The hands, besides the face, can be one of the first areas to reflect signs of aging. Sun damage, loss of collagen, and dehydration can all contribute to an aging process that is characterized by the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, deepening of the dorsal spaces, and prominence of extensor veins and tendons along with age spots producing age-related stigmata on the hands.
However, this should not be an issue for patients anymore because nowadays, there is an effective solution for aging hands: hand rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid, which is a safe, non-surgical, and increasingly popular cosmetic procedure. Noteworthy, patients are looking for hand rejuvenation that complements facial youthfulness.
Hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in our bodies, is known for its ability to keep skin looking smooth, hydrated, and elastic. In this ultimate guide, we will focus on most of the important things you need to know about hand rejuvenation, from the benefits and risks to the procedure itself.
Whether you're looking to turn back the clock or simply enhance the appearance of your patients' hands, this guide will help. Let's dive in and discover how HA can help you achieve the appearance of smooth, juvenile, and more vibrant-looking hands!
Understanding the Anatomy of the Hands
To avoid accidental injury is crucial to understand the characteristic of hand aging and expertise in the anatomy of the hands before delving into HA hand rejuvenation. The anatomy of the hands is in distinct layers, initiating with the skin, dorsal superficial lamina, dorsal superficial fascia, dorsal intermediate lamina, dorsal intermediate fascia, dorsal deep lamina, and dorsal deep fascia.
Of note, the skin of our hands is very thin, with fewer sebaceous glands than other areas of the body. As a result, the hands become more susceptible to dryness and dehydration, which can exacerbate the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and roughness and dryness of the hands. During the process of hand rejuvenation treatment, it is fundamental to mention that the superficial dorsal lamina is a desirable place for injections since it is a fatty layer deep to the skin, devoid of sensory nerves and major veins.
Common Signs of Aging in the Hands
Fine lines and wrinkles
Occurs when our skin loses elasticity and collagen, which can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the back of our hands.
Age spots
Also known as liver spots are flat brown spots that appear on the skin as a result of prolonged sun exposure. They typically develop on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over many years, such as the hands, face, shoulders, and arms. Age spots are very common in adults over the age of 50 but can also occur in younger individuals who have had significant sun exposure.
Volume loss
Loss of fat and volume in our hands, which can make the tendons and veins more visible.
Dryness and roughness
Aging affects the skin on our hands in such a way that may become dry and rough, making it more susceptible to cracks and wrinkles.
How HA Works to Rejuvenate the Hands?
BioScience's HYAcorp MLF1 dermal filler is a biphasic HA filler optimized for this indication. The number of benefits that HA can provide is significant as it is a natural substance already produced in our bodies. The most outstanding benefits include increasing hydration, as HA is a potent humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture in the skin when used for hand rejuvenation.
Thus, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, as it induces collagen and elastin formation, HA fills the grooves between veins and tendons. Therefore, improving skin texture, elasticity, and certainly hands skin tone and appearance. In other words, helps to obtain outstanding juvenile results.
Such a quick and simple procedure; what more does a doctor want?
It is a fast and simple procedure that can be performed in-office. BioScience HYAcorp MLF1 hyaluronic acid hand rejuvenation procedure typically takes less than 20 minutes. Patients can return to normal activities immediately following the procedure. The primary key of HA injection is to do it through a single entry point between the wrist and the dorsal aspect using a fan technique with four retrograde threads between the tendons. In addition, it is critical to massage the dorsal area strongly after the injection. Furthermore, and most importantly, patients can achieve natural-looking results that may help to decelerate the aging of the hands.
What will patients experience during the procedure?
Prior to treatment, to avoid any ache the patient may experience, a topical anesthetic or ice is applied, while during treatment the patient will experience at the entry site some discomfort. Notably, following the procedure, patients can return to normal activities immediately.
In some cases, patients might develop some swelling and redness in the treated area, but this should subside within a few hours to a few days. In addition, patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activity and sun exposure in the days following the procedure. Bioscience's Patients may feel slight discomfort during the procedure, but this can be treated with topical anesthesia or ice, as mentioned before.
Bioscience products have a proven track record of safety in the market and indicated no safety risk issues for this procedure. Nonetheless, it is essential to consider that this is still a medical treatment that could carry some mild potential risks, such as swelling and redness at the injection site, bruising, itching or discomfort, infection, and allergic reaction.
Results and Longevity of HA Hand Rejuvenation
In order to get a longer result, the doctor should know very well the characteristics of the products he/she uses because choosing the optimal product is critical and will make the difference in both the desired results and the duration of the HA effect.
After the injection, patients can expect an immediate result that can last from 6-12 months, after which patients may choose whether to undergo another hand rejuvenation treatment or not.
Combining Hand Rejuvenation with Other Treatments
Hand rejuvenation using HA can be combined with other treatments, such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels, to further improve the appearance of the skin of the hands. Patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine which combination of treatments suits their needs.
Tips for Your Patients: How to Get Ready for Their Hand Rejuvenation Appointment
Before their hand rejuvenation appointment, patients should:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, for at least a week prior to their appointment.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to their appointment.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to their appointment.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to their appointment.
- Arrange for transportation to and from their appointment, as they may experience mild discomfort following the procedure.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Many patients seek to eliminate the stigmata of aging hands, such as prominent veins, extensor visibility, and shape irregularity. Two key factors that play an important role in optimal results are a qualified and experienced physician who fully understands the complex anatomy of the hand and optimal dermal filler selection. HYAcorp MLF1 dermal filler, when injected, helps to achieve this youthful and vibrant appearance of the hands. If your patients are interested in HA hand rejuvenation, explain the product and procedure to them to determine if it is the ideal choice. With the right treatment plan, you can achieve the young appearance and radiant hands your patients always dreamed of.
