Hands are one of the first parts of the body to show signs of aging because
they receive so much exposure. Sunlight, the elements and the natural aging
process all contribute to the development of darkened spots, precancerous growths
and a loss of fatty tissue.
There are a number of treatment options available to help make hands look younger.
Retin-A® and glycolic acid derivatives can be applied to the hands topically.
This process causes "age" spots to fade and tissue appears less transparent.
Laser treatments can remove 90-95% of age spots most effectively. Chemical peels
and microdermabrasion are other options.
Unsightly veins on the hands may be treated with lasers or by conventional
sclerotherapy. Natural or synthetic soft tissue fillers can be used to pump
up the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
Combinations of these treatments can be used to rid the hands of a skeletal
look and reverse the signs of aging.
Which treatment is best for me?
During your conference with your doctor, explain your goals and expectations
of the treatment. Your doctor will assess the nature of your hands, your expectations
and explain the probable outcome of your procedure.
You may be shown several before and after treatment photographs of patients
with similar hands, and your doctor will explain the procedure you can expect
to receive and the results that you can anticipate.
The procedures
All of the procedures discussed are on an outpatient basis and are performed
with local anesthesia.
Retin-A is the first product ever scientifically proven to significantly effect
the aging process. Topical applications of Retin-A can repair sun-damaged skin
and stimulate the production of collagen, which is the underlying supporting
structure of the skin.
Chemical Peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands and even arms
and legs. Depending on your skin type and the desired results, your physician
may recommend a superficial, medium or deep chemical peel. Your surgeon will
select the proper chemical or mix of chemicals (glycolic acid, Jessner, TCA
or trichloroacetic acid or carbolic acid) and apply the solution to various
areas of skin. Once applied, the chemicals produce a separation and peeling
of the outer layers of the skin. This stimulates the production of new skin
from beneath.
Sclerotherapy was developed in the 1920's. During the procedure a sclerosing
solution is injected into the vein through a micro-needle. The tiny needles
generally cause very little pain. The sclerosing solution causes the vein to
blanch (turn white), then gradually disappear. A typical treatment may last
for 15 to 20 minutes and consist of multiple injections.
Microdermabrasion is a superficial skin polishing that improves the appearance
of aging skin. The results are immediate. Maintenance treatments are required.
CO2 and Erbium laser skin rejuvenation gives your doctor precise control as
the procedure gently removes the damaged skin or "age" spots to reveal
smooth, fresher-looking hands. Spots are removed in a precise, rapid, bloodless
fashion achieving excellent results. Laser hand rejuvenation can be performed
with local anesthesia.
Soft tissue augmentation is most frequently performed with fat cells taken
from other parts of your body and transplanted to your hands. Synthetic fillers
such as Artecoll®, Cymetra®, Hylaform™, Restylane® and Zyderm™
& Zyplast™ collagen can also be used. Utilizing the appropriate filler
for you, your doctor will inject it under the treated area. Results are immediate.
The duration of the improvement depends on the size and location of area treated,
as well as on the material used.
This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To
find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures
or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you
to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.
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B & A photos may not be patients of the doctor featured in this
web site.
Your results may differ. Copyright • 2002 • MJD Patient
Communications
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prohibited.
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