Carpal tunnel surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve by creating more space within the carpal tunnel. As the body heals, it forms scar tissue around the incision site. Understanding what’s normal during recovery can help you recognise early signs of problems and seek help if needed.
This article outlines the typical healing process, what symptoms may require medical attention, and how to support healthy recovery.
Scar Tissue Healing Timeline
After carpal tunnel surgery, your body naturally forms scar tissue to heal the incision and surrounding area. This healing process usually follows a predictable pattern over several months:
First 0–6 weeks (Initial healing): Scar tissue begins to form as your body repairs the area with collagen, creating a firm but flexible bond.
6 weeks to 6 months (Scar maturing): The scar gradually softens and becomes less noticeable as collagen is reorganised and blood flow improves.
6 to 12 months (Final appearance): Most scars settle into their final form, often as a thin, pale line that may be slightly raised or indented.
Factors That Influence Scar Healing
Several factors can influence how your scar develops after carpal tunnel surgery. While some are within your control, others depend on your body’s natural healing response.
Individual healing response: Your age, overall health, and genetic factors influence how quickly and thoroughly your tissue repairs itself
Surgical approach: Open surgery may cause more surface scarring than minimally invasive (endoscopic) techniques, but healing varies from person to person.
Post-operative care: Keeping the wound clean, protecting the area, and following your doctor’s advice can support better scar healing.
Activity and movement: Returning to normal use gradually helps prevent stiffness and supports proper healing. Too much rest or overuse can delay recovery.
When to Seek a Hand Specialist
Certain symptoms may indicate that scar tissue is interfering with healing or that complications are developing. Seek a hand specialist’s assessment if you notice:
Persistent symptoms: Pain, tingling, numbness, or stiffness that has not improved after 3 to 6 months.
Worsening hand function: Difficulty performing movements that were previously improving during recovery.
Return of carpal tunnel symptoms: New or recurring numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially if it follows a period of improvement.
Restricted movement: Trouble bending fingers, making a fist, or using your hand normally.
Signs of infection: Redness, swelling, warmth, discharge or fever at the surgical site.
Severe or burning pain: Sharp or worsening pain that feels abnormal or does not ease with time.
Seeing a hand specialist early can prevent long-term problems and ensure you get the right treatment if scar tissue is affecting your recovery.
