Age defying hands!

Reversing the aging effects on hands may not seem important to all but for some it is. Aged hands can be treated using fillers. Fillers can be of various kind s– permanent, semi permanent and hyaluronic acid or non hyaluronic acid. The most popular fillers for hand rejuvenation are the semi permanent hyaluronic acid fillers like restylane, juvederm, belotero or non hyaluronic acid fillers made up of calcium hydroxyapaptite like radiesse which is still not available in India.

Hyaluronic acid fillers have the property of binding water molecules thereby plumping, lifting and filling spaces. The hyaluronic acid is a protein molecule which is made in the lab. The risk of allergy to this molecule when injected is extremely low.

As we grow older, the collagen in the skin breaks down every year and the rate at which we make it is not enough to compensate for the rate at which it is breaking down. Hence as skin becomes less elastic, it forms lines and folds.

Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used wherever there is volume loss to fill in the depths of the folds to plump and lift.

Procedure: After taking consent and before pictures, the skin is cleansed thoroughly and under a sterile technique the doctor injects the filler in the areas of volume loss over the back of the hands. The filler is injected either with a needle or with a soft blunt needle called a ‘cannula’ which causes lesser bruising. After injecting all the areas the hand is massaged with a barrier cream to smooth out all bumpy areas.  

Do’s and Dont’s: Do not touch the area post injection or massage anymore. Avoid makeup for 24 hours post injection. Expect some swelling for a few days and sometimes some lumps and bumps may appear. If the lumps and bumps persist after three to four days consult your injecting doctor. You can apply arnica or Vit K cream to avoid bruising

Avoid alcohol for 48-72 hours post injection. If there is any bruising immediately ask your doctor who will apply ice and compression. If there are any concerns like redness, numbness, discoloration consult your doctor immediately.

When Should one go for this : When you feel your hands are looking drier, the skin over them is looking less hydrated, wrinkly or when you pinch your skin and leave it you can see it takes some time to come back to rest meaning it is less elastic, you can opt for this treatment.

How long it lasts : The results can last to a year and a year-and-a-half depending on the heaviness of the filler used but also other factors such as smoking, sun exposure, alcohol, diabetes etc will all dictate how soon the filler will be broken down.

Cost : Price depends on the amount of volume loss or ageing signs. Most doctors charge per ml of filler which can range anything from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 per ml. You may require one to four ml as per signs.

– The writer is a  cosmetic surgeon

Disclaimer: Always check with a cosmetic surgeon before going ahead with this procedure.