Rejuvenate Aging Hands For A More Youthful Look

The hands are one of the first areas of the body, after the face, to show the visible signs of aging. With time and exposure, the hands may lose fat which can result in a thin, transparent, bony or "crepey" appearance. The veins and tendons may become more visible, and pigmentation problems like age spots may develop. Fortunately, hand rejuvenation procedures can restore a smoother, more youthful appearance to the hands.

Hand rejuvenation can be achieved with a variety of different procedures, either performed on their own or in combination. Good candidates for treatment include healthy individuals who have realistic expectations for improving the appearance of the hands. A consultation with Dr. Berkowitz is the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for hand rejuvenation and which procedure or combination of procedures can best meet your needs.

For thin, transparent-looking hands resulting from a loss of fat, Dr. Berkowitz often uses Radiesse. This injectable filler can be administered in the office setting using a local anesthetic. A single treatment provides instant results that can last anywhere from twelve to eighteen months. While treatment is relatively painless and normal activities can be resumed immediately, some patients may experience minor bruising or swelling. Other injectable fillers may also be used for hand rejuvenation including Sculptra, Restylane and Juvederm.

Thermage is a good option for treating loose, "crepey" skin. This treatment involves the use of non-invasive radio frequency waves which heat the deep layers of the skin, tightening it and promoting new collagen growth. Treatment is performed in the office setting with oral medication to help minimize discomfort. There is no downtime after the procedure and normal activities may be resumed right away. Some results can be seen immediately afterward along with continued improvement as collagen increases.

Laser resurfacing is an ideal treatment for age spots and other pigmentation problems occurring on the hands. The laser can also help to thicken the skin of the hands as the heat promotes new collagen growth. There is minimal downtime, though some flaking of the skin may occur. Final results are apparent after three to six months.

There are several other procedures which can be used to rejuvenate the hands. LipoStructure is a type of fat transfer procedure in which fat is removed from another area of the body like the abdomen or hips and then transferred into the hands. Chemical peels may be used to treat age spots and other pigmentation problems, while Sclerotherapy can help to diminish the appearance of unsightly veins. Microdermabrasion can be used to "polish" the skin by removing the skin's superficial first layer.