Hand Rejuvenation

Hand Rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure that restores aging hands to a youthful appearance.

When it comes to taking care of our appearance, we often focus all of our attention on our faces. We treat ourselves to facials, Botox, facelifts, and strict skincare regimens. However, we often neglect our hands, which can add more years to our appearance than a forehead line or two! As time goes by, our hands begin to broadcast signs of aging such as bulging veins, prominent bones and tendons, rough skin, sun spots, and discoloration. 

Aging of the hands happens both at the surface level and as a result of issues deeper in the tissue structure. Sun damage, volume depletion, and the natural effects of gravity can cause the signs of aging in the hands, many of which can appear prematurely. 

Think about all your hands do for you every day. Isn’t it time to give them a little pampering? At Rotemberg Plastic Surgery, we offer a non-surgical, minimally invasive hand rejuvenation treatment that can dramatically reduce the dreaded signs of aging on the hands. If you’re ready to learn more about how you can turn back the clock and enjoy firm, smooth hands, call our office in Miami at (305) 539-7083, or fill out this simple online form. Your hands will thank you.

What Causes Signs of Aging in the Hands?

Besides the inevitable effect of “getting older,” there are many additional factors that inflict damage on our hands. As two body parts that are nearly constantly exposed, our hands have little protection from the elements. Clinical research has shown that many of the visible signs of aging such as sagging skin, age spots, and the overall deterioration of skin quality have a strong relationship with the cumulative effects of sun damage over time. Some estimates rate the impact of sun damage on aging versus normal “chronological aging” as high as 80% for individuals with fair complexions. ⁽¹⁾

Aging symptoms caused by sun damage are known as photoaging. Since we’re constantly using our hands in our daily lives, they are prone to exposure to the sun, especially here in Miami. The backs of our hands take the brunt of this damage. Excessive, unprotected skin exposure to UV rays speeds the development of skin laxity, wrinkling, and skin blemishes. In unprotected skin, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate deep into the structure of the skin and trigger the activation of free radicals and oxidative molecules. These free radicals and oxidative molecules produce chemical reactions that break down the molecular structure of fatty tissues and proteins in the skin. Although our bodies have the ability to naturally process and dispose of damaging chemicals, it is limited. Excessive exposure to the sun overburdens your skin’s protective abilities: melanin and antioxidants. When this occurs, it causes oxidative stress. 

Age spots, or sun spots occur when over time, the skin produces uneven amounts of melanin, resulting in clumps of pigment, and the brown spots that we see speckling those in beach communities. ⁽²⁾

But whether you’re a sun worshipper or not, there are still the other unavoidable consequences of aging. As we age, so do the soft tissues of the hand. We slow our production of collagen and elastin, which gives our skin firmness and elasticity, rather than sag with the pull of gravity. Our skin becomes thinner, and normal stores of fat become depleted. This is what causes skin to appear more transparent, and bones, tendons, and veins become more visible. ⁽³⁾

Hope for Hands in Miami

If envisioning the appearance of your hands as the years continue to pass has filled you with dread, fear not! Hand rejuvenation offers solutions for the signs of aging that occur both on the surface and underneath your skin. Many of the non-surgical services that we offer at Rotemberg Plastic Surgery can be adapted to restore the appearance of your hands, and your peace of mind.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser therapy is an effective way to permanently reduce existing discoloration on the backs of the hands.

The FDA-approved LaseMD treats fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, actinic keratosis, and a number of skin tone and texture concerns. Like other skin rejuvenation treatments, such as microneedling, the LaseMD creates microchannels in the skin that promote healing by building new collagen in the skin. These microchannels and their subsequent healing are enhanced by applying specially formulated topical agents that are rich in restorative vitamins.

Radiesse 

Since beauty is more than skin deep, the other crucial part of hand rejuvenation is injections to fill in the crevices between bones and tendons. This creates a smooth, even surface to the hands, masks vibrant veins, and gives the hands a soft, plump, youthful appearance. Injections offer immediate results.

Depending on the appearance of your hands and your aesthetic goals, Dr. Silvia Rotemberg will be able to recommend the best dermal filler for you. 

Radiesse is a dermal filler that is FDA-approved for use in the hands. ⁽³⁾ With this treatment, lost volume in the hands is restored instantly, reducing the visibility of underlying veins and tendons and producing a smooth, youthful appearance. 

Radiesse injections are designed with a long-lasting, volumizing formula made of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, which is a naturally-occurring substance in the body. The calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is suspended in a gel solution that instantly replenishes volume upon injection. The natural properties of the CaHA microspheres activate collagen production of the treated area to restore your skin’s natural supportive structure. 

Fat Transfer

But for those who are seeking a longer-term or permanent natural solution, a fat transfer may be the best option. Fat transfers remove fat from the patient’s body, and then process it so that it can be injected into other areas. Why not make that extra fat work for you? Fat transfers are the secret behind the legendary Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, and are also used to restore volume in the face and as a natural breast augmentation. 

Fat transfers are effective because it’s your own tissue. There’s no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection. Once the transferred fat establishes a new blood supply, it can continue to live healthily and provide natural volume to the site for years to come. 

Dr. Silvia Rotemberg will advise whether you’re a good candidate for a fat transfer, Radiesse, and LaseMD for hand rejuvenation during your personal consultation. 

Hand Rejuvenation Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Silvia Rotemberg, she’ll listen to your concerns and thoroughly examine your hands. After discussing your medical history and aesthetic goals, she’ll be able to devise the best course of treatment that is tailored to you. and potential donor sites for fat transfer. 

Our staff pays great attention to detail and will work diligently to ensure that your hands complement your overall aesthetic and harmonize with the rest of your appearance. 

You can stay up to date with Rotemberg Plastic Surgery and learn more about the services offered by following our blog.

Preparation and Procedure

During your consultation, you will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for hand rejuvenation, and what to expect afterwards. These instructions will be tailored to your anatomy, taking into consideration whether you are eligible for fat grafting or if you’ve opted for Radiesse, which requires little to no preparation, and no recovery. 

Fat grafting is a two-part process. The donor site will be prepared, and liposuction will be performed. Since a fat graft to the hand requires little fat, this should be a fairly fast procedure. After your fat has been treated and prepared for injection, Dr. Silvia Rotemberg will strategically place injections of fat below the skin to give your hands a beautiful, smooth appearance.

As your skin is receiving its laser treatment, you may feel some heat and mild discomfort depending on the intensity of the laser required. A treatment with the LaseMD has no downtime, although you may experience some redness and sensitivity immediately after your treatment. Depending on the severity of your age spots and sun damage, several sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.

FAQ

References

1. Flament F, Bazin R, Laquieze S, Rubert V, Simonpietri E, Piot B. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013;6:221-232. Published 2013 Sep 27. doi:10.2147/CCID.S44686
2. Poljšak B, Dahmane R. Free Radicals and Extrinsic Skin Aging. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2012;2012:1-4. doi:10.1155/2012/135206
3. Moradi A, Allen S, Bank D, et al. A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Evaluator-Blinded, Split-Hand Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Large-Gel-Particle Hyaluronic Acid with Lidocaine for the Correction of Volume Deficits in the Dorsal Hand. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019;144(4):586e-596e. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000006070
4. Höhn A, Weber D, Jung T, et al. Happily (n)ever after: Aging in the context of oxidative stress, proteostasis loss and cellular senescence. Redox Biol. 2017;11:482-501. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2016.12.001