Carpal Tunnel Release
Surgical removal of ganglion cysts from the wrist or hand under local anaesthetic.
Ganglion Cyst Excision
Overview
A ganglion is a fluid-filled swelling arising from a joint or tendon sheath, most commonly on the back of the wrist. The fluid is thick and jelly-like. Ganglions are benign, and many need no treatment at all: a substantial proportion resolve on their own.
When treatment is considered
Treatment is considered when the ganglion is painful, restricts movement, or presses on a nerve. Appearance alone is a valid reason to seek treatment, but it is worth knowing that recurrence after any intervention is common.
Options
- Observation: reasonable for a painless ganglion.
- Aspiration: drawing off the fluid with a needle. Quick and simple, but recurrence rates are high because the connection to the joint remains.
- Excision: surgical removal of the cyst together with its stalk and a small cuff of joint capsule, which is what reduces the chance of recurrence.
What excision involves
- Anaesthetic: local, regional or general anaesthetic depending on site.
- Duration: typically 20 to 30 minutes.
- Stay: day case.
Recovery
A bandage or splint is worn for a few days. Sutures come out at around 10 to 14 days. Wrist movement and strength usually return over four to six weeks.
Risks and limitations
Recognised risks include recurrence, scar tenderness, some loss of wrist movement, infection, and injury to nearby nerves. Ganglions at the base of the finger or on the palm side of the wrist sit close to the radial artery and digital nerves, which raises the stakes of surgery in those locations.
Striking a ganglion with a heavy object, an old folk remedy, is not advisable and risks injury.
Information on this page reflects NHS and British Society for Surgery of the Hand patient guidance. It is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for an individual assessment by a qualified clinician.
Recovery Timeline
D1
Day 1: Immediately After
Mild redness and swelling at the treatment area is normal. Apply cool compresses as advised by your practitioner. Avoid touching the treated area.
D3
Days 2-3: Initial Healing
Swelling begins to subside. You may experience mild bruising which can be concealed with makeup. Resume normal daily activities with care.
W1
Week 1: Visible Improvement
Initial results become visible. Any bruising should have resolved. Follow-up check with your practitioner to assess progress and address any concerns.
W4
Week 4: Full Results
Treatment has fully settled with optimal results now visible. Final review appointment to evaluate outcome and discuss maintenance programme.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Ideal Candidates
- Adults aged 18+ in good general health
- Realistic expectations about treatment outcomes
- Non-smokers or willing to stop before treatment
- Committed to following aftercare instructions
Important Considerations
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active skin infections or conditions
- Blood thinning medications
- Autoimmune conditions (discuss with practitioner)
Patient Experience
The whole experience from consultation to aftercare was exceptional. The team made me feel completely at ease and the results exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend Axiom Aesthetics to anyone considering this treatment.