformities are conditions where a child is born with fingers that are joined together, extra, or missing. These include:

• Joined fingers (syndactyly) – when two or more fingers are fused together by skin, and sometimes even bone.

• Extra fingers (polydactyly) – when a child has more than five fingers on one hand. These extra fingers may be fully formed or small and underdeveloped.

• Absent fingers (ectrodactyly or congenital absence) – when one or more fingers are missing or didn’t form properly before birth.

These conditions can affect one or both hands and may make it harder to hold, grip, or move things easily. Some finger deformities are just about appearance, while others also affect how the hand works. Surgery can help improve both function and appearance, allowing the child to use their hand more naturally and confidently as they grow.

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Why Do People Consider treatment for Finger Deformities (Joined Finger, Extra Finger, Absent Finger)?​

• 1. Cosmetic Reasons:

• To give the hand a more natural and typical appearance

• To help the child feel more confident and avoid teasing or embarrassment

• To improve symmetry and finger spacing for better hand aesthetics

• 2. Functional Reasons:

• To improve grip, grasp, and fine motor skills (like writing or buttoning clothes)

• To allow the hand to move more freely and independently

• To help with daily tasks like holding objects, eating, or playing

• To support proper hand growth and joint development

Dr Vicky Jain Approach to Finger Deformities (Joined Finger, Extra Finger, Absent Finger

Dr. Vicky Jain approaches finger deformities with a focus on restoring both function and appearance, especially during the early years of growth. For joined fingers, he performs precise surgeries to carefully separate them while preserving skin, nerves, and blood vessels, often using skin grafts if needed. For extra fingers, he removes the extra digit in a way that keeps the hand balanced and strong. In cases where fingers are missing, he plans custom reconstructive procedures or advises on supportive devices to improve grip and hand use. His goal is to help each child use their hand more naturally while also feeling confident about how it looks. Dr. Jain makes sure the treatment plan is gentle, age-appropriate, and designed to support long-term growth and function.

What is the suitable age group for Finger Deformities (Joined Finger, Extra Finger, Absent Finger)?

The suitable age for treating finger deformities like joined fingers (syndactyly), extra fingers (polydactyly), or absent fingers depends on the condition and the child’s growth, but early treatment is often preferred.

• For joined fingers (syndactyly), surgery is usually done between 6 months to 2 years of age, so the fingers can grow and move normally.

• For extra fingers (polydactyly), treatment can be done as early as 6 to 12 months, especially if the extra finger is small or loosely attached.

• For absent fingers, reconstruction or supportive options are considered by 1 to 3 years of age, based on the child’s needs and hand function.

Early surgery helps with better healing, improved function, and prevents delays in learning important hand skills.

How long does recovery take for Finger Deformities (Joined Finger, Extra Finger, Absent Finger)?

Recovery after surgery for finger deformities like joined fingers (syndactyly), extra fingers (polydactyly), or absent fingers usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the procedure and the child’s age.

Most children go home the same or next day, and a small cast or dressing is used to protect the hand while it heals. Stitches usually dissolve or are removed within 1–2 weeks. Some swelling and stiffness may be present at first, but gentle hand exercises or physiotherapy can help improve movement over time. Full healing and return to regular hand use often happens within a month or two, though regular follow-ups ensure the hand continues to grow and function well.

Tests Requirements

Before surgery for finger deformities such as joined fingers (syndactyly), extra fingers (polydactyly), or absent fingers, a few important tests are done to ensure safety and proper planning. These usually include basic blood tests to check overall health, clotting ability, and healing capacity. Viral markers like HIV, Hepatitis B, and C are tested for surgical safety. In some cases, X-rays of the hand are done to see the bone structure and understand how the fingers are connected or developed internally. If there’s a suspicion of an underlying genetic condition or syndrome, the doctor may recommend genetic counseling or further evaluation. These tests help Dr. Vicky Jain plan the surgery carefully, keeping the child’s comfort and future hand function in mind.