Hand Rejuvenation With Fat Transfer: How Is It Done and Who Is It For?

With age, the skin on the back of the hand becomes thinner and the fat beneath it decreases; as a result, veins and tendons may look more prominent. Hand rejuvenation with fat transfer is a procedure that aims to reduce this volume loss by transferring fat taken from the person's own body to the back of the hand. This article explains how the procedure is done, who it is suitable for and what to pay attention to.

How Is It Done?

• Fat is taken with fine cannulas, usually from an area such as the abdomen or thigh.
• The fat is processed to make it suitable for injection.
• The fat is placed on the back of the hand through small entry points with fine cannulas, spreading it evenly.

The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia; sedation may be used if the doctor considers it necessary. There is no incision scar, but there are small entry points where the fat is taken and where it is placed.

Who Is It Suitable For?

It may be considered for people who have volume loss on the back of the hands and prominent veins and tendons, who are in good general health and who have an area from which fat can be taken. Spots and changes on the skin surface of the hands are not corrected by fat transfer; the doctor may recommend separate treatments for these.

After the Procedure

• There may be marked swelling and bruising of the hands for a few days; keeping the hands raised during this period can help reduce swelling.
• Until the swelling settles, hand movements may feel temporarily restricted.
• Bruising and tenderness may also occur where the fat was taken.
• Plan washing, heavy tasks and use of the hands according to your doctor's instructions.

Results and How Long They Last

Part of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body in the first months; the remaining fat tissue stays in place for longer. For this reason, an additional session may be needed to reach the desired result. Because ageing continues, the appearance of the hands may change again over time.

Possible Risks

Prolonged swelling, bruising, surface irregularity or lumps, infection, loss of viability of part of the fat tissue (fat necrosis) and a difference between the two hands may occur. See your doctor if there is increasing pain, redness, warmth, fever, or numbness or colour change in the fingers.

Other Options

Fillers can also be used for volume loss on the back of the hands, and the doctor may recommend different methods for spots and skin quality on the hands. Which method is suitable is decided together at the consultation. With every option, using sunscreen and moisturising the hands regularly helps to maintain their appearance. For information on hand rejuvenation with fillers you can visit our hand filler page.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın