Hand Rejuvenation
In spite of how well we try to care for ourselves and stall the changes of age, our hands are always a dead giveaway. Think about the last time you looked at a person and couldn’t tell their age. You looked at the backs of their hands and the secret was out….. they must have had a facelift or fillers. In business we extend our hand in an introductory handshake or greeting and our hands are always there in plain sight.
It is actually surprising that it took so long for this to become a hot topic in cosmetic rejuvenation. Hand rejuvenation is now one of the most requested surgical procedures in patients over 50 years of age.
Do I need surgery?
Expected Outcome
It is actually surprising that it took so long for this to become a hot topic in cosmetic rejuvenation. Hand rejuvenation is now one of the most requested surgical procedures in patients over 50 years of age.
Do I need surgery?
- I feel self-conscious about the visible tendons, veins and the skeletonized look of the backs of my hands.
- I see people looking at the backs of my hands and it makes me feel ‘OLD’!
Expected Outcome
- Improved hand shape
- Skin looks more youthful and rejuvenated.
PROCEDURE & RECOVERY
Procedure
Dr. Cowan recommends prospective donor sites for collection of fat (often the tummy, bottom or thighs) and removes fat from these sites with a long, thin, straw-like needle called a cannula. Specialized cannula are used to allow for safe removal of the fat cells without causing damage or injury. The fat is then gently pre-treated for reinjection and transferred to small injection syringes. Dr. Cowan uses a series of specially contoured injection cannula to create receiving tunnels in the back of the hand following the cosmetic lines of the hand. Fat is then injected in layered rows to soften the look of the hands.
Procedure
Dr. Cowan recommends prospective donor sites for collection of fat (often the tummy, bottom or thighs) and removes fat from these sites with a long, thin, straw-like needle called a cannula. Specialized cannula are used to allow for safe removal of the fat cells without causing damage or injury. The fat is then gently pre-treated for reinjection and transferred to small injection syringes. Dr. Cowan uses a series of specially contoured injection cannula to create receiving tunnels in the back of the hand following the cosmetic lines of the hand. Fat is then injected in layered rows to soften the look of the hands.
- Location: Skin Care Centre
- Anesthesia / Sedation: Local anesthesia (± oral sedation)
- Duration: 1+ hour
- Length of stay: Outpatient (same day discharge)
In some patients, Dr. Cowan may recommend a synthetic filler (Radiesse®, Sculptra®) instead of using the patient’s own fat.
Recovery
- Bruising: Common, fades by 2-3 weeks after the surgery.
- Swelling: Mild to moderate, resolves by 2 weeks.
- Pain: Mild to moderate. Often only 1-3 days of prescription medications required.
- Numbness: Minimal. Resolves completely in time.
- Dressings: Moderate. Dr. Cowan may request that you use molding gloves in some cases.
- Return to Work: 1-2 weeks
- Return to Exercise: 2 weeks