Laser Hand Rejuvenation

The tops of the hands can develop dark pigmented spots caused by everyday sun exposure. These dark spots can prematurely age the hands. Laser skin resurfacing can rejuvenate the tone and texture of the hands by removing irregularly pigmented spots and reducing fine lines.

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The Skinny

avg. recovery: 2 weeks
permanence: Temporary
application: ?
surgical: No
cost: $1000 - $3000

About the Procedure

For individuals who are concerned about the appearance of their hands, there are a number of anti-aging procedures to eliminate dark spots and wrinkles. Fractional laser skin resurfacing can target age spots and fine lines to improve the tone and texture of the hands. Fractional lasers are targeted treatments that focus on precise areas of the skin. Fractional lasers can be either ablative or non-ablative. Non-ablative lasers are non-wounding, and require a series of sessions for gradual improvement of skin discolorations with minor betterment of wrinkling and volume. Ablative lasers are much more aggressive, sometimes requiring as little as one treatment for improvement in complexion and texture. Although both types of lasers can improve the look of bony hands via collagen stimulation, fillers such as Radiesse or fat grating are better suited to enhance volume. Skin elasticity can also be improved with laser resurfacing treatments however a tightening procedure such as Ulthera would elicit better results. Be sure to ask your provider during a consultation which procedure, or combination of procedures, would be best for your unique needs. Depending on the laser used, a topical or local anesthetic may be applied to numb the skin. Some laser devices will have a cooling element built into the hand piece to reduce the discomfort felt by the patient. The laser will then be expertly applied to the treatment area, targeting uneven skin texture, irregular pigmentation, fine lines, and other skin imperfections. The provider will closely monitor the skin to ensure an effective but comfortable session. Once the skin has been thoroughly treated, a soothing serum or ointment will be applied and a bandage may be applied to the skin.

The goal of hand rejuvenation with laser resurfacing is to improve the look of wrinkled and spotted skin while enhancing volume and skin elasticity.

Last Updated: 01.14.2020

What to Expect

Laser skin resurfacing can rejuvenate the tone and texture of the hands by removing irregularly pigmented spots and reducing fine lines. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a laser hand rejuvenation treatment.

Before Treatment

Stop taking blood thinning medications as directed by your provider
Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after treatment
No alcohol 1 week prior
Avoid excessive sun exposure

During Treatment

Topical or local anesthetic
Laser is applied to the treatment area, targeting uneven skin texture, irregular pigmentation, fine lines, and other skin imperfections
Once treated, a serum or ointment will be applied
Bandage may be applied to the skin

Recovery Notes

Recovery time will vary depending on the type of laser used. Ablative laser treatments will require a longer and more involved recovery period whereas a non-ablative treatment is minor. Skin may be temporarily red or swollen. Use cool compressed to alleviate discomfort. Avoid unprotected sun exposure to prevent irregular pigmentation. Let any flaky or scabbed skin heal and fall off naturally.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for laser hand rejuvenation has age spots on the hands and would benefit from improved skin tone and color.

Not Recommended For

Laser hand rejuvenation is not recommended for patients with a history of impaired healing, or for patients with ongoing sun exposure or smoking habits (or exposure to secondhand smoke).

Side Effects

Side effects of laser hand rejuvenation can include flare-ups of the herpes virus, changes in skin color, mild swelling and redness, and rarely can cause blistering and scarring.