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 during aging, fine lines and wrinkles become more visible. Skin thinning during aging can also lead to prominent veins and tendons along the back of the hands. Luckily, hand rejuvenation with dermal fillers exists, 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 youthful appearance to the hands. If you want to restore volume and rejuvenate the appearance of your hands with dermal fillers, consult expert injector Dr. Green to achieve natural, youthful-looking hands that last.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of providing the world’s most discerning men and women with non-invasive cosmetic treatments such as hand fillers. Due to her expertise and dedication to her patients, 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 holistic approach to dermal fillers, using a “less-is-more” philosophy to cater treatment plans to your specific hand anatomy and aesthetic goals and provide the most optimal cosmetic results for your hands. When you consult Dr. Green in her private dermatology office, she will assess your hands and choose the best dermal filler for beautiful, natural-looking hand rejuvenation.
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 is reduced, leading to aging signs such as fine lines, wrinkles, and crepiness. 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 this 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 a safe, effective, and non-invasive alternative to plastic surgery, 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 to aging hands while differing in formulation and longevity. 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 semi-permanent filler is formulated with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) and patented microsphere technology 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 collagenases, stimulating the body to produce new collagen 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 smoother, 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
While Restylane Lyft is commonly used to treat nasolabial folds, it became the second dermal filler FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation in 2018. 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. 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 9 – 12 months before further 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, it is also often used for hand rejuvenation. Juvederm injections provide an immediate plumping effect on the skin and stimulate collagen synthesis, helping to firm the skin for a 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 semi-permanent dermal filler 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. After a series of injections, patients can look forward to a reduced appearance of wrinkles and lines and firmer, smoother skin. Similarly to Radiesse, collagen will continue to be produced long after the body absorbs the PLLA. 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 hands, skin concerns, and cosmetic desires to tailor a treatment plan for your hand rejuvenation.
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 review your medical history, hand anatomy, past cosmetic procedures, skin concerns, and aesthetic goals to create a customizable treatment plan for your hand rejuvenation. Same-day treatment is possible if you are considered a good candidate for the procedure. You can schedule your hand filler procedure later for a procedure-free consultation.
Before your hand filler treatment, avoid taking any blood thinners for one week, including NSAIDs (e.g., Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve), herbal supplements (e.g., fish oil), and specific vitamins (e.g., multivitamins, vitamin E) to reduce the risk of bruising. Patients prone to bruising can start taking Arnika Forte, an herbal supplement designed to prevent and heal bruises, two to three days before the procedure.
On the day of your 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. Dr. Green recommends placing saran wrap over the numbing cream to ensure proper anesthetic penetration. 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 be applied to minimize any bruising or swelling that may occur. The injection sites will be cleaned, and you will be given aftercare instructions designed to help you 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, results may last six months to two years before another hand filler treatment is required to maintain results.
Do hand fillers have any side effects?
Similarly to facial fillers, 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 more significant 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 of 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 absorb. Semi-permanent fillers, such as Radiesse and Sculptra, cannot be dissolved, and patients must wait for the body to break down the filler naturally. Therefore, consulting with an expert injector, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green, is essential to avoid unwanted cosmetic results.
Is there any downtime for hand fillers?
Most patients experience slight swelling and redness after hand filler treatment. There can also be mild bruising following the procedure. However, there is no significant downtime following treatment, and patients can resume their daily activities immediately.
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 your hand rejuvenation procedure is safe is to have an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. 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 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 up to two years after a series of treatments. Additionally, the patient’s metabolism can affect how long a filler may last in the body. Typically, patients will schedule regular annual treatment sessions to maintain results from treatment.
Do hand fillers work?
Yes! 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. Restoring volume to the hands also improves the appearance of prominent tendons and veins. Various dermal fillers, including Restylane and Sculptra, are available for hand rejuvenation, and an expert injector like Dr. Green will choose the best one for your hand anatomy and skin concerns. If you want hand rejuvenation with dermal fillers, consult board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green to determine the filler most suited for your cosmetic and aesthetic goals.
How much do hand fillers cost?
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, and the amount of filler needed will depend on the severity of your skin concerns, aesthetic goals, and the type of filler used.
While medspas can be less costly than a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, choosing an injector with the most experience and expertise is essential to minimize the risk of developing unwanted side effects. Fillers should continuously be injected in a medical office under sterile conditions. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele 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.
How much filler for hands?
It is hard to say how much filler may be needed for your hand rejuvenation treatment. The amount of filler needed for your hands will depend on various factors, such as the severity of your skin concerns and the look you are trying to achieve. The type of filler used will also factor into this determination, as each filler has a unique composition and thickness. When you have a consultation with Dr. Green, your hands will be assessed to determine the type of filler needed for your customized treatment plan; at this time, an estimate of the required filler will be discussed. 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 filler off hands
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase, commonly known as Hylenex, is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid in the injected area. The body then absorbs the broken-down products and excretes them through its natural waste system.
Unlike hyaluronic fillers, semi-permanent fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra cannot be dissolved. For this reason, it is essential to consult with an expert injector, such as Dr. Green, who can provide you with the best cosmetic results possible without the risk of adverse or unwanted side effects. Dr. Green employs a “less-is-more” approach to hand filler injections, giving her patients natural, youthful-looking results.
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. Your hand anatomy, volume loss severity, and aesthetic desires will determine the best filler for you. An expert injector such as Dr. Green can assess your concerns and help you choose a filler to provide you with the most optimal results.
What is the best treatment for aging hands?
Dermal fillers are not the only treatment that can provide hand rejuvenation. As we age, we accumulate sun damage from repeated exposure, which can create sun spots on various body parts. 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. The best treatment for your aging hands depends on your skin concerns. Dr. Green can work with you in her private NYC to determine the best treatment options for your aging hands. A combination approach to hand rejuvenation often addresses multiple skin concerns for natural, youthful-looking hands.
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 of light: 1927nm for removing sun spots and 1550nm for treating wrinkles and improving skin texture. Both wavelengths can be used simultaneously to address various signs of aging. Fraxel has minimal downtime of two days of redness, and patients typically undergo a series of treatments spaced one month apart to achieve the best cosmetic results. For those with darker skin tones, the Clear+Brilliant laser, commonly called the mini-Fraxel, is a safer and more practical option for removing hyperpigmentation without the risk of any adverse side effects. The Candela Alex-Trivantage laser also uses wavelengths of light to destroy hyperpigmentation in individual, distinct sun spots on the hands. Downtime is minimal, with small scabs developing in the treated area that fall off on their own within five to seven days. Often, Dr. Green will combine the Fraxel and Alex-Trivantage lasers, first utilizing the Fraxel laser to treat sun damage across the entire hand and then the Alex-Trivantage laser to remove any stubborn, discrete sun spots. Following any sun spot treatment, the most crucial step is to practice proper sun protection, avoid sun exposure, and use chemical and physical sunscreens to create a protective barrier from the sun.
Intense Pulsed Light therapy (IPL) is another treatment that can help rejuvenate the back of the hands. IPL uses discrete wavelengths of light to improve pigmentation, sunspots, fine lines, skin tone, and texture. IPL also stimulates new collagen production in the skin for a firmer, smoother surface. Minimal downtime or side effects are associated with IPL treatment, and multiple sessions are needed to achieve and maintain your desired aesthetic results.
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 laser is a gold-standard skin tightening treatment, creating firm, smooth skin without downtime or side effects. The Thermage FLX stimulates collagen synthesis by using radiofrequency energy to heat 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, with results lasting for a year and a half.
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 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. However, other fillers, such as Juvederm and Sculptra, are often used to treat the hands off-label. 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 with little to no downtime to encourage a natural, youthful appearance.
How to get started with hand fillers today
Dermal fillers for the hands are an excellent way to reduce aging signs, including fine lines, wrinkles, crepey skin, and prominent veins and tendons. 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. When injected into the back of the hands, dermal fillers 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. If you are ready to treat the volume loss in your hands with dermal fillers and restore them to their formal, youthful selves, Dr. Green is here to help.
Dr. Michele 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 hand fillers, laser treatments, and Botox. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times have consistently voted her 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 hand 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 get in touch with the office online or call 212-535-3088.