Cosmetic Plastic SurgeryCosmetic Plastic Surgery
Hand Rejuvenation
- Best Uses
- Description
- About the Procedures
- Results
- Anesthesia and Pain
- Recovery
- Risks and Complications
Is hand rejuvenation using laser and light technology, and, when needed, autologous fat transfer right for you? If you are bothered by hands that look old, with discolored spots, wrinkles, and loss of fat under the skin surface, talk to us about how a combination of laser or light treatments and possible fat injections can restore a more youthful appearance to your hands.
Best Uses
- Pigment reduction, including brown spots
- Repair of sun-damaged skin on the hands
- Restoration of texture and fullness beneath the hand surface to lessen the appearance of veins, tendons and bones
Description
Hands are among the first parts of body to show signs of aging. Laser and light therapies improves skin color by destroying brown spots on the outer surface of the hands. Fat transfer helps restore the architecture of the hands by augmenting fat beneath the skin. During the fat transfer procedure, Dr. Farella carefully removes fat from a "donor" site on your body, typically the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, and injects it the surface of your hands.
About the Procedures
Dr. Farella applies laser or light therapy to the hand surface using a specialized hand-piece. IPL beams reduce brown melanin spots with little effect on surrounding tissues. You will be asked to wear an eye mask during treatment.
During the fat transfer procedure, Dr. Farella injects a local anesthetic into the donor and treatment sites and then carefully withdraws fat from the donor site to prevent damage to the fat cells. He carefully processes the fat and then injects it into the hand surface, drop by drop, using a large bore needle. Injections require skill and finesse to deposit drops of fat using a scaffolding technique to ensure a smooth and even appearance. The treatment site may be overfilled to compensate for the fat cells that do not "take."
Dr. Farella recommends avoiding tanning in the sun or sun booth for two months prior to phototherapy because tanning stimulates the skin's pigment system and makes discoloration more likely. Self-tanners also should be avoided as they turn the skin into a target for the light beam.
Results
Treatment with IPL for age spots results in significant improvement after two or more treatments. Treatments are spaced three weeks apart. The results of fat transfer can be long-lasting, depending on patient age, treatment area, genetics, and the amount of transferred fat that gets reabsorbed. Repeat treatments may be necessary for optimal results.
After treatment, your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight so be sure to wear sunblock to prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
Anesthesia and Pain
Discomfort during IPL is minimal and can feel like the snap of a rubber band. Fat transfer requires local anesthetic, with Intravenous Sedation.
Recovery
You can return to work and normal activities immediately after IPL treatment. After fat transfer, the donor and treatment sites are likely to be swollen, bruised, and red for several days.
Risks and Complications
With any procedures, risks and complications related to IPL, fat injections, and fat transfer can occur but generally are rare. IPL may not be appropriate for people with darker or tan skin and treatment by inexperienced practitioners may result in burns, changes in skin color, or possible scarring.
Information on this page is not a substitute for medical consultation or advice. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss the best treatments for you.
Call for a complimentary consultation:
(914) 241-7111
Lexington Avenue Suite 104 - Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914) 997-9090
311 North Street Suite 408 - White Plains, NY 10605
(718) 548-5200
3333 Henry Hudson Parkway Suite 1-A - Riverdale, NY 10463
