Hand Rejuvenation Using Soft Tissue Dermal Fillers
The importance of hands in the world of aesthetics
In the process of ageing, faces typically get the most attention in the world of cosmetic medicine. However, there are other areas that carry high importance, including the neck treatment, décolletage, and the hands.
In our opinion, the hands complement the face the most. As people, we use hand gestures in conversation and the hands resultantly become an integral character in human animation. The hands are brought forward, close to the face or used inside or out of the visual field of the observer. This is why we feel that attention should be placed on rejuvenating the hands, just as many prioritise with the face.
Many people take care of their hands by using hand creams, applying beautiful nail décor, and getting manicures. This all adds to the beauty of hands indeed.
There are multiple factors to consider with hand ageing, which may call for more than the beautification measures above, because they can be a handful (pun intended).
Indications treatable using hand fillers
These include the skin of hands becoming too thin or crepey due to the loss of collagen, the general loss of volume making the veins prominent, and increased dryness in the skin of the hands which may not be adequately addressed with topical moisturisers. This is where hyaluronic acid based soft tissue fillers or the bio-stimulating fillers may come in ‘handy’.
‘Your hand touching mine. That is how galaxies collide.’
– Sanober Khan
Key benefits
Soft tissue fillers carry properties that effectively volumise identifiable areas using face treatments,neck rejuvenation, or body contouring deficits, as well as serving to plump the skin and the surrounding structure by mechanically occupying the space by beautifully incorporating with the human tissue.
The fillers that can be used in the hands are the hyaluronic based soft tissue fillers or the bio-stimulating fillers.
The hyaluronic acid based fillers are hydrophilic, which means that they attract water, and this increases the hydration. This hydration effect increases the skin turgor and reduces the visibility of wrinkles and improves the overall texture of the skin. The collagen stimulating biostimulators work in a slightly different way as in, they stimulate your own collagen. They interact with the fibroblasts, influencing their activity and promoting tissue regeneration. The collagen gives volume, plumpness and increase the hydration by absorbing and retaining water.
Whether it’s the hyaluronic acid fillers or the biostimulators, the treatment goals remains the same; and that is to effectively replenish lost volume, diminish the appearance of veins and tendons and to provide a natural-looking skin rejuvenation to the hands.
Available treatments
AT A GLANCE
Special considerations
The hands are complex anatomical structures and soft tissue dermal fillers for hand rejuvenation remains in its classification as an advanced technique treatment. It comes with its limitations and rare set of treatment complications. Soft tissue fillers can be used only in the back of the palms, called the ‘dorsum’ of the hand.
Dermal fillers cannot be used to rejuvenate the fingers or the palmar aspect of the hand. If rejuvenation in these areas is also desired, then alternate options can be discussed in consultation with your treating Cosmetic Doctor.
Given the complex and fascinating anatomy of the hands, where multiple anatomical structures are existing in a proximity, the treatment itself has to be precise with special consideration given to avoid complications – and this is of prime importance.
Our Cosmetic Doctors at Pavilion Cosmetic Medicine explain and educate our patients at length to identify rare complications, so if they happen at all, steps can be followed for these to be addressed in a timely manner.
What to expect
Your PCM Doctor Consultation - Prior to Treatment
Before hand dermal filler treatment, your PCM Cosmetic Doctor will conduct a detailed consultation to assess the suitability of the procedure for the individual. They will also take appropriate measures and precautions to ensure the safety, accuracy, and satisfaction of the treatment outcome. The consultation will also involve selecting a suitable filler and discussing the risks and limitations associated with the procedure. Your PCM Doctor will ensure extra caution and precision to avoid vascular complications in the high-risk anatomical region of the upper eyelid area.
Hand Filler Treatment by Cosmetic Doctor - the Process
The process of hand rejuvenation treatment involves a detailed cosmetic consultation with our Cosmetic Doctors. This involves a thorough medical assessment, in which the treatment goals are understood and defined. Then, the possible options are discussed at length with the patient.
The treatment process typically involves the following steps:
- Detailed consultation and assessment of the patient’s suitability for the procedure.
- Cleaning and disinfecting the treatment area.
- Numbing the area.
- Injection of product using a fine needle or a cannula.
- Monitoring the patient for any signs of complications.
- Providing aftercare instructions and scheduling follow-up appointments as needed.
- The treatment is minimally invasive and generally has minimal downtime, with swelling lasting for 24-48 hours in some cases.
- The results are immediate, but it may take a few days for the filler to fully incorporate into the tissue.
- The treatment is temporary and requires repeat sessions depending on the individual circumstances.
Hand Filler Options Available
The type of filler used may be hyaluronic acid based or of a collagen stimulating type.
When using the hyaluronic based fillers, typically only one session is required to achieve the desired result. While there may be differences from patient to patient, commonly, most treatments involve using a combination of variable cross-linked fillers and 2mLs of fillers per hand. This can be divided into two separate sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, with only 1mL used per hand, in this instance.
When using biostimulators, we always plan to undertake two separate sessions, spaced 8-12 weeks apart between sessions. In this scenario we typically utilise one vial of a bio-stimulating agent per hand.
Having said that, these are general treatment layouts; and it is important to understand that our Cosmetic Doctors always tailor each patient’s treatment plan individually, according to their unique goals and circumstances.
After-Care Considerations - Post Hand Filler Treatment
Post treatment, the effect of the hyaluronic acid-based fillers is seen almost immediately with the improvement in skin texture and the lift of tissue surrounding the obvious veins, thereby delivering a more rejuvenated look.
The effect of hyaluronic acid may last for up to 12 months, which may vary from patient to patient, based on their individual metabolism.
The effect of biostimulators may take up to 3 months to appear. As biostimulators draw on stimulation and appearance from your own natural collagen, the effect may last longer than when compared with hyaluronic acid-based fillers.
With biostimulators, the effect is seen to last for almost 18 months and in some cases up to 24 months.
It is important to understand that there should not be any underlying medical condition that may affect the process of natural collagen stimulation. There is a regimental aftercare for up to one week post bio-stimulating fillers, which our Cosmetic Doctor will guide you through in consultation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How many dermal treatments are required for hand rejuvenation?
Generally, 1-2 treatment sessions are required. If we are using the hyaluronic acid based soft tissue fillers, then only one session may suffice. However, treatment can be divided into two separate sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. In the case of using biostimulators, treatment is always performed over two separate sessions, spaced at 8-12 week intervals.
How long does dermal filler treatment to the hands last?
Once we achieve the desired treatment outcome after the initial sessions, then the effect of the treatment may last for up to 12-18 months.
Is there any downtime associated with hand filler treatment?
Some swelling and tenderness is common immediately post treatment. The initial swelling and tenderness may take 24-48 hours to settle down. However, there is no major downtime associated with this treatment. In most circumstances, the patient may continue with routine activities post undergoing treatment. A detailed after care regime will be discussed in detail with our Cosmetic Doctors prior to the treatment being undertaken.
Are there any risk factors associated with hand filler treatment?
Soft tissue fillers come with their own risk factor profile, and this applies to the hand treatment as well. These includes but are not limited to the possibility of an immune reaction, infection and vascular compromise. All these risk factors are real, and although rare, our Cosmetic Doctors at Pavilion Cosmetic Medicine will take various measures to ensure that steps are taken to minimise occurrences of such complications. A detailed discussion will be had in the pre-treatment consultation phase to educate the patient on the identification signs and symptoms that may point towards a complication event occurring. Additionally, our patients have access to our clinical team and doctors directly in the event that medical attention is required.
Can one resume their daily hand care routine after having hand filler treatment?
Yes. It is advised to continue and be more regimental with hand moisturising after this dermal filler treatment to the hands as the external moisturising compliments the internal hydration, which assists to ensure an optimal outcome from treatment.
Does hand dermal filler treatment help with sunspots or pigmentation on the back of hands as well?
No. The use of soft tissue filler is mainly to plump, hydrate and improve the texture of the skin at the back of the hands. For the sunspots or pigmentation, we may have to employ energy-based devices such as the Excel V laser or Hollywood Spectra. In such circumstances, we invite our patients to have a complimentary skin consultation with our Dermal team to discuss suitable treatment options. It is worth noting that plump-looking skin that is well hydrated does minimise an appearance of dullness, and we find that this often draws attention away from minor pigmentation in certain cases.
We invite you to read more about pigmentation reduction options.
Can I still continue with my routine manicure after soft tissue filler treatment to the hands?
Yes. One can resume the routine care of their hands after undergoing hand filler treatment, as is explained in detail within the post treatment aftercare supplied to our patients. Notably, it is recommended not to have any salon/spa treatments, including nail treatments or manicure for at least 2-4 weeks post treatment. This is to minimise the risk of inflammation or infection.
Is the hand filler treatment painful?
Interestingly, from our experience we find that hand filler treatment is one of the cosmetic injectable treatments where patients find it to be relatively comfortable. In addition, our Cosmetic Doctors ensure measures taken to minimise discomfort including topical numbing, local anaesthetic, evidence-based techniques, and the availability of Entonox (happy gas).
Is the hand filler treatment done using needles or cannulas?
Our Cosmetic Doctors are trained in using both needles and cannulas for injectable treatments. The method employed largely depends on the product being used and the treatment goals to be achieved. These variables are strategically calibrated by our Cosmetic Doctors in consultation with the individual patient, and in some cases, according to our patient’s preferences.
How much does Hand Dermal Filler treatment cost?
Hand filler treatments start from $1,400 including GST [for 2mLs of HA dermal filler]. Book a Cosmetic Doctor consultation to tailor a personalised treatment plan just for you.
Interested in Hand Dermal Filler treatment?
We welcome you to Pavilion Cosmetic Medicine for a consultation with our Cosmetic Doctor, who'll tailor a treatment plan specific to your concerns and desires in a consultation prior to treatment.