Hand rejuvenation – at a glance
| What it treats | Brown sun spots, thin and dry skin, fine wrinkles, and visible veins and tendons on the back of the hand |
|---|---|
| Treatments | Erbium and CO2 lasers, skin boosters and hyaluronic acid fillers, individually or in combination |
| Laser season | CO2 and Erbium lasers are used from October to the end of March |
| Recovery | It depends on the treatment: from a few hours after skin boosters to a few days after lasers and fillers |
| Treatment plan | Decided at the consultation, based on the predominant changes |
Why hands show age
The skin on the back of the hand is thinner than the skin of the face and has less fatty tissue underneath it. With age, this layer thins further, so the skin loses its plumpness and begins to wrinkle. Tendons and veins that were previously covered become clearly visible, and the hand appears bony.
The sun leaves its mark in the form of brown spots, also known as age spots. They most commonly appear after the age of 40 on areas that are most exposed, and the back of the hand is one of them. Frequent use of soap, detergents and disinfectants further dries out the skin, making it rough, dull and covered with a dense network of fine wrinkles.
Because of this, hands are rarely rejuvenated with a single treatment. At the consultation, the doctor assesses which changes are most pronounced and chooses and combines treatments accordingly.
Problems and treatments
Brown spots and rough skin texture
Sun spots are clearly defined brown patches on the back of the hand, which multiply and become darker over time. They are often accompanied by a rougher, uneven skin texture. Before treatment, a doctor examines each spot to confirm that it is a harmless spot.
For spots and texture, we use Erbium laser and fractional CO2 laser. They renew the surface layer of the skin, while simultaneously fading spots, evening out complexion and improving texture and fine lines. After the treatment, the skin is red and peels for a few days. These laser treatments are performed from October to the end of March, when sun exposure is lower, and are not performed on sun-tanned skin. Read more about the types of pigmentation on our page about hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Thin, dry skin with fine lines
When the skin on the back of the hand loses moisture and elasticity, it becomes thin, rough and dull, and when the hand is bent, it wrinkles into a dense network of tiny lines. Creams help to make the skin more nourished, but they do not restore moisture to the deeper layers.
For this change, we use skin boosters, hyaluronic acid-based preparations injected into the skin in small amounts. They restore moisture and elasticity to the skin, making it softer, smoother and fresher without adding volume. For the hands, we use Juvederm Volite, Profhilo and other skin boosters, and the doctor chooses the product according to the condition of the skin. You can see what the skin on the hands looks like after one treatment on our page about biorevitalisation. Following the treatment, tiny punctures remain on the skin, which disappear within a few hours to a day.
Visible veins and tendons
When the layer beneath the skin of the back of the hand thins, hollows form between the tendons, and the veins and tendons become prominent. The hand then appears thin and older, even when the skin is beautiful.
The lost volume is replenished with hyaluronic acid fillers. The filler is injected using a thin cannula, through just a few punctures, and is distributed evenly across the back of the hand. The hollows between the tendons are filled in, and the veins and tendons become less noticeable. The result is visible immediately, and the final result once the swelling has subsided. In a study conducted on 90 patients, the improvement was still visible 6 months after the treatment.
How hand rejuvenation is planned
At the consultation, the doctor assesses spots, skin quality, and the prominence of veins and tendons. Most patients have multiple issues at the same time, so treatments are combined. Fillers restore fullness to the back of the hand, skin boosters improve skin quality, and lasers even out skin tone and texture.
The sequence is planned so that treatments do not interfere with each other. When both lasers and injection treatments are performed, the doctor determines the interval between them. Hand rejuvenation can also be performed during the same period as treatments for the face, neck and décolletage, so that the result is even.
Hand rejuvenation price
The price depends on the chosen treatments. Prices for skin boosters and hyaluronic acid fillers can be found in our aesthetic treatments price list, and laser prices in the laser treatments price list.
Have a question?
Frequently asked questions about hand rejuvenation
What is the best treatment for hand rejuvenation?
That depends on the concern. Blemishes and rough texture are treated with an Erbium or CO2 laser, thin and dry skin with skin boosters, and visible veins and tendons with hyaluronic acid fillers. For most patients, the best result is provided by a combination, which the doctor suggests during the consultation.
Are the treatments painful?
Most treatments cause mild discomfort, which is well tolerated. Whether an anaesthetic cream is used before the treatment depends on the procedure. Certain fillers also contain a local anaesthetic, making the treatment itself more pleasant.
What is the recovery like after hand fillers?
After fillers, the hands are swollen for a few days, and bruising may also occur. The swelling is most pronounced in the first few days and gradually subsides. Normal activities can be resumed immediately, while heavy use of the hands, saunas, and intense heat should be avoided for a few days.
How many treatments are needed?
Fillers are usually done in a single session, with a follow-up visit and, if necessary, a touch-up. Skin boosters are done in a series, the number of which depends on the product. In the case of pigmentation, the number of laser treatments depends on the number and darkness of the spots. The exact plan is agreed upon during the consultation.
Do age spots on the hands return?
Spots that have been removed do not return on their own, but new ones can appear under the influence of the sun. Therefore, after the treatment, daily sun protection on the hands is important, the same as on the face.
Can the treatments be done in summer?
Skin boosters and hyaluronic acid fillers are available all year round. Erbium and CO2 lasers are carried out from October until the end of March and are not performed on sun-tanned skin.
How to maintain the result?
What helps most is applying a hand cream with SPF to the backs of the hands every day and reapplying it after each hand wash. For chores involving water and detergents, wear gloves, and in the evening apply a nourishing hand cream. This keeps the skin hydrated for longer, and new blemishes appear less frequently.
Book hand rejuvenation in Belgrade
Imedic poliklinika is located at Kneza Miloša 23, 2nd floor, Belgrade. Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–21:00.
Appointments can be booked by phone: 064 237 0707. If you contact us from abroad, we are also available via Viber and WhatsApp on the same number.
Author: Dr Miloš Živković
Registrar in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery.
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