Hand Rejuvenation

Hand rejuvenation refers to a collection of cosmetic and aesthetic procedures designed to address the signs of aging and damage on the hands. This could involve a variety of different treatments, including filler injections, intense pulsing light therapy, laser therapy, chemical peels, or fat transfer. The exact type of treatment will vary by provider, their specialties, their preferred brands, and the individual biology of the patient. But the goal remains the same. Hand rejuvenation is meant to smooth the skin, erase fine lines and wrinkles, remove pigmentations and spotting, provide volume, increase collagen production, and decrease the visibility of the veins on the back of the hand.

Hand Rejuvenation

What is a Hand Rejuvenation Procedure?

Hand rejuvenation refers to a diverse set of cosmetic and aesthetic treatments centered around addressing the signs of aging and gravity in the hands. The hands are the first place that aging becomes apparent as patients get older. They can often be a giveaway when other signs of aging don't crop up, and they can also be a source of low self-esteem or a lack of confidence, reminding patients that their bodies are changing. Many of the basic issues caused by aging occur in that region, including a lack of skin elasticity, wrinkles, pigmentation, volume loss, and skin abnormalities. The veins on the back of the hand become more apparent. The bones protrude, and the area gains a sunken, sinewy appearance. Hand rejuvenation makes use of a large toolkit of techniques that have been proven effective in addressing all of these problems. The process of doing so will begin with a series of consultations. Providers will meet with their patients, listen to their concerns, and help develop a treatment plan. This plan will vary depending upon unique biological factors, medical history, and the issues each patient would like to treat. Not every solution is right for every patient, and there may be a variety of choices to choose from. 

The type of procedures used will vary widely, but they all address the specific signs of aging that so many patients deal with. They may also provide multiple solutions, treating all of the various issues at once, depending upon which problems are present in the hands. Volume loss can be treated with dermal fillers, injected beneath the skin. Fillers can also help to treat a loss of skin elasticity, loss of collagen, and they may help to erase fine wrinkles and lines. Fat transfer is known to have a similar effect. It involves removing fat from one area of the body with liposuction and injecting it into the hand. Many patients choose to avoid it because it requires general anesthesia. Age spots, elasticity, freckles, and other types of pigmentation may be addressed with laser treatment or light therapy, such as intense pulsing light, but they may not be able to treat volume loss. Chemical peels may be effective in treating pigmentation, and they're known for providing a smoother skin tone. Sometimes patients like to go with more drastic options, such as fat transfer. Others prefer to stick with minimal or non-invasive options. This could be a personal preference, or it could be necessary to avoid risks. 

Types of Hand Rejuvenation

  • Which Hand Rejuvenation Procedure is Right for You?

    Making the decision to undergo hand rejuvenation requires careful thought and planning. Patients should first take the time to research their different options. They should find multiple sources and data points, go through different articles and studies, and make sure that they know what to expect and what each procedure entails. They should then research different providers, read reviews, check credentials, and weigh the pros and cons. Not every procedure is right for every patient, and not all providers are made equal. The provider should have an extensive process of interviews and consultations, where they talk about the patient's needs and concerns, as well as their unique biology. This is essential. It's the best way to avoid complications and risks. If patients and providers rush into a specific type of procedure without doing their homework first, they could end up botching the treatment, or they may find that achieving the desired goal is impossible. Every type of treatment has its own list of benefits and drawbacks. Some are more invasive than others. The experience is different for each one. Some require surgery and anesthesia. Others are an external process. Here's a list of treatment options and some information patients may need to make their decision. 

  • Laser Treatment or LPI

    Laser skin resurfacing breaks down the upper layers of the skin, known as the epidermis while also heating the deeper dermis, encouraging collagen production. The epidermis flakes away or is broken down by natural processes. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles and gives patients a smoother, more youthful skin tone. LPI uses pulsed light instead of lasers, and it only targets the deeper dermis. It is particularly effective at removing pigmentation, such as freckles or age spots, as well as unwanted hair. Both laser and LPI treatment can reduce scarring. They can also result in swelling, and they are somewhat painful, but they are low risk, and they have a high efficacy rate.

  • Chemical Peels

    A chemical peel is a chemical process that is used to remove layers of skin, correcting fine lines, wrinkles, sometimes scarring, and pigmentation. There are different levels of chemical peels. A light chemical peel removes only the upper epidermis, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. A medium chemical peel goes deeper, affecting pigmentation, such as freckles and age spots. It's best for patients who want to remove signs of sun damage, and it has the ability to leave the skin feeling smoother. Deeper chemical peels remove the dermis layer. They are mostly prescribed for medical use instead of cosmetic treatments. Those receiving a light and medium chemical peel won't experience many side effects other than redness and swelling.

  • Dermal Fillers

    A dermal filler is a type of injection administered beneath the skin to address volume loss among other issues. There are several types of dermal fillers, but the most common brands used in the hands are Radiesse and Restylane Lyft. The active ingredient in Radiesse is synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite. It works by promoting the growth of collagen beneath the skin while correcting volume loss and smoothing wrinkles and lines. It is highly sought after, though it does cause a brief period of swelling and redness. Restylane Lyft replenishes hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring chemical that depletes during aging, causing a loss of volume. It has a plumping effect, and it can smooth wrinkles and lines. It also causes a period of redness and swelling.

  • Fat Transfer

    A fat transfer is a surgical procedure during which fat is suctioned out from one part of the body, often the hips, flanks, and thighs. It is purified then injected into the hands, correcting volume loss, smoothing wrinkles and lines, and reducing the appearance of veins. The procedure is relatively safe, though it may require the use of general anesthesia. After the fat is injected it may cause swelling, bruising, and redness. This takes time to reside, because the body will have to process and accept or reject the new tissue. Typically surgeons overcompensate with the amount of fat injected in order to account for tissue rejection. This can worsen swelling.

Why Hand Rejuvenation Procedure?

Plastic surgeons often say that if you want to tell someone's age at a cocktail party, all you have to do is look at their hands. The hands have always been seen as a clear indicator of aging, labor, and the wear and tear caused by daily life. They are the part of the human body that is most in contact with the rest of the world. They're often exposed to sun damage and UV light, and they're regularly scrubbed and washed. So they tend to be the part of the body that ages first. Patients are starting to realize that, which is why they are requesting hand rejuvenation more than ever. It's a great way to hide the signs of aging, and it's a huge boost to the self-esteem. People don't want to be reminded of their age every time they look down at their hands. They want to feel young and rejuvenated, and there are many great cosmetic and aesthetic procedures that can do just that. While some of these methods do require surgery, most of them are minimally invasive. They come with very little risk of complications and side effects, and they don't require long periods for recovery and downtime. The following is a list of the benefits of receiving hand rejuvenation:

  • Boost of confidence
  • Minimally-invasive options
  • Hide signs of aging
  • Feel younger
  • Cost-effective alternatives available

What are Concerns for Hand Rejuvenation Procedure?

Every form of hand rejuvenation treatment comes with its own risk of side effects and complications. Some are worse than others, and some treatments may not be suitable for every patient depending upon their own unique circumstances, as well as the goals they would like to achieve and their biology. Fortunately, most treatments do not require the use of general anesthesia. Some do, but they can be avoided, which can cut down on many of the problems patients face. Many treatments can be performed in little more than an hour or less. In fact, some forms of injection and laser treatments can be administered on a patient's lunch break, allowing them to return to work immediately. This is not always the case, of course, but in general the treatments involved in hand rejuvenation are less cumbersome than other types of cosmetic procedures. Most hand rejuvenation treatments will focus on laser therapy, intense pulsing light therapy, chemical peels, or dermal injection fillers. They all have similar side effects. They mostly work on an external or shallow level, so the issues they cause center around skin irritation, peeling, swelling, and bruising. Not all rejuvenation treatment plans are alike, though. They may require treatments not listed here, and that could come with outside risks. Below you'll find a few of the most common side effects and concerns.

  • Swelling and Bruising

    Swelling is the most common side effect of hand rejuvenation. Chemical peels, laser treatments, IPL, dermal filler injections, and fat transfer all cause the tissue to swell up. With some techniques it can be worse than others. Bruising is also common. Both of these issues usually go away with time. They're a normal reaction to tissue and skin damage, the introduction of outside tissue, and sometimes bleeding. With some forms of treatment, swelling and bruising will go down in a matter of days. But sometimes it can take more than a week or even several weeks. Patients should speak with their provider about how to mitigate the problem and any signs that might be cause for serious concern.
  • Skin Sensitivity

    Anything that kills skin cells and breaks them apart can leave the skin feeling raw to the touch. There may be peeling and redness, and with some types of procedures, patients may find that their skin is dry or sensitive to light. Every procedure is different in this respect. With chemical peels, laser treatment, and IPL, patients may experience slight pain or irritation. Sometimes doctors will suggest that they use moisturizer, sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and they may ask them to avoid prolonged exposure to the sunlight. It's important for patients to be aware that this may occur, but they should also be aware that results vary heavily depending upon which treatment they receive. Their providers will give them a list of instructions to follow.
  • Infection

    Infection is a rare side effect of hand rejuvenation treatment. It can usually be avoided by working with an accredited, experienced provider. But patients should still speak with their provider about the symptoms. Infections are a serious condition. They require immediate care, and they should never be ignored. If patients see signs of pus, pimples, a yellowish crust, deep pain that spreads quickly, or they experience a fever, they should contact a doctor right away. Patients should also be aware that some swelling, redness, and peeling are a common side effect of various hand rejuvenation treatments, and that may be normal.

Steps to getting your procedure

Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Why Yes Doctor for This Procedure

Hand rejuvenation requires an extensive consultation process, during which the provider will assess the patient's condition and help them work to achieve a specific goal. This rarely works unless a patient and provider have built a relationship based on communication, understanding, and trust. They should mix well together, and they should be able to collaborate together cohesively. The provider should also possess a vast body of knowledge regarding the types of treatments available. Yes Doctor was created to give patients everything they need to find a provider who can live up to expectations, and with our easy financing options, cosmetic treatment is just a click away. Many patients even qualify for 0% APR.

Frequently Asked Questions

The amount of risk involved in hand rejuvenation will vary depending upon the type of treatment and various biological factors. Patients should always sit down with their provider and go over their options as well as their various health concerns. Treatments that involve general anesthesia such as fat transfer tend to carry more risk than treatments that only require local anesthetic. The liposuction involved in fat transfer does have a greater complication rate, but it is generally considered safe. This does not mean that fillers, chemical peels, laser treatment, and IPL are risk-free. They can still cause complications as well.
The choice to undergo any type of cosmetic procedure should never be made without careful consideration and research. Some of the treatments involved in hand rejuvenation are drastic, and they do come with risks. Some treatments might not even be effective, or they may require multiple sessions to achieve results. Many patients seek cosmetic treatment when a condition or a sign of aging causes undue amounts of stress, lowers their self confidence, or forces them to face regular issues during daily life. Others simply wish to maintain a youthful appearance. It's a personal decision. There is no specific time when patients need to seek out treatment.
Usually the ideal candidate for a cosmetic procedure is in good health. Oftentimes, providers will require that they are close to their healthy body weight, and they typically prefer to work with non-smokers. This will help cut down the risk of complications. Patients should speak to their providers about potential candidacy. The requirements are different for every procedure. People with certain medical conditions may not qualify. Sometimes medications may conflict with the process, and not every procedure is suitable for women who are pregnant. Hand rejuvenation is meant to address the signs of aging, so it is usually reserved for patients of a certain age.
The level of pain involved in hand rejuvenation will vary depending upon the type of treatment and the individual undergoing care. Fat transfer is generally mild. It is performed under anesthesia, so patients won't feel any pain while the procedure is performed, though they may feel sore afterwards. Laser treatment and IPL may feel like a rubber band snapping or something burning the skin. Chemical peels come with a raw, stinging sensation. Dermal fillers are usually administered in combination with a numbing agent such as lidocaine, which may burn initially, but it does keep the injection from stinging. Patients will feel sore or raw afterwards, but that will go away shortly.