Step 2: Increase the Volume

A young hand has smooth, supple skin (as does a young face).  Over time, we lose some of the fat just underneath the skin, termed subcutaneous fat.  The same thing happens in the face, and it makes us look more sunken with more looseness. 

This lost volume can be corrected with volume replacement.  Temporary means of volume replacement include the injectable fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, and Radiesse.  These consist of injections of safe, malleable substances that will last for a period of months.  They lift wrinkles and creases in the face, and they can also replace volume lost with age.

 A more permanent method of volume correction is fat transfer.  Pure fat cells are taken from one area of the body using gentle suction and the purified fat (along with stem cells) is placed under the skin in another area.  By using your own fat, there is no rejection risk and the cells will continue to grow as they would have at the original site.  Occasionally, a second treatment is required to transfer additional fat, but the fat cells that survive will theoretically last forever.  Pictured above is an excellent example of volume replacement creating a more youthful-appearing hand.  

So far we've discussed the treatment  of hand veins and the replacement of lost volume to rejuvenate the hands.  

Stay tuned for step 3...