Hand Rejuvenation
Hand rejuvenation involves aesthetic treatments aimed at improving the appearance of hands. The hands, face and neck are the most visible parts of the body. Aging hands are the second most telling sign of aging after the face. Signs of aging include dull skin, brown pigment, sun damage, wrinkles, thin skin and prominent veins and tendons due to fat loss.
Aging skin is the result of chronic sun exposure as well as the normal intrinsic aging process. The skin becomes lax and thinner with wrinkles, sunspots, visible veins and sun damage. Collagen and elastin are lost and the small blood vessels become more fragile causing easy bruising. Fat loss also occurs resulting in prominent bones and veins giving the hands a skeletonized appearance.
Anyone who is looking to combat the signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, reduced volume and thin skin.
You should not undergo any hand procedures if there is active skin infection on the hands, you have a history of keloid scarring or abnormal wound healing. Patients with Raynaud’s syndrome, bleeding disorders or allergies to any of the products should also not undergo any injectable treatment to their hands.
There are several options for hand rejuvenation. Volume loss can be improved with dermal fillers and Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN). Dyspigmentation can be improved with PDRN, Intense Pulse Light (IPL), non-ablative laser (ResurFX), and specialty skin care products.
Hyaluronic acid dermal filler can successfully restore volume that is lost in the hands. This reduces visible veins and bones They also stimulate some collagen formation. Results are immediate and last 12-18 months.
Radiesse® has the dual activity of increasing volume and stimulating collagen and elastin. Volume improvement is immediate and improves over the next 8-12 months as collagen and elastin are formed. Radiesse® can also be combined with hyaluronic acid fillers if a greater volume is needed. For best results 2 treatments 4 weeks apart are suggested. Results last 12-18 months.
Sculptra™ injection into the hands causes volumization and promotes collagen production. Results begin to be seen in 6-8 weeks and continue for up to 2 years. 2-3 treatments spaced 1-2 months apart are recommended, and results can last up to 2 years.
PDRN injections can improve skin texture, increase volume and reduce pigmentation. They are powerful anti-aging products that increase hydration and stimulate collagen reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It is recommended that you undergo 3 treatments 2-4 weeks apart for best results. It can take 4-8 weeks to see initial results.
Both Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and non-ablative laser (ResurFX™) can even out skin tone and remove sunspots and small surface blood vessels giving improved texture and glow to the hands.
IPL is a broad-spectrum light that heats up pigment and small blood vessels essentially removing them from the surface of the skin. The heat from IPL also stimulates collagen formation. It is recommended that you undergo 2-3 IPL treatments 4 weeks apart and then maintenance treatments 1-2 times per year depending on ongoing sun exposure.
Non-Ablative laser (ResurFX™) resurfaces the skin to improve texture, glow, and to reduce sunspots and sun damage. Collagen stimulation occurs which reduces fine lines and wrinkles and improves the overall appearance of hands. It is recommended that you undergo 3 treatments spaced 8 weeks apart. Results begin to be seen at 6-8 weeks and continue for 6-8 months.
Specialty skin care products such as antioxidants (Vitamin C) and retinoids can help to treat signs of aging by reducing pigmentation and stimulating collagen. The use of sunscreen on a daily basis is important to prevent further damage from the sun.
Swelling, bruising and pain are the most common side effects of injectable hand treatments, but they generally resolve in 5-7 days. Redness is also seen after non-ablative (ResurFX™) treatment. Pigment spots will become darker after IPL and small blood vessels may appear as bruises that will go away within 10-14 days.
It is recommended that you do not take any non-essential blood thinning medications (ASA, aspirin, ibuprofen), supplements (fish oil, Vitamin E) or herbal remedies (garlic, ginkgo, dong quai, ginger, turmeric) for 1 week before dermal filler or PDRN treatment. If you are required to be on any blood thinners for medical reasons you can still undergo treatment but will be at an increased risk of bruising.
Alcohol should be avoided for 48 hours before dermal filler or PDRN treatment to reduce the chance of bruising. Rings should be removed before treatment and left off for at least 24 hours due to swelling.
For IPL and non-ablative laser (ResurFX™) treatments you should not use exfoliants such as retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and hydroquinone for 5 days before your treatment. You should also avoid tanning, tanning products or tanning bed use for 4 weeks before treatment.
You may be required to sit on your hands for 10-15 minutes after receiving dermal filler injections into your hands. This helps to smooth out the filler and reduce the risk of swelling and bruising. You should avoid high impact exercise and excessive heat (hot tubs, saunas) for 48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising. You may use cold compresses, take arnica, or use Vitamin K cream to reduce swelling and bruising. You should not undergo any dental or surgical procedures or vaccinations for at least 2 weeks after treatment. Some rare complications such as tissue necrosis may not present for up to 3 days after treatment so travel should be avoided during this time to ensure access to proper medical treatment. Alcohol may affect healing and exacerbate swelling and bruising so should be avoided for 48 hours after treatment.
After IPL or non-ablative laser (ResurFX™) you may use cool compresses to reduce swelling for 10 minutes at a time every 4 hours as needed in the first 24 hours. You may shower as usual starting the day after the procedure but avoid hot water and direct shower spray to the area. Do not use skin irritating products like retinol, salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, Vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide and avoid saunas and hot tubs for 3-5 days. Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 and avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks after treatment.
