If you were to guess what cosmetic procedure is currently increasing in popularity for individuals over the age of 40, you might say Botox, dermal fillers, liposuction or the face-lift procedure. While these treatments are always in high demand, there’s a new procedure gaining on their heels: hand rejuvenation using hyaluronic dermal filler injections.
Increasingly, people over 40 are seeking out hand-rejuvenation treatment using Restylane Lyft, the only FDA-approved treatment for the hands.
These injections do the same thing in the hands as they do in the face by restoring volume and giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
“As we age, we lose fat in our hands, just like we do in our face,” said Dr. Christy Walker, a dual-board-certified cosmetic surgeon and gynecologist who practices in Plano, Texas.
The difference between losing fat in the hands versus losing fat in the face is that the hands have a lot less fat to lose.
“The fat pads on the backs of the hands are very, very thin,” Walker said.
When the hands lose volume, the veins, bones, tendons and joints of the hands become more visible. When this happens, many people, especially women, feel self-conscious about the appearance of their hands.
Other factors can cause the hands to appear aged, such as genetics or behavioral factors including smoking. Environmental factors, such as hot and cold temperatures and exposure to the sun, also contribute to premature aging of the hands.
This is where dermal fillers can give hands a hand.
“When fillers are injected into the hands, the volume is restored, and the hands appear more youthful,” Walker said.
An added benefit of using hyaluronic acid-based fillers is that they can also improve skin quality.
“Hyaluronic acid is vital for skin cell health. It attracts moisture to help plump up skin cells, which improves your overall skin health and appearance,” Walker said.
Hyaluronic acid-based filters can also help reduce the appearance of sun spots or other areas of uneven pigmentation.
Dermal fillers are popular in the United States, with more than 2.6 million injections performed in 2017.
Although popular, there are some drawbacks to the procedure. One of these drawbacks is that there is the chance of adverse reaction or rejection.
“While the majority of the population can tolerate dermal fillers without any issues, some people do react,” Walker said.
Another drawback for some individuals regarding dermal fillers is that their results are temporary, which means those who choose to undergo injections will need to return every few months for maintenance injections.
“This is no different than when dermal fillers are used for the face; over time, the hyaluronic acid filler is absorbed by the body and needs to be replaced,” Walker said.
For those who want a more natural or long-term treatment for aging hands, there is an alternative with autologous fat transfers.
“Fat can be transferred from one body area to another to add volume. This could be the buttocks in the case of a Brazilian Butt-Lift, and also the face or the hands,” Walker said.
Since the fat is taken from the patient who is being treated, there is no risk of rejection and the results of the procedure last years instead of months.
Additional treatments for aging hands include those that combine light, radiofrequency and fractional CO2 laser therapies. These treatments help to reduce the appearance of sun spots and improve skin quality.
Other treatments to improve the appearance of the hands include chemical peels, skin-tightening procedures and laser sclerotherapy to help with bulged or gnarled veins.
Source:
This Insider. People are getting their hands injected with an acidic gel in a strange new cosmetic surgery trend. 4 July 2018.
