Hand rejuvenation covers a wide range of treatments from chemical peels to laser treatments for skin regrowth. The hands tend to show some of the most visible signs of aging, such as dark spots and protruding veins. They are primarily caused by UV rays, the skin getting thinner and losing collagen. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as applying sunscreen, can prevent aging and sun damage to some degree. Unfortunately, there’s not much that can prevent the skin from thinning. However, there are plenty of treatments for aging hands that we have listed below.
What Types of Hand Rejuvenation Procedures are Available
There are many types of treatments for hand rejuvenation that can help treat a variety of issues. The most popular procedures include:
- Dermal Fillers
- Fat Cell Transfer
- Laser Ablation
- Chemical Peels
- Intense Pulsed Light & Laser Resurfacing
Dermal Fillers for Your Hands
Dermal fillers are good for smoothing out wrinkles. Radiesse is the most popular because it also boosts collagen production. Fillers add volume to the area being treated, makes veins in the hands less visible, and smooths out wrinkles.
The injection is diluted for an easy glide. You will be asked to do some small hand exercises to make the fillers as even as possible. Anesthesia is not typically required but you will be given a topical cream to minimize discomfort.
You may experience a small amount of swelling or bruises but those should be gone in less a week. Fillers typically last between 1 and 2 years.
Fat Cell Transfer for Hands
Fat cell transfers are good for covering up bulging veins and unsightly tendons. Under a local anesthesia, a small amount of fat from the thigh or stomach is removed by liposuction. It then purified and processed before it is injected into the hands.
The fat has to have a significant blood supply to survive. As a result, the injections are made by specialized instruments capable of laying tissue onto tissue. The fat is inserted into the underlying fascia just below the skin.
You may experience some swelling or bruising. However, it shouldn’t last more than a week. Fat cell transfers can typically last between three and five years.
Laser Ablation
Laser ablation is good for sun damage and aged skin. Lasers work on both the epidermis (outer) and dermis (inner) layers of skin. The best and safest laser to work on thin hand skin is a fractional CO2 laser. This laser removes the outer layers of the damaged skin. Then is smooths the outer layer and activates the fibroblasts of the dermis to boost both elastin and collagen production.
The patient’s hand is bandaged afterward, and they often feel as if they have some sunburn. Post-operative care included application of a prescribed ointment and oral antibiotics. It’s very important not to pick at the skin in order to prevent infections.
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels remove damaged skin, sunspots and some scars. First, a local anesthesia is applied to prevent pain. After the solution is applied, it is given a specific amount of time to set. There are different types of peels for different skin types.
The most common peel is called the medium depth. The one employed most frequently is trichloroacetic. The medium depth is good for mild to moderate significant sun damage and scars. It is great for dark spots on the hands.
Once the solution is set, it is diluted with petroleum jelly or water. From there, it usually takes about a few days to peel. Redness and skin sensitivity are common. It is usually not painful, but you will need to apply a prescribed ointment.
Intense Pulsed Light and laser resurfacing
Intense pulsed lighting is good for sun damage, broken blood vessels, rosacea and aging spots. The patient’s skin pigment determines the treatment that is given. It is very important that the treatment areas not have any suntan before the session.
Anesthesia is not usually needed. However, patients are given a numbing cream before every session. A cooling gel is applied to the spots that are being treated. A small IPL hand piece is gently applied to the spots. This works by heating and breaking down damaged skin cells. The body then removes the rest of the damage naturally.
It can take up to three weeks for the spots to disappear. Swelling and redness are common but should disappear after a few days. Patients are asked to apply moisturizers and sensitive cleansers for about a week afterward. Patients also need to apply sunscreen on the treated areas daily. Tissue damage is possible, and patients are given advice about what to do if that happens.
Intense Pulsed Lighting results typically last about five months per session. Most patients get up to six treatments one month apart. Laser resurfacing usually lasts between three and five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much discomfort do patients experience?
No two patients respond to treatments in exactly the same way. The ones with local anesthesia, such as the chemical peel, have minimal pain and discomfort. Some of the laser treatments, such as the laser ablation, can feel like a bunch of rubber band snaps.
Who’s a good candidate for hand rejuvenation?
That’s why pre-treatment consultations are critical. Again, no two patients respond to one treatment in the exact same way. Patients are encouraged to research their options. However, only a personal consultation can determine whether a patient is a good candidate for that option. Patients do need to set realistic expectations and goals for their treatments. Even the best treatment can’t bring 20-year-old hands back.
Is there any one way to prepare for a hand rejuvenation treatment?
No. It is generally recommended that the treatment areas not have much sun exposure before the session. From there, it gets more specific. For example, taking blood thinners too close to some of the treatments is very hazardous.
When can patients resume normal activities?
Usually within about 24 hours after the treatment. With the exception of the laser ablation, aftercare is very minimal.
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Hand Rejuvenation
If you would like to learn more about these procedures or to see if a hand rejuvenation is right for you, please schedule your consultation with us today by calling (516)773-2424.