Reconstructive and hand surgery covers procedures that restore function and appearance after injury, illness, or a congenital condition. This includes trauma repair (fractures, lacerations, crush injuries), carpal tunnel release and other nerve decompression surgery, tendon repair, Dupuytren's contracture treatment, breast reconstruction after mastectomy, scar revision, skin cancer excision and repair, and correction of congenital hand differences. It's distinct from purely cosmetic work: the goal here is usually restoring movement, sensation, or normal tissue function, though many procedures also address appearance as part of that repair. Toronto has 39 practices in this category, ranging from hospital-affiliated reconstructive surgeons to hand-focused specialists working out of private clinics.
What to look for in a surgeon
Training matters more here than in most cosmetic categories. Look for board certification in plastic surgery with a fellowship or specific experience in hand or reconstructive work, since not every plastic surgeon does this regularly. Ask about hospital privileges (reconstructive cases sometimes need an OR with broader surgical support), how many similar procedures they perform annually, and what their approach to post-op therapy and follow-up looks like, since hand recovery depends heavily on physiotherapy and occupational therapy coordination. Get clarity on whether OHIP covers the procedure (many reconstructive and hand cases are medically necessary and covered) versus what falls into an uninsured or cosmetic category.
How we score
Our ranking weighs verified patient feedback, credentials, consistency of results over time, and responsiveness of the practice. Full detail on how each factor is weighted is on our methodology page. For a ranked shortlist of providers in this category, see our best plastic surgeons in Toronto guide.