Turn Back Time with Hand Lift Procedures
Go BackCosmetic enhancement is sought out to counteract signs of aging all over the face and body, so neglect the hands? According to plastic surgeons across the U.S., hand lift procedures are becoming increasingly popular with men and women looking to turn back the clock a few years.
“As you get older, your hands lose volume, fat and elasticity,” said NY plastic surgeon, Dr. John F. Farella. “The fatty layer of the hand disappears, so the skin is more translucent and shriveled, and you see underlying structures like bones, tendons and veins.”
Age is not determined solely by fine lines, sagging or wrinkles on the face, but by the skin on the top part of the hands, which tends to thin and wrinkle over time. “Look at Madonna or Sarah Jessica Parker,” said California plastic surgeon, Dr. Keith Marcus. “They have amazing bodies, but their hands have aged. You can almost see Madonna’s veins popping out.”
While hand lift surgery is not practical due to the risk of significant scarring and complications, plastic surgeons are looking at other options such as dermal fillers, intense pulsed light and CO2 laser resurfacing to rejuvenate the hands. According to Dr. Marcus, hand lift procedures typically take 5-to-10 minutes and can cost upwards of $1,200.
NYC dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler is also familiar with hand lift procedures and states that most side effects are mild and may include bruising or swelling of the hand. However, “if you’re having your hands injected like your face, do it with a very experienced injector.”
How can you avoid significant sun damage and aging of your hands in the first place? Wear sunscreen. “So much about the hands is about sunscreen,” said Wechsler. “Treat your hands like you treat your face. People wash their hands so much these days that they’re washing off their sunscreen. I keep a small sample size of sunscreen in my handbag.”
Learn more about hand lift procedures from a plastic surgeon in Detroit.
Source: NYTimes