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...

The hands are often overlooked body parts when it comes to cosmetic medicine.  Usually, the body and the face get all the attention.  But when it comes to how we interact with others and how we are perceived, the hands provide crucial age cues. A smoother, even-toned hand looks younger and more healthy.  And if a person has had cosmetic facial procedures, the hand may be left behind, creating a mismatch.  

What is there to do for hand rejuvenation?  In the next few weeks, you'll find the keys to hand beauty here on Allure Medical Blog, in 3 steps. 

Obviously, a good moisturizer, preferably with a vitamin C component and definitely a good sunblock is a great start.  We often forget to protect our hands from the damaging sun rays while we slather our faces.  What next?

Step 1: Treat hand veins with sclerotherapy

Hand veins can become twisty and bulging, just like varicose leg veins.  These veins make the hands look older and less attractive.  Luckily they can be treated with injections of a solution that shrinks them safely.  Sometimes more than one treatment is needed, and there can be mild soreness and swelling for several days after the treatment.  If they are wrapped with gauze or an ace bandage after injections for 2 days, the results tend to be better.  Once in a while there are some lumpy areas after the injection that go away by themselves or with the next treatment. 

Stay tuned for step 2...

Join us for the Grand Opening of Michigan's premiere medical spa on December 16, 2009 at 6pm. A raffle will be held for a $5,000 dream makeover!! 

Read more about this exciting event, here.

      Dr. Mok recently met with TV celebrity Dr. Oz to discuss medical issues and the current state of healthcare (as pictured above with Dr. Mok's wife).  What's next, the Dr. Mok Show?