The hands, like the face, can show the signs of aging must sooner than you would like. This is an area that is also vulnerable to frequent sun exposure, which tends to accelerate the aging process. Unfortunately, we don’t always think about protecting the hands from UV rays like we do other areas of exposed skin, leaving them prone to damage. Now, there is a way to rejuvenate the hands, restoring their youthful appearance.
HOW THE HANDS AGE
Like other areas of the skin, the hands are subject to depletion of an important protein known as collagen. Collagen works in the underlying dermal structure to support the skin and give it a smooth, supple look. As collagen levels decrease, a natural part of the aging process, skin becomes loose and thin. On the backs of the hands, this can lead to more prominent veins that give your hands the bony, aged appearance.
While our bodies naturally produce less collagen over time, UV rays from the sun can speed up that process. That is one of the reasons why your hands, which have frequently been exposed to the sun, might look older than your friend’s hands that have been protected from the sun’s rays. Genetics, smoking and other factors can also play a role in how fast your hands age.
INTRODUCING RADIESSE
Radiesse is an injectable treatment designed to smooth away wrinkles on the face. When the solution is injected into the backs of the hands, it restores youthful volume to make prominent veins less noticeable. The result is smoother, more youthful hands in just a few minutes of treatment time.
Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite, a substance that naturally occurs in our teeth and bones. When injected into the dermal layers, the formulation immediately goes to work restoring volume in the treatment area. At the same time, Radiesse stimulates the body’s own production of collagen to produce natural results that last longer than other types of dermal fillers.
THE TREATMENT PROCESS
Injections of Radiesse are performed right in our office at Rodeo Surgical Art. You may ask for a topical numbing cream prior to injections if you are worried about your pain threshold during the procedure. Because the injections are administered using a very fine needle, many of our patients find the treatment is completely tolerable without any type of numbing beforehand.
Dr. Mashhadian will place the injections into the back of the hand in strategic locations to create natural, even results. Most treatments take just a few minutes to complete and you will begin to see the results of your procedure right away.
BACK IN ACTION
Patients are able to return to their regular activities as soon as treatment is completed. There can be some mild bruising and swelling around the injection sites, particularly when Radiesse is used on the back of the hands where skin is very thin. Ice packs can help alleviate these side effects, which should subside on their own within a couple of weeks.
The results of Radiesse appear right away and improve as the swelling and bruising disappear. The back of your hand will look smoother and more youthful, while the seemingly bulging veins will become less prominent. Patients enjoy the results of their Radiesse treatment for at least one year before a subsequent procedure is needed to maintain the positive new look.
