When people want to look more youthful, they’ll often turn to facial plastic surgery, which makes sense. The face is the first part of the body people notice in each other and the first part of the body to show signs of aging (i.e., wrinkles and crevices). However, your hands are also visible for the world to see. As you age, the underlying layer of fat in your hands becomes depleted, which causes the veins, joints, tendons and bones in your hands to become more prominent and may make you appear older than you really are.
Fortunately, there is a new, non-invasive treatment that can restore youthfulness and fullness to the hands called Restylane® Lyft. Previously approved only as a facial cosmetic, Restylane Lyft recently received FDA approval for use on hands, making it the first injectable of its kind to be approved for use outside the face.
The Restylane dermal filler is composed of a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in our own skin. The natural form of hyaluronic acid has the capacity to attract and hold vast amounts of moisture. Amazingly, about one gram of the stuff can hold up to 6 liters of water. As an added bonus, it also protects skin against environmental assault from sun and pollution. However, as we age we produce less and less hyaluronic acid.
The synthetic form of hyaluronic acid used in Restylane Lyft is a biodegradable gel that is completely compatible with the human body. The Restylane Lyft injection is a quick and easy procedure that takes about 15 minutes and can be done right in the doctor’s office. Dr. Fodero performs a subcutaneous injection, which means that the filler is injected fully underneath the skin but above the connective tissue that covers tendons, bones, vessels, and nerves. Dr. Fodero uses an ultrafine needle to minimize any discomfort during the procedure and will use a topical anesthetic if requested.
The results are nearly immediate, and best of all, it requires absolutely no recovery or downtime. You can return to your normal routine upon leaving the office. Another benefit of the injection is how it can complement other plastic surgery procedures. For example, if someone has had a facelift and now has a younger facial appearance, then the Restylane Lyft injection is an easy way to have youthful looking hands to match the revitalized look of the face.
A study commissioned by the manufacturer of Restylane showed that a single treatment typically lasts for six months. Therefore, for best results, patients should receive their injections roughly every six months. Side effects of the procedure include mild swelling, tenderness and itching, and typically last just a day or two.
Although the procedure is quick and easy, it is still important that you speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Fodero to ensure that Restylane Lyft is right for you. You can also ask about other tools in the Restylane family like Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne, which helps correct deep lines and facial wrinkles; or Restylane Silk, which is specifically formulated for lips.
Northeastern Plastic Surgery understands your desire for a beautiful, youthful looking body and facial appearance. We use the latest plastic surgery techniques to perform a variety of surgical procedures. Dr. Fodero and the staff are very friendly, helpful, and available to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
