Hand Rejuvenation

• Loss of collagen and elastin – Collagen and elastin are proteins in the skin that provide structure and elasticity. As we age, the production of these proteins decreases, leading to thinner, less elastic skin. This results in wrinkles, sagging, and a more translucent appearance of the skin on the hands.
• Decreased fat and muscle volume – The subcutaneous fat and muscle tissues in the hands diminish with age. Volume loss contributes to the aged appearance, making veins, tendons, and boney knuckles more prominent.
• Sun exposure – Chronic sun exposure is a significant factor in skin aging, particularly for the hands, which are frequently exposed to sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause photoaging, leading to pigmentation changes such as age spots (lentigines), rough skin texture, and a loss of skin elasticity.
• Exposure to environmental elements – Hands are frequently exposed to environmental elements like wind, cold, harsh chemicals, and pollutants, which can cause dry and rough skin, damage the skin barrier and accelerate aging.
• Reduced hydration – Aging skin tends to lose its ability to retain moisture, resulting in dryness and a rough texture. Reduced hydration can accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the hands.
• Hormone changes – Hormone changes, particularly in women during menopause, affect skin quality. A decrease in estrogen levels is associated with reduced collagen production and skin hydration, accelerating the aging process.
• Changes in bone structure – With age, bone density decreases, and the bones in the hands may lose mass and structure. This can contribute to a more pronounced, skeletal appearance of the hands.
• Genetics – Genetics play a role in how quickly and visibly hands age. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to thinner skin or more pronounced veins, which can make the signs of aging more apparent.

Hand rejuvenation procedures are designed to restore the youthful appearance of hands, by targeting skin texture, volume loss, pigmentation, and the appearance of veins and tendons. Common hand rejuvenation procedures include:

Dermal Fillers

The aim is to restore volume and fullness to the hands. Dermal fillers, such as those made from hyaluronic acid (e.g., Restylane, Juvéderm) or calcium hydroxyapatite (e.g., Radiesse), are injected into the hands to plump up the skin, reduce the appearance of veins and tendons, and improve overall hand contour. The added volume helps create a smoother, more youthful look.

Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)

The aim is to enhance volume and improve skin texture. Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from another part of the body (like the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into the hands. This procedure not only restores volume but also improves skin quality over time, because the transferred fat contains stem cells that can enhance skin texture and tone.

Laser Resurfacing

The aim is to improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation. Laser resurfacing treatments, such as fractional CO2 lasers or erbium lasers, target the outer layers of skin to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. The heat from the laser stimulates collagen production, which helps to tighten and rejuvenate the skin, resulting in a smoother and more even skin tone.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

The aim is to reduce pigmentation and improve skin tone. IPL therapy uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmented areas, such as age spots and sunspots, on the hands. The light breaks down the pigment, which is then absorbed by the body, resulting in a more even skin tone. IPL can also stimulate collagen production, improving overall skin texture.

Chemical Peels

The aim is to exfoliate and improve skin texture. Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the hands that causes the outer layers of skin to exfoliate and peel off. This process removes dead skin cells, reduces pigmentation, and stimulates the growth of new, healthier skin. The result is smoother, more evenly toned skin on the hands.

Microneedling

The aim is to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Microneedling involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This controlled injury stimulates the body’s natural healing response, promoting collagen and elastin production. The increased collagen helps to thicken the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving overall skin texture.

Sclerotherapy

The aim is to reduce the appearance of prominent veins. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing solution into prominent veins on the hands. This solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. The result is a reduction in the visibility of veins, making the hands look smoother and less veiny.

Topical Treatments

The aim is to improve skin hydration, texture, and tone. Topical treatments, such as retinoids, hyaluronic acid serums, and vitamin C creams, can be used to improve the appearance of the hands. Retinoids stimulate collagen production and cell turnover, hyaluronic acid fillers provides hydration, and vitamin C can help to reduce pigmentation and protect against further sun damage.