Effects of Calcium-Hydroxyapatite and Hyaluronic Acid Injections on Aging Hands
Understanding Aging Hands
Aging hands often exhibit a loss of soft tissue volume, which leads to the visibility of veins and tendons. This condition is exacerbated by a decrease in skin elasticity and the degeneration of the dermis. The appearance of the hands, along with the face and neck, serves as a key indicator of age. Despite the effectiveness, simplicity, and safety of cosmetic injections for hand rejuvenation, this procedure remains less popular.
Volume Restoration for Aging Hands
Volume restoration is a recommended treatment for individuals experiencing visible signs of aging in their hands, such as prominent veins and tendons. This procedure utilizes cosmetic injections to enhance skin texture and diminish the visibility of wrinkles and other aging indicators. The application of fillers in the back of the hand has proven to be a straightforward and effective approach.
Study on Cosmetic Injections
A recent study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal explored the efficacy of calcium-hydroxyapatite (CaHA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) for hand rejuvenation. In this study, researchers monitored 20 patients suffering from soft tissue loss and visible veins and tendons over a 12-month period. Each patient received 1 cc of CaHA injection in their left hand and 3 cc of HA filler in their right hand, as the costs were comparable. The participants were not informed about which filler was administered to which hand.
To assess the outcomes, researchers utilized a dermascope, biophysical parameters for dermal hydration, the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and the modified Merz Hand Grading Scale (m-MHGS), with follow-ups at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
Results of Volume Restoration
The study’s findings indicated that the GAIS score improved for both hands and remained stable throughout the study duration. Notably, the hands treated with CaHA exhibited more bruising and swelling compared to those injected with HA. Improvements in skin texture and appearance were recorded in both hands, as observed through dermascope assessments. Additionally, HA-injected hands showed a decrease in Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and an increase in average Stratum Corneum Hydration (SCH). Biopsy results confirmed that HA particles persisted for nine months.
In conclusion, the study demonstrated that a single treatment with HA and CaHA cosmetic injections significantly enhanced the appearance of the hands, with HA treatment contributing to improved dermal hydration. Following these injections, the visibility of veins and tendons decreased notably.
Reference
Kim, J. S. (2018). Detailed Sonographic Anatomy of Dorsal Hand Augmentation With Hyaluronidase and Calcium Hydroxyapatite Fillers. Aesthetic Surgery Journal.