Wounds to the fingerstypically heal well because fingers have an excellent blood supply.
Usually, withclean amputationsof the fingertip (or even the digit itself), surgery is not needed.
In general, for afingertip injuryto grow back fully, the injury must occur beyond where the fingernail starts.
Photo © David Nelson, M.D.
This article shows the stages of healing for a fingertip amputation.
Day of Injury
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
This young woman accidentally cut off the tip of her finger with a pair of scissors.
Photo © David Nelson, M.D.
She visited a hand surgeon to be evaluated.
No surgical procedures or special equipment were used.
The wound was cleaned well and covered with a waterproof dressing.
Photo © David Nelson, M.D.
One Month After Injury
About one month after the injury, the wound is now dry.
In most cases, the injury may not even be visible once the wound heals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skin grows back thanks to the body’s natural ability to heal wounds.
Photo © David Nelson, M.D.
This process requires the help of many different types of cells.
Put simply, healing skin starts by clotting the wound so that it remains closed.
Then, blood cells deliver oxygen and nutrients to the wound site so that new tissue can be built.
The length of repair depends on a wound’s severity, but some can take years to fully heal.
2013;499(7457):228-232. doi:10.1038/nature12214
University of Rochester Medical Center.How Wounds Heal.
2010;24(4):420-423. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03426.x
