Hand rejuvenation is a catch-all term that describes several treatments that can improve the appearance of a person's hands. While the hand rejuvenation process may include cosmetic surgery, non-surgical methods are also used. Some of the techniques used mainly treat the skin, such as microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and chemical peels. Others address the appearance of veins, and still others inject fillers into the hands to plump up loose, sagging skin.
Some people choose hand rejuvenation because they are aware that their hands make them look older than they actually are. Hands may seem to age faster than the rest of a person's face or body because hands take a fair amount of abuse. They are regularly exposed to sun, wind, and various household chemicals. Plus, as people age, skin loses moisture, and fat deposits in the hand begin to disappear. The result is bony hands that are wrinkled, covered with age spots, and in some cases ridden with precancerous growths.
In a hand rejuvenation, a practitioner addresses the patient's symptoms with specific treatments. If a patient is concerned about wrinkles, chemical peels or microdermabrasion, which removes the top layers of skin, may be used. Alternatively, a doctor or dermatologist might prescribe a prescription wrinkle treatment such as Retin-A. Laser treatments may be used if the skin on the patient's hands is mottled, discolored, or shows age spots.
Many older people find that the veins on the backs of their hands become more prominent with age. This condition can be treated with sclerotherapy, a treatment that involves injecting saline into the vein. The saline acts to lighten the color of the vein so that it is less obvious. Other treatments include injecting fat or other fillers into the hand to prop up loose skin and make hands appear less bony.
After a hand rejuvenation, the patient will likely need to embark on a maintenance regimen that may include using topical creams and lotions to protect the hands against the sun and elements. Treatments, particularly those that exfoliate the skin, may need to be repeated, and filler-type treatments will likely need to be repeated every six months. Patients should talk to their doctors about the cost of treatment, which is unlikely to be covered by insurance, and choose a hand rejuvenation program that best addresses their needs while fitting into their budget.