Anti-aging treatments are rising in popularity. Whether it’s a cream, serum, or some form of cosmetic surgery, many patients are trying to avoid the inevitable natural process of aging. Many patients tend to tackle aging in the facial area, using skincare routines, or trying to get rid of fine lines as well as wrinkles. However, many aging signs occur in our hands first.  Cosmetic clinics are  now seeing an increase in inquiries for hand rejuvenation procedures for hands.

Here, we discuss the hand lift treatment in further detail and understand the reasons for its popularity.

What are the common reasons for hand lift treatments?

The back of the hands tends to be one of the first areas where the tell-tale signs of aging occur. Skin will naturally become thinner as it starts to lose fat, making the veins in the hands more visible. Although this doesn’t necessarily provide physical issues for you, the more prominent visibility of wrinkles in the hands can have you appearing older in your appearance.

Other signs that can contribute to aging hands include discoloration in skin tone and age spots occurring in the skin. There are different types of cosmetic hand treatments out there that can help you to treat these types of aging signs in your hands.

More women rejuvenating their hands

Cosmetic surgery clinics have reported an 18 per cent increase in inquiries in the past month of people having anti-aging procedures on their hands.

The new cosmetic surgery trend, which sees women having dermal fillers and laser resurfacing to reduce the signs of aging, has been dubbed the banishing of ‘Madonna Mitts’ after pop star Madonna, 55, who has ‘anti-aged’ almost every part of her body but often resorts to fingerless gloves to cover her hands.

As the years pass, skin on the hands thins, causing veins to become more prominent and liver spots to appear.

Your hands show your age

While make-up can disguise tell-tale signs of aging on the face, it’s more difficult with hands – which is why it’s often said that hands are the best indicator of age.

The Private Clinic confirms the UK industry is seeing an 18 per cent increase in the number of anti-aging hand procedures performed: ‘Our hands are exposed to the sun more frequently than other parts of the body and a failure to apply sun cream to our hands as regularly as we do the face makes them susceptible to sunspots and accelerated aging.”

Sunspots on your hands?

‘With the hot weather this summer we have experienced a marked increase in inquiries from women complaining of sunspots on their hands, along with the skin becoming thin and unhealthy looking.

‘Hand rejuvenation is becoming increasingly popular, with dermal fillers volumizing and smoothing the skin, encouraging the production of collagen to provide a youthful look. Laser resurfacing of the hands is also on the rise thanks to its ability to improve sun-damaged skin and reduce the appearance of sunspots.’

 

What are the different types of hand rejuvenation treatments available?

Most of the treatments that are available for hands tend to be minimally invasive and will only require a local anesthetic to help numb any pain that you’d feel.  Even so, you should choose a clinic  that has  years of professional experience for this treatment.  If you suffer from excess skin that is heavily wrinkled your surgeon may recommend the removal of this skin through cosmetic surgery.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

EVLA is more commonly known for treating the visibility of veins in the hands, which has sprung positive results for many patients. The process works by a laser catheter being inserted into the veins that are visible. This causes the veins to shrink as the lining becomes heated. As the vein closes, it can no longer carry blood, reducing the bulge in the veins.

Foam Sclerotherapy

This type of treatment involves insertion of chemical foam to help remove veins that are currently visible. It blocks the veins off which allows them to reduce and absorb in the body naturally.

Microphlebectomy

This is a form of invasive treatment that requires physically removing the veins in the hands. Tiny incisions are made on the skin to help remove them and as they are relatively small, they only require tape to help cover them up.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid which is a substance used to encourage the production of collagen in the skin. By injecting this into the skin in multiple locations, it can help to reshape the hands through layers, increasing the elasticity in the skin.

Fat Transfer

As mentioned previously, as you age the back of the hands tends to lose fat causing it to become thinner. One way to help overcome this is through a fat transfer procedure. Fat is taken from an area of your body (this commonly tends to be the stomach or the thighs) and is filtered before being inserted into your hands. The benefit of this treatment compared to dermal fillers is that the fat remains permanently without requiring several treatments.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use a solution to help peel off a layer of the maturing skin. The solution is rubbed on to the skin and left until it starts to blister. Once it’s ready, the skin is peeled off to reveal younger-looking, smoother skin.

Would there be any risks to your hands?

Injectable fillers can carry some form of risk, whereas temporary treatments that involve hyaluronic acid rarely involve long term effects. If you do happen to have any complications with hand rejuvenation treatments, these tend to be:

• Swollen hands that feel stiff after the treatment
• The healing process takes a long time
• Difference in skin color
• Reabsorption of fat

Potential risks will be provided to you during your consultation process.  You will also be given guidance on how to prepare for the procedure in advance. As well as what aftercare techniques are available.

Could hand rejuvenation treatments be the choice for you?

Aging skin is an inevitable process in our lifetime. However, it is something that we can contain with the right care and treatment. You may find your current skincare routine isn’t enough. One way you can help claw back the years is by starting the treatment on your hands. It can instantly transform your appearance and provide the youthful feel that you’ve been craving.

Who is the author?

Jennifer Ranking is currently studying “Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” at Manchester Metropolitan University. She uses the knowledge she learns on the course to write her articles. She’s also had the privilege of taking up work experience at a cosmetic surgery that has increased her existing knowledge. Jennifer is currently building a portfolio as part of a year-long module that counts towards her final grade. When she’s not studying, however, she enjoys going out with her friends as well as delving into photography.