What Happens When a Hand Is Reattached

A severed finger doesn't have to mean permanent loss. Laura E. Wong, MD, PhD, a hand surgeon in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery division at University of Utah Health, explains how far replantation and microsurgery have come, why speed matters (parts need to be on ice and in surgery within about six hours), and why success isn't just about how the hand looks; it's about movement, strength, and getting back the sensation to protect it. She also breaks down realistic recovery timelines, which often run six months to over a year.