A Guide To Hand Fillers — What Are They And How Do They Work? 

As we grow older, visible signs of ageing can manifest throughout our bodies. These signs are particularly noticeable in areas like the face, neck and our hands. Over time, hands can lose natural hydration and volume, leading to a more aged appearance. Hand fillers promise to turn back the clock on ageing hands but how true is this? We’ve written this article to provide you with all the information you need about hand fillers, including their benefits, risks and how they work.

What are hand fillers?

Hand fillers are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment involving injecting dermal fillers or skin boosters into the back of the hands to restore lost volume and improve the appearance of wrinkles, veins, and tendons. In addition, hand fillers aim to create fresher-looking skin by restoring elasticity and smoothness to the skin. 

These fillers can be made of hyaluronic acid, a synthetic analogue of a substance that naturally occurs in the body, or calcium hydroxylapatite, a synthetic material mimicking natural bone structure. The procedure is quick and relatively painless, with results lasting up to a year. 

We recommend seeing a qualified and experienced for aesthetic treatments including hand fillers. Ideally, they should offer customised hand filler treatments to achieve safe and effective results. In this guide, we will review this treatment including popular hand injectables. This includes Radiesse, a popular brand of dermal filler that is FDA-approved for use in the hands and Profhilo skin booster.

How do hand fillers work?

Hand fillers work by injecting dermal fillers into the back of the hands to restore lost volume and improve the appearance of wrinkles. The fillers used can be made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. 

Alternatively, calcium hydroxylapatite may be used. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a synthetic filler that stimulates collagen production and enhances the skin’s natural structure. The procedure is quick, safe and relatively painless. 

Experienced aesthetic practitioners can customise the treatment plan for each patient, considering individual needs and preferences to achieve natural-looking results that complement their overall aesthetic.

Types of hand fillers

There are different types of hand fillers available. The type you choose can determine what results you get and how long they last. There are two popular types of hand fillers that most aesthetic practitioners will use. 

Radiesse

This is a long-lasting bio-stimulant and can help those with more severe signs of ageing in their hands. Radiesse is made from synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite, which will plump the skin and fill out wrinkles. It usually needs a single treatment though a second at 3 months may be needed for particularly severe hand ageing.

Profhilo & Volite

Similarly, Profhilo or Volite hand injections can also boost collagen and elastin production to increase skin thickness, plumpness and hydration. Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic acid skin booster and requires 2 courses of treatment 4-6 weeks apart. It is as effective as Radiesse but may benefit people with dryer hands/skin and with less severe hand ageing signs. 

Volite is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is designed to boost collagen and elastin production as well as restore some missing volume and hydration. It works in a manner that is similar to both Profhilo and Radiesse hand injections. Volite hand fillers however only require a single sitting and hence are ideal for anyone unable to commit to two separate treatments. Both Volite and Profhilo hand injectables are also great for anyone apprehensive about non-dissolvable injectables like Radiesse or who is allergic to or unable to tolerate calcium hydroxylapatite. 

Volite and Radiesse require a large number of injections using a tiny needle whilst Profhilo is administered with a cannula. Some people will be more comfortable with one option vs the other. Your doctor will advise which hand filler treatment will be most appropriate for your concerns and best tolerated by you.

Other Types of Hand Filler

There are of course other choices for hand filler. These include hyaluronic acid dermal fillers such as Juvederm or non-dissolvable collagen biostimulants like Ellanse. However, Profhilo, Volite and Radiesse are most popular based on their success and safety profiles. 

How long do hand fillers last?

Hand fillers done using Radiesse, Profhilo or Volite can last up to 12 months. However, they will need touching up again after 12 months, as the biostimulating effects will fade over time. 

Hand filler aftercare tips

Once you’ve had your hand fillers, you should be able to return to work the same day. However, we recommend you avoid strenuous activities, sun exposure and drinking alcohol for the first 24 hours after treatment and keeping the hands elevated to reduce swelling.

Any reputable clinic will offer a free follow up within the first 4-6 weeks after your appointment. They should also be happy and available to answer any questions you may have in the interim.

Benefits of hand fillers

Hand fillers are becoming more popular due to their ability to hydrate, increase volume and smooth wrinkles. There are many benefits and the main ones being that hand fillers can: 

• Restore volume and elasticity to the hands
• Smooth out wrinkles and fine lines
• Reduce the appearance of veins and tendons
• Create a more youthful, radiant appearance
• Boost self confidence and body image
• Be a quick and easy alternative to surgery
• Require minimal down time and recovery
• Provide long-lasting results — up to 12 months
• Stimulate collagen production for long-term skin rejuvenation

If you have wrinkles and lines, thin skin and volume loss to the back of your hands or ‘veiny’ hands, hand fillers may be the right treatment for you. 

Hand fillers side effects

While hand fillers are generally safe and effective, like any cosmetic treatment, they carry the risk of side effects. These may include temporary swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site, which usually goes down within a few days. 

In rare cases, more serious risks such as infection, inflammation, or even tissue necrosis may occur. However, you can minimise these risks if you choose an experienced and qualified aesthetic practitioner and follow proper after care instructions,

This is why we recommend seeing a qualified medical practitioner. They will take the time to properly assess each patient’s suitability for treatment and discuss any potential risks or concerns before going a head. They should also make patient safety and comfort a priority and use only the highest quality fillers to reduce the risk of problems. 

While the risks of hand fillers are relatively low, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and choose a reputable provider who can guide you through the process with care and expertise.

Choosing the proper hand filler treatment for you

Choosing the proper filler treatment depends on several factors, such as your skin condition and desired results. An experienced medical provider will perform a thorough consultation to assess your individual needs and preferences so they can recommend the best filler for your unique situation.

Ensuring you choose the proper filler treatment requires careful consideration of your needs and goals. Also, you must choose a provider who can guide you through the process with expertise and care and offer safe and effective treatment options to achieve natural looking, long lasting results. 

At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Through our virtual clinic, our aesthetic doctors offer safe and effective prescription-strength skin ageing at home skincare including treatments like Tretinoin where appropriate. We also treat conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation and melasma. Book a virtual consultation with us today and take your first step towards great skin.

Sources

• https://radiesse.com/ 
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3483571/ 
• https://cityskinclinic.com/treatments/skin-ageing/
• cityskinclinic.com/treatments/hyperpigmentation-treatment