Our hands are one of the most visible parts of our bodies. While we might admire our ring or a nice manicure we often ignore the effects of time and work on our hands until the damage becomes obvious. Aging hands result from natural processes, chronic exposure to ultraviolent light from the sun, and cleaning with harsh chemicals and water. The result is a loss of subcutaneous fat exposing veins and tendons. Nonsurgical hand rejuvenation is safe and effective to restore lost subcutaneous fat with dermal filler. Frequently, a combination of treatments is needed to attain desired results.

What are the signs of aging hands?

The telltale signs of aging hands are prominent veins and tendons caused by a loss of volume due to soft tissue atrophy. Other signs of aging are skin laxity, thinning skin, and fine wrinkling.

Texture and pigment changes caused by photoaging including age spots.

Treating Age spots

Many adults develop age spots on their hands. These spots tend to gradually increase in size with age and time spent in the sun. Treatments include:

· Cryotherapy (freezing)
· Laser therapy
· Chemical peeling
· Microdermabrasion
· A SilkPeel Facial
· Skin-lightening creams and lotions. The creams and lotions take the longest to deliver results, but they cost less

Treating Rough, scaly patches (AKs)

If you have fair skin and spent quite a bit of time in the sun without sun protection, you may notice rough patches on your skin. These rough patches may be actinic keratoses (AKs), which are precancerous growths. AKs usually develop in fair skinned people who are 40 years of age or older. AKs can develop earlier if you used tanning beds or live in a state that gets lots of sunshine.

Treating Volume loss (soft tissue atrophy)

When hands lose their volume, the skin becomes lax and starts to develop a crepe-paper-like texture. With age the skin also thins. With less fullness, the veins in your hands also become more noticeable. Soft tissue atrophy can be corrected with the dermal fillers Radiesse® and Restylane® Lyft. Both contain lidocaine, a numbing agent uses for comfort during injection.

Restylane® Lyft was the first a hyaluronic acid filler FDA approved for nonsurgical hand rejuvenation. Restylane Lyft instantly restores volume to the top of the hands improving contour and fullness which reduces the appearance of prominent veins and tendons. This product provides safe and consistent results for patients.

Radiesse® is a calcium hydroxyapatite gel filler that rebuilds lost skin structure while providing instant volumization to smooth moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. It promotes the synthesis of collagen over the course of a few months to restore lost volume. Collagen is the main structural protein that keeps the skin tight and full looking.

The procedure involves the use of Restylane Lyft and Radiesse to restore volume immediately and to restore collagen over time. Restylane Lyft lasts up to 6 months in the hands. Radiesse lasts 18-24 months.

The combination of fillers provides complete hand rejuvenation. This is a specialized procedure that is not the same as treating the face. It is vital to have a skilled injector who has a deep understanding of the underlying anatomy of the hand. Dr. Hashemi is a skilled and experienced clinician who provides state-of-the-art procedures including hand rejuvenation.

Treating Loose skin

As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, substances that keep our skin firm and plump. Radiofrequency, a procedure that sends heat deep into the skin, can tighten loose skin. Most people need only one treatment on their hands. A filler or laser treatment can also tighten loose skin.

Treating Brittle Nails

About 20% of us have brittle nails. You’re more likely to have brittle nails if you are a woman over 60, but anyone can develop this condition.

To treat brittle nails successfully, you must stop doing everything that could be causing your brittle nails. Spending lots of time with wet hands or using harsh chemicals without wearing protective gloves can cause brittle nails. After that you’ll want to rehydrate your nails, cuticles, and the surrounding skin. Your dermatologist will recommend a moisturizer, such as urea cream or mineral oil.  For many patients, the above helps diminish brittle nails. Some patients need more help, such as using a special nail enamel.

How to make your hand rejuvenation last?

While you cannot stop aging, there are things you can do to make your results last longer. Here’s what dermatologists recommend:

  1. Protect your hands from the sun. This is essential if you want to maintain the results you see after treatment. Many dermatologists also recommend wearing a thin, sun-protective glove while driving.
  2. Wear gloves while cleaning and gardening. Hot water, detergents, and yard work can dry your skin, which can age your hands.
  3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Applying a lotion or cream after washing your hands and bathing helps to trap water in your skin, which can plump up your skin.
  4. Keep appointments for maintenance treatments. For example, if you had a filler, you may need another injection in 8 to 12 months.

Your Consultation with Dr. Hashemi

During your aesthetic consultation with Dr. Hashemi, she will listen to your concerns and goals and examine the areas to be treated. She will answer your questions and make her recommendations for a treatment plan to address your needs and aims.

Dr. Hashemi is a board – certified dermatologist. Her mission is to provide the highest quality of individualized care using state of the art technology and her expertise to enhance your beauty. Contact Dr. Hashemi at the University Skin Institute to schedule your consultation today.