The face is not the only location that can reveal one™ age. Hands are becoming an important treatment area for those who want to age gracefully. Hand rejuvenation consists of three components: filler for loss of volume, removing brown spots, and diminishing the appearance of veins. Treatments are tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
Filler for Loss of Volume
Loss of volume in the dermis occurs all over the body as one ages. This process is particularly apparent on sun-exposed areas, such as the face and hands, since ultraviolet radiation (UVR) contributes to degradation of collagen and other components in the dermis. When the hands lose volume, fillers can be injected in the backs of the hands to restore volume and promote collagen growth. The hands are first injected with numbing medication in order to provide local anesthesia. The filler, usually Radiesse(R), is then injected into the backs of the hands. Local swelling and bruising can occur, so it is best to plan for two weeks of healing.
Removing Brown Spots
Brown marks, commonly known as sun spots,age spots, or liver spots, are unsightly growths on the backs of the hands. Medically, these lesions are classified as solar lentigines or seborrheic keratoses, and are caused by sun exposure and genetics. Based on the number and types of brown spots on the hands, different treatment options exist, such as cryotherapy, laser treatment, chemical peels and bleaching creams. Sun protection is an absolute must in order to maintain lasting results from such treatments, as well as to prevent new brown spots.
Diminishing the Appearance of Veins
As the hands lose volume over time, veins can become more prominent. Hand veins cannot be removed entirely, but their appearance can be diminished with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a technique in which a sclerosing solution is injected with a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. The same procedure has been used for spider veins on the legs since the 1930™. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together. However, only a small amount of the sclerosing solution is injected so as to reduce the size of the hand veins, without completely closing them. Swelling and bruising are inevitable, so allow for a few weeks of healing after the procedure.