Nellie Movtchan, MDAesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery
Nellie Movtchan, MD

Reconstructive · Nerve

Nerve repair.
Patient work, carefully timed.

Understanding evaluation and treatment for injured peripheral nerves, where timing and careful follow-up can matter for recovering sensation and movement.

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Illustrative concept photography; not a patient result
Illustrative concept photograph of a sunlit still life; not a patient result

Understanding the care

What it may address.

Peripheral nerves carry sensation and movement signals between the body and the spinal cord. Injury from a cut, crush, stretch, or compression can cause numbness, weakness, or pain. Some injuries recover on their own. Others may be treated with direct repair, a nerve graft, or a nerve transfer. Nerves regenerate slowly, so recovery is measured in months.

Other reconstructive care

Who this is for

Often after a referral.

Many people are referred by an emergency physician, surgeon, neurologist, or therapist. Because timing can affect options, evaluation sooner after injury is often helpful.

  • People with numbness or weakness after an injury.
  • People with persistent nerve pain after injury or surgery.
  • People whose nerve symptoms are not improving.
  • Referring clinicians seeking evaluation for a patient.

A first visit

What to expect and bring.

A first visit focuses on what changed, when, and how your function is now.

Illustrative concept photograph of a microsurgery setting; not Dr. Movtchan or her patients

  1. Your history

    Describe the injury or onset, its date, and any surgery since.

  2. Your records

    Bring operative notes, imaging, and nerve conduction or EMG studies.

  3. Your examination

    Expect testing of sensation, strength, and movement.

  4. Your next steps

    Discuss observation, surgical options, therapy, timing, and recovery.

Benefits & limitations

Understand the risks alongside the possibilities.

Understand the alternatives and limitations as well as the potential benefits. Outcomes vary, and surgery cannot guarantee a particular result.

Your health and the planned operation affect the risk assessment. Possible risks include:

  • Bleeding or infection
  • Persistent or new pain
  • Incomplete recovery of sensation or strength
  • Painful neuroma
  • Donor-site numbness when a graft is used
  • Further surgery
  • Anesthesia complications

Recovery planning

Make room for healing.

Nerve regeneration is slow, and progress may be gradual over many months.

  1. Before surgery

    Plan practical support

    Ask about help with daily tasks, driving, and time away from work.

  2. Early recovery

    Protect the repair

    Understand splints, dressings, activity limits, medication instructions, and symptoms that need a call to the surgical team.

  3. Over the following months

    Follow up and rehabilitate

    Expect periodic checks of recovery, and therapy to maintain motion and retrain function.

Recovery varies with the injury, the operation, and the individual. Follow the instructions given by your surgical and therapy team.

Questions

What people ask before they call.

Will my nerve heal on its own?

Some nerve injuries recover without surgery. Evaluation and testing over time help show whether surgery may be needed.

Why does timing matter?

Muscles that lose their nerve supply can change over time, which may limit some options. Ask how timing applies to your injury.

How long does recovery take?

Nerves regrow slowly, so recovery is usually measured in months and may be incomplete. Ask what to expect for your injury.

Do I need a referral?

Some people are referred by a physician and others call directly. Insurance plans may require a referral. Ask the office what is needed before your first visit.