While the eyes and face may reveal hints of a person’s age, the hands are another area where telltale signs may begin to appear. Because the hands tend to have thinner skin overall and they are exposed to daily UV rays just like the face, they can develop wrinkles, dark spots and prominent veins even faster. To counteract these symptoms, Dr. Barrett offers hand rejuvenation services to refresh the appearance of the hands and bring them in line with the rest of your youthful image. With different services to choose from, rest assured that the treatment you receive will be personalized to your unique concerns and desired results.
What is Hand Rejuvenation?
Hand rejuvenation is a procedure, or a combination of treatments designed to turn back the clock on the backs of the hands. The thinner skin in this area can experience changes faster than other areas, resulting in protruding veins, brown spots and wrinkles. Different therapies are available to address these various concerns to ensure you receive an optimal outcome. In some cases, Dr. Barrett can take care of both these treatments during the same session. Other times, patients may come in for multiple appointments until they achieve all their aesthetic goals. None of the treatments to address aging hands involve surgery, which means you can enhance your appearance without anesthesia, incisions or downtime.
Is Hand Rejuvenation Right for You?
Ideal candidates for hand rejuvenation are those that have the following concerns:
- Veins on the back of the hand that have become more prominent due to thinning skin
- Brown spots, also known as liver or age spots
- Wrinkles and fine lines that can exacerbate the aged appearance
- Skin that has lost its youthful vibrancy and appears dull and lifeless
Dr. Barrett will want to know if you have any allergies to the ingredients in the dermal filler if that is the treatment you choose. Allergies might include numbing medications like lidocaine since that is in many filler formulations. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also refrain from using dermal fillers.
Options in Hand Rejuvenation
Your hand rejuvenation treatment can vary, based on the specific aesthetic goals you would like to achieve:
Prominent Veins
Veins that begin to protrude above the surface of the hand are a common concern and are caused by collagen loss in the dermal structure. Collagen is a protein that supports the dermal layers and produces a smooth, supple look to the skin. Over time, collagen levels begin to deplete. On the face, this leads to loose skin and the appearance of wrinkles. On the hands, collagen loss makes the veins on the back of the hand look more prominent than they did in your younger years.
The best way to address collagen loss on the hands is by injecting dermal fillers into the affected areas. Dermal fillers are one of Dr. Barrett’s most popular options because they are a minimally-invasive procedure that involves little pain and no downtime. A top choice in hand rejuvenation is Radiesse, a filler that contains calcium hydroxyapatite. This formula works right away by providing the support the dermal structure requires. This hand filler also continues to work into the future as the solution stimulates the body to produce more collagen.
Brown Spots
Skin pigmentation irregularities are another frequent complaint. This problem is most effectively addressed through laser peeling via the Fraxel laser. This device works by creating micro-channels in the skin that stimulate the body’s healing processes. Collagen production is increased, while new tissue is generated to refresh the surface of the skin. Over time, you will see a noticeable reduction in brown spots and wrinkles. Fraxel treatments can be customized to the amount of correction you need, and discomfort and downtime associated with the procedure are minimal.
Hand Rejuvenation Overview
Both laser rejuvenation and dermal filler injections can be performed in our office relatively quickly and without the need for anesthesia. If you have a Fraxel treatment, the area will be cleansed, and the laser energy is delivered via a handheld applicator that runs across the skin’s surface. Discomfort during the procedure is minimal, and you should be able to go right back to work or other activities afterward.
Dermal fillers are also a fast treatment that involves multiple injections of the formulation into various locations on the hand to achieve a smooth, even result. You will see improvement in the backs of your hands as soon as you leave our office, which will linger for many months. Some patients can go up to a full year before the body absorbs the filler and they need a touch-up treatment.
After Your Hand Rejuvenation
Laser skin rejuvenation is not accompanied by many risks or side effects, but you can expect your skin to be red and slightly swollen for the first day or two. It might also feel tender to touch as it would if you had a sunburn. The side effects will subside relatively quickly, and you will be left with softer, smoother and more evenly toned skin. These improvements will continue over the next three to six months as your dermal structure begins to create new collagen to support the skin rejuvenation process.
Dermal fillers do not require any downtime and rarely have any noticeable side effects. Some minor bruising or swelling could occur, which typically subsides within a matter of days. Results are evident right away and may last up to one year.
Hand rejuvenation is a way to restore both your youthful appearance and your confidence. If you are ready to turn back the clock on your hands, contact Barrett Plastic Surgery today at 310-598-2648 to find out which treatment is right for you.
The information about hand rejuvenation was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Barrett. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.