Aesthetic Approaches to Hand Rejuvenation

Part of our complete guide to Hand Rejuvenation.

Last updated: 5 August 2026

Why hands age differently

The hands are often described as the forgotten area of aesthetic medicine, yet they can reveal a persons age more readily than the face. While many patients invest significantly in facial rejuvenation, the hands frequently go untreated, creating a visible disconnect between a youthful face and aged-looking hands. The dorsal (back) surface of the hands is particularly vulnerable to ageing due to its unique anatomy, thin skin, minimal subcutaneous fat, and constant UV exposure.

We recognise that comprehensive aesthetic care extends beyond the face. Hand rejuvenation is an integral part of our treatment offering, addressing both skin quality and volume loss to restore a more youthful appearance.

How hands age

Hand ageing involves several concurrent processes:

• Volume lossthe subcutaneous fat pad on the dorsum of the hand thins with age, making tendons, veins, and bones increasingly prominent
• Skin thinningloss of collagen and elastin leads to crepey, thin skin that lacks elasticity
• Sun damagecumulative UV exposure causes solar lentigines (age spots), uneven pigmentation, and actinic changes
• Vein prominenceas fat diminishes and skin thins, veins become increasingly visible and raised
• Tendon visibilitythe extensor tendons become more visible as overlying tissue depletes
• Texture changesrough, dry, dehydrated skin with loss of smooth surface quality

Treatment options for hand rejuvenation

Dermal filler volumisation

The cornerstone of hand rejuvenation, addressing the primary concern of volume loss:

• Products: HA fillers (Restylane Lyft, Juvéderm Voluma) or biostimulators (Radiesse) are commonly used
• Technique: Filler is injected into the subcutaneous space on the dorsum of each hand, typically using a cannula for even distribution and reduced bruising risk
• Radiesse advantage: Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) provides immediate volume and stimulates collagen production over time. It is FDA-approved specifically for hand rejuvenation
• Volume: Typically 1-2ml per hand
• Results: Immediate plumping that conceals tendons and veins, with natural-feeling softness
• Duration: HA fillers last approximately 6-12 months; Radiesse up to 12-15 months in the hands

Skin booster injections

• Profhiloexcellent for improving skin quality, hydration, and elasticity on the hands
• Skinboostersmicro-injections of HA improve skin texture and radiance
• Polynucleotidesstimulate skin regeneration and improve thickness of crepey hand skin

Pigmentation Treatments

Age spots are a hallmark of hand ageing and can be effectively treated:

• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)targets melanin in solar lentigines, causing the pigment to darken, crust, and shed over 7-14 days. Usually 1-3 sessions needed
• Q-switched lasertargets specific pigmented lesions with focused energy
• Chemical peelsglycolic or TCA peels improve overall skin tone and reduce mild pigmentation
• Cryotherapytargeted freezing of individual age spots
• Topical retinoids and brightening agentsongoing maintenance with prescription retinoids, vitamin C, and hydroquinone (if appropriate)

Skin Tightening

• Radiofrequencystimulates collagen production to improve skin firmness
• Fractional laserresurfaces the skin and stimulates collagen remodelling
• Microneedlingcreates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the healing response and collagen production

Combination treatment plans

The most effective hand rejuvenation uses a staged, multimodal approach:

Phase 1: Pigmentation correction

Treat age spots first, as the healing process is easier when the hands are not swollen from filler. IPL or laser sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Phase 2: Volume restoration

Once pigmentation has resolved, proceed with filler or biostimulator injections to restore volume and conceal prominent structures.

Phase 3: Skin quality

Skin boosters, polynucleotides, or microneedling to improve overall skin quality, texture, and hydration.

Phase 4: Maintenance

Ongoing topical care (retinoids, vitamin C, SPF), annual filler top-ups, and periodic pigmentation treatments as needed.

What to expect: Recovery and results

• Filler: Mild swelling and bruising for 3-5 days. Avoid heavy gripping or pressure on the hands for 48 hours. Results are immediate with ongoing improvement as collagen stimulation takes effect
• IPL/laser: Treated spots darken and form micro-crusts that shed over 7-14 days. Avoid sun exposure during healing
• Skin boosters: Small papules at injection points resolve within 24-48 hours. No significant downtime

Aftercare and Maintenance

Protecting your investment in hand rejuvenation requires ongoing care:

• SPF dailyapply broad-spectrum SPF 50 to the backs of the hands every morning and reapply after washing. This single habit prevents the majority of further sun damage
• Protective gloveswear when gardening, cleaning, or using chemicals
• Emollient usekeep hands moisturised with products containing ceramides, glycerine, or urea
• Topical retinoidapplying retinol or tretinoin to the hands 2-3 times weekly maintains collagen stimulation
• Vitamin C serumprovides ongoing antioxidant protection and brightening

“Hand rejuvenation is the natural extension of facial aesthetics. Your hands are always visible and often the first thing people notice. Treating them alongside the face creates a more harmonious, naturally youthful overall appearance.”, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Hand rejuvenation is an increasingly popular and effective area of aesthetic medicine that addresses volume loss, pigmentation, and skin quality decline. A combination approach using fillers or biostimulators, pigmentation-targeting treatments, and skin quality therapies delivers comprehensive results that complement facial rejuvenation. Clinics offer personalised hand rejuvenation plans that help your hands match the youthful appearance of your face.