Fat Transfer to the hands

Name: Liposuction & Cosmetic Surgery Institute
Price range: $$

Question 1

What is the problem with aging hands?

Answer

Aging is most commonly seen at the dorsum (back) of our hands and fingers. It begins as volume loss in the soft/fatty tissue on the backs of the hands. As the hand and fingers thin out, a bony and knobby look emerges. Veins, tendons, bones are all on full display. Crepey, wrinkled skin soon follows, and bruises and age spots become more noticeable.

All the gold, silver, diamonds in the world can’t help the look of our hands if the aging process gets the best of the appearance.

Question 2

What is the solution to the aging appearance of the hands?

Answer

Hand rejuvenation via fat transfer is one of the best ways to rejuvenate the hands. Simply put, we take fat from somewhere else in your body, extract it, then inject it back in your hands. The fat is carefully extracted by liposuction, then it is processed, which helps isolate and purify the fat. Then this fat is carefully injected back into the hands where volume is needed. Perhaps the coolest part is this transferred fat doesn’t just add volume, the stem cells located in the purified fat cells can actually help slow the aging process, and in some cases, reverse the signs of aging, by aiding in the creation of new, healthy skin cells.

Dr. Leon Forrester Tcheupdjian, MD, our medical director, is one of the pioneers of post-liposuction fat transfer, and has been doing the procedure since the early 1980s. His book, “Liposuction, New Hope for a New Figure Through the Art of Body Contouring,” was published in 1988 and details this procedure. Micro-liposculpture, followed by high-speed centrifugation, isolates the micro-fat used for re-injection.

Question 3

Why choose fat transfer by injection for aging hands?

Answer

Very little chance for side effects, since the substance used is your own fat cells, which means no foreign substances.
Long lasting results.
Natural looking results.
Can easily combined with other procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing.

Question 4

From where does that fat used for reinjection orignate?

Answer

The easy answer is anywhere you feel you have excess fat. Most times, the fat comes from the abdomen, love handles, thighs, beneath the chin, or the bra pads.

Question 5

Where is fat transfer to the hands done?

Answer

The procedure is completed in one of our private, safe and well-equipped surgical facilities.

Question 6

How long does a fat transfer to the hands procedure take?

Answer

Expect the procedure to take about one hour.

Question 7

What type of anesthesia is used?

Answer

Most of the time, oral sedatives like valium, plus local lidocaine injection is all that’s needed, but general anesthesia may be needed if the initial liposuction is done on a larger scale.

Question 8

Does it hurt afterwards?

Answer

There will be little to know discomfort in the final injection site, but depending on the scope of the initial liposuction procedure where the fat is harvested, there may be some discomfort in the several days following the procedure.

Question 9

How many sessions of the fat transfer are necessary?

Answer

Usually surgical procedures are done only once, but if needed, the procedures may be repeated in a few years.

Question 10

Are there any incisions required with fat transfer to the hands?

Answer

There are no incisions necessary. Usually there are two to four tiny needle entry sites, which will close on their own and require no stitching. Some of the originating sites may require special steri-stripping, but no large, unsightly incisions.

Question 11

When can I resume normal activities?

Answer

Most patients return to normal activities the next day, again, depending on the scope of the original liposuction.

Question 12

What are some of the risks associated with fat transfer to the hands?

Answer

The risks associated with this procedure are very rare and to date we have many happy patients. We have not had a single complication but the risk is universal to all cosmetic procedures, which include temporary discomfort, redness, bruising, swelling, infection, irregular skin, palpable bumps and transient numbness.

Question 13

What does fat transfer to the hands cost?

Answer

Basic fat transfer to the hands, with minimal initial liposuction is usually about $2500. That said, the fees can go up, depending on the scope of the necessary initial liposuction procedure.

Question 14

Are there special splints or hand bandages?

Answer

The back of your hand will be splinted with a soft tape for two days to minimize bruising and swelling. After its removal you will be allowed to shower and wash your hands

Question 15

How do you get rid of sun damage on your hands?

Answer

Special laser skin resurfacing lasers are the best option. These include erbium, pico, CO2 lasers. You can read more about it here: Hand Rejuvenation

Question 16

Are there any skin care after the procedure to protect my hands and extend the life of my results?

Answer

Yes, we recommend Solaris Sheer and Silk Hands, to protect your hands from the sun and keep them moisturized.

Question 17

How long do the results last?

Answer

Since we are injecting your own fat and stem cells, the results should be semi-permanent. However, as you further age, you may notice that you need another treatment several years down the road.

Fat Transfer to the hands