Fillers for Hands
Our hands are often one of the first areas of the body, apart from our face and neck, that give away our age by showing visible signs of aging. They are one of the most unprotected areas of the body and are exposed to sun exposure, hand washing, and constant use in daily activities. As we age, elastin and collagen production in our body decreases, creating elasticity and volume loss along the hands. As volume and hydration decrease, signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, start to become more visible. Skin thinning during the aging process can lead to prominent veins and tendons along the back of the hands. Additionally, unlike our faces, our hands are a very neglected area of the body – while some people may put lotion or sunscreen on their hands, they typically forget to reapply after washing their hands, leading to premature aging along the hands. Luckily, hand rejuvenation treatments exist, and Dr. Green is here to create a customized plan for you and restore your hands to feeling and looking youthful and revitalized.
Dermal fillers are an excellent option for hand rejuvenation to add volume and plumpness back to the hands and diminish the appearance of signs of aging. Some common fillers for the hand include Radiesse, Restylane Lyft, Juvederm, and Sculptra. Restylane and Juvederm contain hyaluronic acid, while Radiesse is formulated with calcium hydroxylapatite, and Sculptra is formulated with poly-L-lactic acid. These substances all act in different ways in the body to provide an immediate plumping effect on the hands while simultaneously stimulating collagen production to smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Dermal filler treatment is non-invasive, requires little to no downtime, and has minimal side effects, making them one of the best treatment options for restoring a more youthful appearance to the hands.
If you want to rejuvenate and revitalize your hands’ appearance, consult an expert injector and board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Green. With over two and a half decades of experience in non-invasive cosmetic treatments such as hand rejuvenation, Dr. Green has consistently been recognized as one of NYC’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times. Dr. Green embraces a conservative approach to dermal fillers, using a “less-is-more” philosophy to cater treatment plans to your aesthetic goals and provide the most optimal cosmetic results for your hands.
Can you put fillers in your hands?
When we think of dermal fillers, we commonly think of facial rejuvenation, but dermal fillers can be used for hand rejuvenation. As we age, volume and fatty tissues are depleted in the skin, and collagen and elastin production also decreases, leading to the appearance of aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles. The lost volume also causes veins and tendons to become more prominent on the hands. Injecting dermal fillers into the back of the hands can restore the lost volume to plump the skin and create a more youthful look on the hands. During the hand filler procedure, an injector may use a needle or a cannula to inject the filler into the back of the hands. The procedure requires no downtime – although you may experience some mild swelling or bruising at the injection sites, you can resume your daily activities immediately following the procedure. Hand fillers are safe, effective, and non-invasive, making them a popular hand rejuvenation treatment.
What filler is used for hands?
Various types of injectable fillers can be used to rejuvenate the hands. Each filler works to restore volume back to aging hands while differing in formulation and longevity. Dermal filler injections are an excellent alternative to plastic surgery, as they are non-invasive, safe, and provide immediate results with little to no downtime or side effects. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will determine the dermal filler best suited for your aesthetic goals and skin concerns.
Radiesse
Radiesse was the first dermal filler to be FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation in 2015. This filler is formulated with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) to stimulate collagen production in the skin. When Radiesse is injected under the skin, it creates a support scaffolding that skin cells can grow on to start a process called collagenases, stimulating new collagen growth around the injection site to achieve boosted volume. The restored volume will fill in the deep lines and wrinkles along the back of the hands and create a more youthful-looking appearance. Collagen synthesis will continue after the CaHA is naturally absorbed into the body, allowing for long-lasting results for up to 2 years.
Restylane Lyft
Restylane Lyft is commonly used to treat nasolabial folds, but in 2018 became the second dermal filler FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation. Restylane Lyft is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar in the body, and is the thickest filler of the Restylane family, providing an immediate lifting effect to the injected area. By restoring lost volume to the area, this filler can treat deep lines and wrinkles, improving the contouring of the hands and diminishing the appearance of prominent veins and tendons. Additionally, injections of Restylane Lyft will boost natural collagen synthesis, providing structural support to the back of the hands. Restylane Lyft also contains lidocaine, an anesthetic, to provide additional comfort during the injection process. Restylane Lyft typically lasts between 9 – 12 months before additional injections are needed to maintain results.
Juvederm
While Juvederm is not FDA-approved for hands, dermatologists commonly use it off-label for hand rejuvenation. The Juvederm family employs various hyaluronic fillers to restore volume loss and lift the skin. Juvederm Voluma is a popular filler for cheek and midface augmentation due to its thicker formulation, and is also often used for hand rejuvenation. Juvederm injections provide an immediate plumping effect on the skin and additionally stimulate collagen synthesis, helping to firm the skin for a more youthful appearance. Juvederm products also contain lidocaine to minimize any discomfort felt during the procedure. Most Juvederm products last 9 – 12 months, although Juvederm Voluma has been found to last longer than 12 months in some patients.
Sculptra
Sculptra is another dermal filler that is often used off-label by dermatologists to treat volume loss in the hands. Sculptra is composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a substance that stimulates new collagen production in the skin. Similarly to Radiesse, collagen will continue to be produced long after the PLLA is absorbed by the body. Immediately before the injection, Sculptra will be mixed with lidocaine so patients experience minimal, if any, discomfort during the procedure. Multiple sessions of Sculptra spaced one month apart may be required for optimal results. After the last injection session, patients typically see results last for up to two years.
What is the best filler for hands?
The best filler for hand rejuvenation treatment will differ between individuals. The severity of skin concerns can determine what filler may be selected for your treatment, as some fillers are better suited for mild volume loss while others are better suited for more severe volume loss. Your aesthetic goals will also factor into this decision, as some individuals may want more immediate results, while others may be content with a more gradual process. To determine what the best filler is for you, it is best to consult with an expert injector, such as Dr. Green, who can assess your hand, skin concerns, and cosmetic desires to customize a hand rejuvenation treatment plan for you.
What is the hand filler procedure?
The first step to hand filler treatment is to have an initial consultation with Dr. Green in her private Upper East Side office. During this consultation, Dr. Green will take a comprehensive look at your medical history, hand anatomy, past cosmetic procedures, skin concerns, and aesthetic goals to create a customizable treatment plan for hand rejuvenation. Same-day treatment is possible if you are considered a good candidate for the procedure.
On the day of your appointment for hand filler treatment, a topical lidocaine cream will be applied to the hands one hour before your appointment to numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable. When you are brought into Dr. Green’s office, the numbing cream will be removed, and the area will be sterilized for the procedure. Photographs of the hands will also be taken for your medical chart to track future progress. Dr. Green will mark the area and expertly inject the dermal filler into the back of the hands. Ice will then be applied to minimize any bruising or swelling that may occur. The injection sites will be cleaned, and you will be given information on caring for the area to achieve the most optimal cosmetic results. Dr. Green will then have you come back for a follow-up appointment approximately two weeks later, where she will assess the cosmetic results of the procedure and determine if any touch-up is needed in the area. Depending on the filler used, results may last anywhere between six months to two years before another hand filler treatment is needed to maintain results.
Is there any downtime for hand fillers?
There can be bruising immediately after your hand filler injections, but you can resume your daily activities immediately following the procedure.
Do hand fillers have any side effects?
Hand fillers have minimal side effects, including swelling, bruising, and redness. Mild swelling is the most common side effect following filler injections and typically subsides on its own within two weeks of the injection. Bruising at the injection sites may occur more often for hand fillers compared to facial fillers, as the hand contains a larger number of blood vessels- to prevent bruising, Dr. Green recommends discontinuing any blood thinners, such as Aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, multivitamins, fish oil, or other herbal supplements. If you are highly prone to bruising, it is additionally recommended to take Arnika Forte, an oral herbal supplement, two to three days before and after the procedure to prevent and heal any bruising.
Lumps are a rare but potential side effect that can occur from hand fillers. These lumps result from the filler settling into one area underneath the skin. For hyaluronic acid fillers, these lumps can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid into its subcomponents that the body can then absorb. Other fillers, such as Radiesse and Sculptra, cannot be dissolved and must wait for the body to absorb the filler. Therefore, consulting with an expert injector, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green, is important to avoid any unwanted cosmetic results.
Are hand fillers safe?
Absolutely! Hand fillers are incredibly safe and are associated with minimal side effects, such as mild swelling, bruising, and redness. These side effects typically resolve on their own a week or two after the injections, and patients are left with rejuvenated and youthful-looking hands. The best way to ensure that your hand rejuvenation procedure is safe is to have a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon complete the injections. While these individuals may be more costly than nurse injectors or Medspas, their expertise and experience will ensure that your hand fillers are injected safely and effectively.
How long do hand fillers last?
The longevity of the aesthetic results will depend on the type and amount of hand filler used. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last for up to a year, with Restylane Lyft results lasting 9 – 12 months and Juvederm Voluma results lasting up to 12 or more months. Radiesse and Sculptra, both collagen biostimulator fillers, can last for up to two years. Additionally, the patient’s metabolism can affect how long a filler may last in the body.
Do hand fillers work?
Yes, they do! Hand fillers are an excellent non-invasive treatment for rejuvenating the hands. These fillers work by restoring volume and collagen lost by aging. As the fillers are injected into the back of the hand, the skin is lifted, smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you are interested in hand rejuvenation with dermal fillers, it is recommended to consult with a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Green to determine the filler most suited for your cosmetic and aesthetic goals.
How much filler is needed for the hands?
It is hard to say how much filler may be needed for your hand rejuvenation treatment. Some factors determining the amount of filler used include the severity of volume loss and skin concerns, your aesthetic goals, and the type of filler used. The type of filler used will also factor into this determination, as each filler has a unique composition and thickness. During your consultation with Dr. Green, your hands will be assessed to determine the type and amount of filler needed for your customized treatment plan.
What is the cost of fillers for the hands?
The cost of the fillers for hand rejuvenation treatment will depend on various factors, including the amount and type of filler used, geographical location, and your injector’s expertise. Some fillers are priced per syringe, while others are priced by vial. The amount of filler needed will depend on the severity of your skin concerns, aesthetic goals, and the type of filler used.
Price should never be a deciding factor when choosing where to get hand filler treatment. While medspas can be less costly than a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, choosing an injector with the most experience and expertise is important to minimize the risk of developing unwanted side effects. Fillers should always be injected in a medical office under sterile conditions. Dr. Green has been expertly injecting soft tissue fillers for over 25 years and will develop a customized hand rejuvenation plan to create long-lasting, youthful-looking results with minimal side effects.
Are Radiesse and Restylane Lyft FDA-approved?
Yes! Both Radiesse and Restylane Lyft have been FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation. Radiesse was the first dermal filler to be FDA-approved in 2015, and FDA approval for Restylane Lyft followed soon after in 2018.
Can Radiesse and Restylane Lyft be dissolved?
Once injected into the skin, Radiesse cannot be dissolved. Currently, no substance can dissolve the calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in the Radiesse formulation. However, Restylane Lyft and any other hyaluronic acid-based filler can be dissolved using hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme solution that breaks down hyaluronic acid to be absorbed by the body. Once injected, the results of the hyaluronidase injections are typically visible within 24 – 48 hours. Depending on the type and amount of filler used, more than one injection may be necessary to dissolve the filler fully.
Which is better for hands, Radiesse or Restylane Lyft?
It is impossible to say whether one filler is better than another. Restylane Lyft and Radiesse are both excellent dermal fillers that are FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation. Both fillers work to restore lost volume to the hands and smooth out the appearance of signs of aging on the skin. The best filler for you will be determined by your hand anatomy, volume loss severity, and aesthetic desires. An expert injector such as Dr. Green can assess your concerns to choose a filler that will provide you with the most optimal results.
Can I combine hand fillers with other hand rejuvenation procedures?
Absolutely! The appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, prominent veins, tendons, and volume loss are not the only signs of aging that can manifest on the back of the hands. As we age, we accumulate sun damage from repeated exposure, which can create sun spots on various parts of the body. The first signs of sun spots are often found on the hands, as they are constantly exposed to the sun and typically neglected when applying sunscreen. Commonly known as age spots, these flat, brown spots do not fade over time and require some type of treatment, such as lasers or chemical peels, to eliminate. These treatments can all be paired with hand fillers to create an overall rejuvenated appearance of the hands. Following any sun spot treatment, the most important step is to practice proper sun protection, avoid sun exposure, and use both chemical and physical sunscreens to create a protective barrier from the sun.
Two popular laser treatments for sun spots on the hand include the Fraxel laser and the Candela Alex-Trivantage laser. The Fraxel laser is a fractional resurfacing laser that employs two wavelengths: 1927nm for removing sun spots and 1550nm for treating wrinkles and scars. Both wavelengths can be used simultaneously to address various signs of aging. The Candela Alex-Trivantage laser also uses wavelengths of light to destroy hyperpigmentation in individual, distinct sun spots on the hands. For those with darker skin tones, the Clear+Brilliant laser, commonly called the mini-Fraxel, is a safer and more effective option for removing hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peels are another great option for eliminating sun spots from the back of the hands. Mesopeels are gentle chemical peels that exfoliate the skin to remove pigmentated skin cells and stimulate collagen production to promote new healthy and brighter skin cells to grow. Typically, a series of Mesopeels every two to three weeks is necessary to achieve the best cosmetic results. A Cosmelan peel may be more effective for sunspots with deeper hyperpigmentation. Cosmelan is a professional-grade chemical peel that decreases further melanin accumulation and increases new skin cell production rate. The Cosmelan peel is applied by Dr. Green in the office and is left on for a specific amount of time, depending on your skin type and severity of hyperpigmentation. After the allotted time, the mask can be washed off at home with a gentle cleanser. A skincare regime will then be prescribed to enhance the treatment results and protect the skin from further pigmentation accumulation.
Collagen loss during aging can also lead to the appearance of loose, creepy skin along the hands. The Thermage FLX stimulates collagen synthesis by using radiofrequency energy to heat up deep layers of the skin. After one Thermage treatment, patients can visibly see improvement in skin laxity and texture and the diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Are there fillers for hands? Can you get fillers in your hands?
Absolutely! Many facial fillers, such as Restylane Lyft, Radiesse, Juvederm, and Sculptra, can be used in the hands to replenish the volume lost by aging. These fillers immediately lift the skin to smooth out the hands and reduce the appearance of prominent veins, fine lines, and wrinkles. Restylane Lyft and Radiesse are the only two dermal fillers FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation use, although other fillers, such as Juvederm and Sculptra, are often used off-label to treat the hands. Restylane Lyft and Juvederm are formulated with hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and stimulate collagen synthesis. Radiesse uses calcium hydroxylapatite to create a supportive scaffolding under the skin for collagen growth. Sculptra is formulated with poly-L-lactic acid to stimulate fibroblasts that promote collagen synthesis. Although they contain different formulations, these fillers can revitalize the hands to promote a natural, youthful appearance.
How much filler for hands?
The amount of filler needed for your hands will depend on various factors, such as the type of filler used, the severity of your skin concerns, and the look you are trying to achieve. Dr. Green will be able to provide you with an estimate of the amount of filler needed after your initial consultation. Dr. Green employs a “less is more” approach to dermal fillers to ensure your hand filler treatment looks natural. After your initial injection procedure, Dr. Green will invite you back into her private Upper East Side office to check if any additional filler is needed.
How to get started with hand fillers today
If you are ready to treat the volume loss in your hands and restore them to their formal, youthful selves, Dr. Green is here to help. While Radiesse and Restylane are currently the only two fillers FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation, other fillers such as Juvederm and Sculptra can also be used off-label to treat the hands. Dermal fillers are an excellent option for hand rejuvenation as they can immediately plump the skin and diminish the appearance of prominent veins, fine lines, and wrinkles. The procedure for hand fillers is non-invasive and safe, making hand fillers an excellent option for hand rejuvenation. Hand fillers can also be paired with other in-office treatments, such as laser treatments and chemical peels, to provide total rejuvenation to the hands.
Dr. Green is a world-renowned, board-certified dermatologist providing expert patient care to the world’s most discerning men and women. She holds over 25 years of experience in non-invasive cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers, laser treatments, and Botox. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times have consistently voted her as one of New York’s best dermatologists due to her dedication and accessibility to her patients. She uses a conservative, “less-is-more” approach to rejuvenation to ensure that patients are left with a youthful, natural-looking appearance that gets them feeling like their best selves. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about the various treatment options for addressing aging hands, please contact the office online or call 212-535-3088.