Surgery is most commonly performed in early childhood, typically between six months and two years of age depending on the severity and the digits involved. Early correction is recommended for hand syndactyly in particular because the bones of the fingers grow at different rates, and leaving them fused can cause curving, growth restriction, or developmental problems. The exact timing is determined individually based on the child's health, the complexity of the fusion, and the surgeon's assessment of the optimal developmental window.

The procedure involves carefully separating the fused digits and reconstructing the skin between them, often using skin grafts from a discreet donor site such as the groin or inner arm to ensure adequate coverage without tension. Scars are inevitable with any surgical correction but are minimised through careful surgical technique and strategic incision planning. They continue to fade and soften over months and years following surgery, and most patients are left with marks that are subtle and well-tolerated.

Physiotherapy and hand therapy are often recommended after syndactyly surgery, particularly for hand corrections, to help the child develop movement, strength, and coordination in the newly separated fingers. Splinting may also be used in the initial recovery period. The surgical correction is permanent, and recurrence is rare when the procedure has been performed with proper technique. Long-term follow-up ensures that development is progressing well and that any additional procedures, which are sometimes needed in complex cases, are planned at the right time.

Yes, syndactyly can affect the fingers of one or both hands and the toes of one or both feet, and in some cases involves both the hands and feet simultaneously. Adults who did not receive treatment during childhood can absolutely benefit from surgical correction, and the procedure is as safe and effective for adult patients as it is for children. The surgical planning may differ slightly as the anatomy has fully matured, but the goals of improved function and natural appearance remain the same, and outcomes are consistently positive.