Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery: Aesthetic Enhancements & Reconstructive Care

Hand Rejuvenation Surgery and Recovery

Plastic Surgery: Aesthetic Enhancements & Reconstructive Care

Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

Anesthesia and Patient Comfort

Hand rejuvenation procedures are designed to be minimally invasive and comfortable. For injectables, a high-potency topical anesthetic cream is applied to the dorsal hand for 20 to 30 minutes before the procedure. This numbs the skin surface effectively.

For filler injections, the product itself often contains lidocaine, providing internal numbness as it is administered. When performing fat transfer, local anesthesia is used at both the harvest site and the hand. The goal is to ensure the patient feels pressure, not sharp pain.

  • Application of topical numbing cream
  • Use of lidocaine-containing fillers
  • Local infiltration blocks for fat transfer
  • Use of distraction techniques (vibration)
  • Maintaining patient comfort throughout

Cannula vs. Needle Injection

Modern hand rejuvenation favors the use of blunt-tipped micro cannulas over sharp needles for filler placement. A cannula is a flexible tube with a rounded tip that slides through the tissue rather than cutting it.

This technique significantly reduces the risk of bruising and injury to the veins and tendons. A single entry point is made with a small needle, and the cannula is inserted to distribute the filler evenly across the entire back of the hand. This ensures a smooth, lump-free result with minimal trauma.

  • Single entry point access
  • Reduction of bruising and vascular trauma
  • Uniform distribution of filler material
  • Enhanced safety profile via blunt tip
  • Minimization of tissue dissection
Icon LIV Hospital

Fat Harvesting and Processing

PLASTIC SURGERY

If autologous fat transfer is chosen, the procedure begins with harvesting fat. A small area, usually the abdomen or thigh, is numbed. Gentle liposuction is performed to collect the adipose tissue.

The harvested fat is then processed to remove fluids, blood, and oil, leaving only the pure, viable fat cells. This purification is critical for graft survival. The prepared fat is then injected into the hands using the same cannula technique as synthetic fillers.

  • Gentle liposuction of the donor site
  • Purification and concentration of fat cells
  • Removal of non-viable components
  • Preparation of micro fat grafts
  • Transfer to the dorsal hand.

Laser Delivery Protocols

For resurfacing treatments, the eyes are protected with shields. The laser settings are customized based on the patient’s skin type and specific concerns. The provider delivers the laser energy in a systematic pattern across the hand.

Cooling mechanisms, such as cold air or a chilled tip, are used simultaneously to protect the epidermis and reduce discomfort. The sensation is often described as a rubber band snap. The procedure is quick, typically treating both hands in under 20 minutes.

  • Systematic delivery of laser energy
  • Customization of fluence and pulse width
  • Simultaneous epidermal cooling
  • Targeting of pigment and texture
  • Rapid and efficient treatment session

Immediate Post-Op Massage

After filler or fat injection, the provider performs a vigorous massage of the dorsal hand. This is a critical step to ensure the volume is evenly distributed and does not clump in one area.

The massage molds the material into a smooth layer that effectively covers the veins and tendons. It ensures the contour is natural and free of irregularities. Patients are often instructed on how to perform a gentle massage at home if needed.

  • Molding of the filler material
  • Ensuring even distribution
  • Prevention of lumps and bumps
  • Smoothing of the dorsal contour
  • Integration of volume with tissue

Swelling and Edema Management

Swelling is a typical and expected response to hand injections and laser treatments. The hands are gravity-dependent organs, meaning fluid naturally accumulates there and swelling peaks within 24 to 48 hours typically.

Patients are instructed to keep their hands elevated above heart level as much as possible for the first few days. This simple gravity-assisted drainage significantly reduces edema and throbbing. Avoiding salty foods also helps prevent fluid retention.

    • Expectation of acute edema
    • Elevation of hands above heart level
    • Reduction of hydrostatic pressure
    • Dietary sodium restriction
    • Resolution is typically within one week

Cooling and Ice Application

Applying ice packs to the hands immediately after the procedure helps constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation. Patients are advised to ice their hands for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the first day.

It is essential to use a cloth barrier between the ice and the skin to prevent frostbite, especially if the skin is still numb from anesthesia. Cooling provides both pain relief and swelling control.

  • Intermittent ice application
  • Vasoconstriction to limit bruising.
  • Anti-inflammatory effect
  • Protection of skin from thermal injury
  • Symptomatic relief of discomfort

Activity Restrictions

While there is no strict “bed rest” for hands, functional rest is encouraged. Patients should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or repetitive gripping motions for 24 to 48 hours.

Vigorous activity increases blood pressure and blood flow to the hands, which can exacerbate swelling and bruising. Allowing the hands to rest ensures the filler settles properly and the tissue heals without unnecessary stress.

  • Avoidance of heavy lifting (>5 lbs)
  • Restriction of strenuous cardiovascular exercise
  • Limitation of repetitive hand motions
  • Prevention of increased blood pressure
  • Promotion of undisturbed healing

Post-Procedure Wound Care

For injectable treatments, the entry points are tiny and usually heal within a day. Patients are instructed to keep them clean and avoid applying makeup or lotions for 24 hours to prevent infection.

For laser resurfacing, the skin may be red and sensitive. Gentle cleansing and the application of a bland moisturizer or healing ointment are recommended. Sun protection is strictly enforced to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

  • Hygiene of injection entry points
  • Avoidance of topical irritants
  • Gentle cleansing protocols for laser
  • Application of barrier repair ointments
  • Strict UV avoidance measures

Pain Management

Post-procedural pain is typically mild. Most patients manage comfortably with over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are often avoided for the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of bruising.

If fat transfer was performed, the donor site may feel sore, similar to a workout ache. Severe pain in the hands is rare and should be reported to the provider immediately, as it could indicate a complication.

  • Use of acetaminophen for analgesia
  • Avoidance of blood-thinning NSAIDs initially
  • Management of donor site soreness
  • Monitoring for disproportionate pain
  • Expected mild tenderness

Monitoring for Complications

Patients are educated on the signs of potential complications. These include excessive pain, skin blanching (turning white), or mottled discoloration, which could indicate vascular occlusion (a blocked blood vessel).

While rare, vascular occlusion is a medical emergency. Patients are provided with a direct contact line to the clinic and instructed to seek immediate attention if these signs occur. Early intervention can reverse the issue and prevent tissue damage.

  • Education on vascular occlusion signs
  • Monitoring for skin color changes
  • Reporting of excessive pain
  • Provision of emergency contact protocols
  • Importance of rapid intervention

30
Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical expertise and hospitality to every individual who walks through our doors.  

Book a Free Certified Online Doctor Consultation

Doctors

Table of Contents

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I wash my hands after the procedure?

Yes, you can wash your hands gently with mild soap and water immediately after the procedure. Avoid scrubbing the injection sites or using hot water for the first 24 hours. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

Significant swelling usually lasts for 2 to 3 days. Residual mild swelling can persist for up to two weeks. Removing rings and keeping your hands elevated will help the swelling resolve faster.

Small lumps can sometimes be felt after filler injections. They often resolve on their own as the filler integrates. If a lump is visible or bothersome after the swelling goes down (about 2 weeks), your provider can massage it out or dissolve it.

You should wait at least one week before getting a manicure. This allows the injection sites to close completely and prevents the risk of infection from salon tools or chemicals.

Yes, bruising is common with hand injections because the hands have many veins. The bruising is usually mild and resolves within 7 to 10 days. Using Arnica gel can help speed bruise healing

Spine Hospital of Louisiana

Let's Talk About Your Health

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

Contact Us to Get Information!

Contact
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)