Being that I’ve declared 2016 the year I take charge of my beauty routine — I’ve been busy taking stock of my body ( both inside and out). I stopped eating meat and I SWEAR I’ve lost three pounds. I ceased using acne cream (on the advice of my 14 year old daughter who told me it was “drying my skin out” and then she proceeded to share her moisturizer with me!) and I’ve been considering testing the waters and opting for small cosmetic procedures that won’t keep me from posting pictures on The Gram due to heavy sedation.
And it was just recently when I noticed my hands– and how they are looking more and more like my Bubbie’s hands and well I thought– WHY do I have to live with these veiny old lady hands? The fact of the matter is that as we age the veins in our hands become more prominent because of the loss of some of the natural collagen filler that gives your skin that youthful appearance. While I know there are many procedures that can help the face regain that youthful appearance including injectable fillers that fill the skin and minimize volume loss what is being done for the hands? Are the same procedures used on the hands or is it a different area that must be treated differently?
And lucky for me there’s been some very exciting cosmetic developments when it comes to revitalizing our skin in a non surgical manner with few side effects and little downtime. When it comes to the hands the recent approval of Radiesse for hands is a TOTAL GAME CHANGER! This biostimulatory filler allows skin in the hands to produce its own collagen and regain that youthful appearance.
So just how does it work?
Radiesse for hands is injected through a fine needle and placed under the skin. Immediately the filler works to treat volume loss in the hands. Treating the hands with Radiesse is a simple and quick procedure that can usually be completed in 10 minutes. Radiesse provides an immediate volumizing effect and can help to reduce the prominence of tendons and veins in the hands, delivering smooth natural looking results that can last up to one year..98% of people treated with Radiesse in the hands reported improvement in 3 months and more than 86% after one year.
Still because I want to know as much as I can before I undergo any procedures I discussed this skin treatment with Dr. Mary Lupo, a dermatologist based in New Orleans, LA. who provided some great insight into this cosmetic procedure for hands.
1. In general, what is the appeal of injectables to the average consumer?
Quick results with little to no downtime. Natural results with the right physician.
2. How do fillers differ from other types of injectables?
There are really two broad categories of injectables: fillers and neuromodulators. The former fill, lift. The latter relax dynamic wrinkles from muscle movement.
3. What is the difference between the types of fillers?
Fillers are made from various materials: hyaluronic acid is the most common and popular. HA is hydrophilic and reversible if needed. Immediate response that gradually diminishes, but regular injections can lead to fibroblast stimulation and collagen production. PLLA is poly L lactic acid. It is a biostimulatory and gradually stimulates new collagen over time. CaHA is calcium hydroxyl apetite. Another biostimulatory filler newly FDA approved as the only filler FDA approved for hand atrophy. PMMA: poly methyl methacrolate, a permanent filler that is for acne scars.
4. In your opinion, what are the most exciting injectable innovations from this past year?
The FDA approval of Radiesse for hands; Restylane Silk for non-volumizing lip enhancement, and Bellafil for acne scars
5. As a dermatologist, which have you seen the best results with/which ones are your favorite and why?
I use all fillers as I feel each has a unique niche. My favorite filler is the one each patient needs that day, for that need
6. What can a patient expect after this treatment, will it significantly reduce lines, wrinkle and sagging skin?
With regular and cumulative use, all fillers can give natural improvement of the aging face.
7. Can you use an injectable to fix the appearance of body parts other than the face?
The hands and chest are two areas popular for off-face improvement with fillers Can a filler help with the look of protruding veins on the hand? Yes. Radiesse is opaque to conceal prominent veins and tendons of the hands, making them look less skeletal.
8. Do injectables help diminish the age spots on the hand?
No. Lasers do that.
9. What’s important to know/keep in mind before getting an injectable treatment?
Reasonable expectations. Best results are achieved with a series of injections over a few weeks, rather than a large amount at one time.
10. How long will the results of fillers last?
Varies from filler to filler and the location, but months-2 years are possible
11. Are there any side effects?
Yes. Bruising, swelling, temporary lumpiness are the most common.
I don’t about you- but I am READY to bid adieu to my Bubbie’s hands in 2015 and ready to welcome 2016 with Radiesse for hands !
I need to try this! Doesn’t sound too scary either!