In the field of aesthetic medicine, attention has long been focused on the face, overshadowing an area equally revealing of aging : the hands. Skin thinning, prominent veins, pigment spots — the signs of time are inscribed on them with sometimes ruthless honesty.
Today, thanks to medical advances, it is possible to restore the hands to a full, smooth, and youthful appearance without surgery. One of the most effective techniques for achieving this is hyaluronic acid injection. This volumizing and hydrating treatment provides visible, natural, and measurable results from the first session.
This article presents, in a clear and objective manner, the expected results before and after the procedure, offering professional insight into a technique now widely adopted.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in our body, whose main capacity is to retain water and stimulate collagen production. In aesthetic medicine, it is used in injectable gel form to restore lost volume, improve skin hydration, and smooth out irregularities.
On the hands, the role of hyaluronic acid is twofold :
This treatment is intended for patients with fat loss on the back of the hands, very visible veins, mild to moderate skin laxity, loss of radiance, or rough texture.
The before/after results of hyaluronic acid injections in the hands are generally spectacular from the first session, while remaining natural. The most frequently observed benefits are :
The volumizing effect is noticeable immediately after the injections. However, the final result improves over the following days and reaches its full effect after 8 to 10 days, allowing the product to stabilize, integrate with the tissues, and any swelling to subside.
Transient reactions, without affecting the quality of the result, may occur.
It is common to observe, in the hours or days following the procedure, slight swelling, a sensation of skin tension, or bruising at the injection points.
These mild and temporary side effects disappear spontaneously within a few days and do not compromise the final outcome.
The hyaluronic acid used for the hands is generally moderately cross-linked, providing both volumizing and natural effects. On average, results last between 12 and 18 months, depending on the quality of the product used, the patient’s metabolism, sun exposure, and daily activities (manual work, sports).
Annual maintenance helps preserve the result without significant variation. Touch-up injections are performed at 12 months to perfect the outcome or extend the hydrating effect.
Hyaluronic acid is often compared to other techniques, such as pigment laser or mesotherapy. It is essential to clearly distinguish their respective indications :
Thus, for optimal and harmonious hand rejuvenation, a combined approach is often recommended — for example, hyaluronic acid combined with laser treatment or mesotherapy.
However, hyaluronic acid remains the only option capable of truly restoring volume and producing a clearly perceptible structural before/after effect.
A properly treated hand regains a smooth and harmonious appearance, without any artificial swelling. Veins and tendons are less visible, yet not completely erased. The hand maintains its suppleness and natural movement. The skin appears denser, more radiant, with an overall rejuvenated look. The goal is not to transform the hand, but to restore a younger appearance in a discreet and balanced way. The change is real, yet remains subtle to the eye of others..
The volume injected plays a crucial role in the significance of the observed result. Contrary to popular belief, a « successful » injection is not necessarily one that produces a maximal effect, but one that respects the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goal.
One syringe per hand may be sufficient for a light rejuvenation, visible hydration, or maintenance treatment.
With a light injection, the desired effect is often subtle: vein visibility is slightly reduced, hollows partially filled, and the improvement, although visible, remains discreet. This approach is ideal for patients seeking a natural, almost imperceptible result.
With two syringes, the rejuvenation becomes more pronounced, particularly after age 50. Volumes are more fully restored, hollows almost completely filled. The result is visible: the hands appear significantly younger, bony contours disappear, and the skin becomes smoother, softer, and in harmony with the face’s age. This change remains natural.
In rarer cases — very hollow hands, significant asymmetries, or corrections of previous treatments — a larger volume may be necessary. In such cases, the treatment is generally performed in multiple sessions to respect tissue balance and suppleness while ensuring an optimal aesthetic result.
An often underestimated aspect of hand treatment with hyaluronic acid concerns the tactile sensation. The « after » results are not only visible, they are also perceptible to the touch, especially for the patient, as the skin becomes more supple.
After hyaluronic acid injection, the tissues regain their natural capacity to retain water. Deep hydration is restored, significantly improving skin comfort, particularly during winter or after frequent washing.
But the benefits do not stop at hydration. The filling effect also improves skin quality, making it more even, smoother, and more pleasant to the touch. This transformation is noticeable both to the patient and to those around them. Many patients describe this sensation of softness.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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