Conveniently located on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
UNDERSTANDING THE ACCELERATED AGING OF THE HANDS
Aging affects the hands in significant ways, often manifesting as visible signs of wrinkles, thinning skin, loss of volume, and prominent veins. The hands age much faster than the face and other body parts primarily due to their constant exposure to environmental elements such as sunlight, harsh weather conditions, and frequent contact with water and chemicals. This exposure accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to loss of elasticity, firmness, and hydration. Moreover, the hands have fewer oil glands compared to the face, making them more prone to dryness and rough texture over time. As a result, fine lines, age spots, and uneven pigmentation become more noticeable.
FACTORS THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO HAND AGING
The following factors can speed up the effects of aging on the hands:
- Decreased collagen and elastin production: With age, the body’s production of collagen and elastin, which are vital proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin, decreases.
- Environmental elements: Constant exposure to harsh environmental elements such as wind, cold temperatures, and pollution can accelerate the aging process of the hands by causing moisture loss, dryness, and damage to the skin barrier.
- Exposure to UV radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight contributes significantly to hand aging by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.
- Frequent handwashing and chemical exposure: Regular hand washing with harsh soaps and exposure to chemicals in cleaning products, detergents, and other household substances can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its protective barrier.
- Genetics: Some individuals may inherit certain genes that make them more susceptible to premature aging of the skin on their hands.
- Lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, poor nutrition, inadequate hydration, and lack of skincare can exacerbate hand aging.
- Loss of subcutaneous fat: As individuals age, they naturally experience a loss of subcutaneous fat, particularly in the hands, resulting in thinning skin, prominence of veins and tendons, and a bony appearance.
Understanding the various causes of hand aging is essential for Nurse Kelly when developing personalized treatment plans and skincare strategies for her patients. By identifying the specific factors contributing to hand aging in each individual, Nurse Kelly can recommend targeted interventions and preventive measures to maintain youthful-looking hands and minimize the visible signs of aging over time. This may include a combination of medical treatments, skincare products, lifestyle modifications, and sun protection measures tailored to each patient’s unique needs and concerns.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Nurse Kelly offers the following treatment options to address signs of aging in the hands:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels, such as the ZO 3 Step Peel, can effectively address hand aging by promoting exfoliation and skin renewal. The peel contains active ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which penetrate the skin to remove damaged outer layers, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin texture and tone. By encouraging cell turnover and collagen synthesis, chemical peels can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and uneven pigmentation on the hands, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
Fillers
Injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers, can be used to restore volume and plumpness to aging hands. As individuals age, they naturally lose subcutaneous fat, leading to thinning skin and prominent veins and tendons. Fillers can be strategically injected into the hands to replenish lost volume, soften bony prominences, and minimize the visibility of veins and tendons. This results in fuller, more rejuvenated hands with improved contour and a more youthful appearance.
Microneedling
Microneedling, performed with a device like the Dermapen, can effectively address hand aging by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin rejuvenation. The device creates micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response and stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin fibers. This leads to improved skin texture, firmness, and elasticity, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots on the hands. In addition, the treatment enhances the absorption of topical treatments and allows for the delivery of growth factors or serums that further nourish and hydrate the skin.
Skin Boosters
Skin boosters, such as hyaluronic acid-based injections, can help hydrate and rejuvenate aging hands from within. These injectable treatments consist of a gel-like substance that is injected into the deeper layers of the skin, where it attracts and retains moisture, plumps up the skin, and improves its overall texture and appearance. Skin boosters can help address dryness, dullness, and fine lines on the hands, resulting in smoother, more radiant-looking skin. Additionally, they can stimulate collagen production over time, further enhancing the anti-aging effects.
Overall, these treatments offer effective solutions for addressing hand aging by targeting different aspects of the aging process, including volume loss, skin laxity, texture irregularities, and pigmentation changes. Nurse Kelly integrates these treatments into personalized treatment plans for her patients, considering their individual concerns and goals. When combined with a comprehensive skincare regimen and sun protection measures, chemical peels, fillers, microneedling, and skin boosters recommended by Nurse Kelly can help patients achieve smoother, more youthful-looking hands and improve their overall confidence and well-being.
PERSONALIZED MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS AND TREATMENT PLANS
Nurse Kelly conducts a thorough assessment of the patient’s hands, taking into account factors such as skin texture, tone, volume loss, wrinkles, pigmentation changes, and overall skin health. This assessment may involve a visual inspection and discussion with the patient about their concerns and goals regarding hand aging. Nurse Kelly will also review the patient’s medical history, including any relevant medical conditions, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors that may impact hand aging.
Based on the assessment findings, Nurse Kelly will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s individual needs and goals. This plan may include a combination of medical interventions, skincare treatments, lifestyle modifications, and preventive measures to address the specific signs of hand aging identified during the assessment. Nurse Kelly will take into consideration the patient’s preferences, budget, and tolerance for various treatments when designing the plan.
Medical interventions for hand aging may include procedures such as chemical peels, fillers, microneedling, or skin boosters to address volume loss, wrinkles, pigmentation changes, and skin texture irregularities. Nurse Kelly will discuss the potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of each treatment option with the patient to ensure informed decision-making.
LINKS TO TREATMENT OPTIONS
CHEMICAL PEEL |
Peels are a chemical compound applied to the skin that refines pores, improves acne, brightens skin and smooths your complexion. |
FILLERS |
Filler is injected under the skin to mimic collagen, and treat volume loss in areas of the face due to aging. |
MICRONEEDLING |
Microneedling stimulates growth of collagen, leaving you with youthful-looking skin! |
SKIN BOOSTERS |
Skin boosters are advanced cosmetic treatments that involve the injection of hydrating substances. |
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ACNE & BLEMISHES
CHEMICAL PEELS
They are a chemical solution applied to the skin which causes controlled damage to the top skin layers. Chemical peels, such as ZO Peel, stimulate the body’s natural healing process – new skin cells form in the treated area and the old and dead skin cells slough off. This prompts the skin to exfoliate and peel off. Depending on the skin condition, the chemical solution to be used can vary – alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). These acids can help address acne as well as blemishes by stimulating collagen production, unclogging skin pores, reducing inflammation, and dissolving dead skin cells in the treated area.
GENESIS SKIN TREATMENT
Genesis skin, treatment utilizes non-invasive laser technology, specifically the Nd:YAG laser. With this state-of-the-art treatment, it can target the deeper skin layers without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. The laser energy heats different skin layers in a controlled manner, which in turn stimulates collagen production. With increased collagen, enlarged pores shrink and skin inflammation is reduced. Moreover, the laser energy may also target blood vessels to reduce redness associated with acne.
MESOTHERAPY
Mesotherapy treatment with Pluryal, involves the injection of a customized cocktail of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other therapeutic ingredients directly into the middle layer of the skin known as the mesoderm. These ingredients stimulate collagen production and promote skin healing. Over time, the appearance and health of the skin is improved.
MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion with Dermasweep, makes use of a handheld device with a diamond-tipped or crystal-tipped abrasive surface to gently exfoliate the skin. During the treatment, the device is moved across the target area. This process helps to unclog pores and promote cell turnover (formation of new skin cells). As a result, the appearance of visible skin concerns are reduced. In addition, the treatment can also enhance the penetration of skincare products – this means better absorption of substances or ingredients which leads to increased efficacy.
MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling treatment uses Dermapen, a device with fine needles, to create controlled micro-injuries (very tiny wounds) on the skin’s surface. As a result, the body responds by activating the natural wound healing process (skin regeneration and remodeling). In addition, collagen production is increased and new, healthy skin cells form in the treated area. This process significantly reduces acne and blemishes and improves overall skin health.
ZO FACIAL TREATMENTS
ZO facial treatments, utilize a combination of advanced skincare techniques and medical-grade products. These treatments typically involve a series of steps, including cleansing, exfoliation, extraction (if necessary), and application of targeted serums or masks. This combination unclogs skin pores, reduces inflammation, and promotes skin renewal (new, healthy skin cells form in the treated area).
Fast Facts
Who’s it for?
Coolsculpting is indicated for patients with stubborn fat, cellulite, and double chin.
Similar products:
CoolTech, Clatuu.
Celebs who swear by it:
Jennifer Aniston, Kris Jenner, Mariah Carey and Kim Kardashian
Question & Answer
Are there discomforts associated with Coolsculpting?
During the procedure, you may feel sensations of deep pulling, tugging, and pinching as the applicator passes over the treated area. You may also experience cramping, stinging, or tingling sensations. As the freezing applicator delivers controlled cooling, the treated area will temporarily become numb, thus reducing any discomfort.
Will the fat come back after Coolsculpting?
The treatment permanently eliminates the fat cells in the treated area. However, you will still need to maintain a healthy weight after the treatment because significant weight gain can compromise your results.
How long does it take to see Coolsculpting results?
You may begin to notice the results 1 to 3 months after the treatment. However, you will need to wait 4 months to see the final results.
How many Coolsculpting treatments will I need?
The treatment permanently destroys approximately 25% of the exposed fat cells in the treated area but this is enough to produce significant body contouring improvement. While you may benefit from one treatment, you may need two treatment sessions to achieve the best results. The number of treatments you will need will depend on the amount of fat in the target area.
Are there any side effects associated with Coolsculpting?
After the treatment, you may experience mild discomforts such as redness, bruising, numbness, or swelling. You may apply ice packs to the treated area to minimize any discomfort. After 1 to 2 weeks, these discomforts should resolve completely.
Will I lose weight with Coolsculpting?
It is important to keep in mind that the treatment is not a weight loss solution. While Coolsculpting contours the treated area by delivering controlled and precise cooling to the fat cells, you will still need to commit to a healthy lifestyle after the treatment because significant weight gain can compromise your results.
Who are the ideal candidates for Coolsculpting?
The treatment is compatible with all skin types and tones. As long as you are in good overall physical and mental health, the treatment is right for you. However, you are not an ideal candidate for the treatment if you have the following:
- A significant amount of fat in a body area
- Cold agglutinin disease (a red blood cell disorder)
- Cryoglobulinemia (the presence of abnormal proteins in the blood)
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria (a rare blood disorder that attacks red blood cells)
- Unrealistic expectations
How much does Coolsculpting cost?
The total cost will depend on the following factors:
- The practitioner’s fee
- The fee of the clinic or medical facility
- The number of treatment sessions required
- The body area needing treatment
The treatment is cosmetic in nature. This means that the cost of the treatment may not be covered by your insurance. Before the procedure, it is best to consult with your health insurance provider for more information.
References
- Oh, C. H., Shim, J. S., Bae, K. I., & Chang, J. H. (2020). Clinical application of cryolipolysis in Asian patients for subcutaneous fat reduction and body contouring. Archives of plastic surgery, 47(1), 62–69. https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2019.01305. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6976754/.
- McKeown, D. J., & Payne, J. (2021). Significant improvement in body contour with multiple cycles of CoolSculpting: Results of a prospective study. Dermatologic therapy, 34(2), e14850. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14850. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8047906/.
- Lim, T., Ding, S. W., Chua, C. H., & Moey, H. X. (2021). Enhancing the Appearance of the “Six-Pack” Muscles Using Cryolipolysis: A Safe and Effective Method. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 148(4), 775–779. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000008320. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34550933/.
- Putra, I. B., Jusuf, N. K., & Dewi, N. K. (2019). Utilisation of Cryolipolysis among Asians: A Review on Efficacy and Safety. Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences, 7(9), 1548–1554. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6542401/.
- Few, J., Saltz, R., Beaty, M., Kelly, M., Movassaghi, K., Marcus, K. A., Sieber, D., Burns, A. J., & Sangha, S. (2020). Cryolipolysis: Clinical Best Practices and Other Nonclinical Considerations. Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum, 2(2), ojaa010. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojaa010. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7671251/.
- Naeimi, M. et al. (2019) Treatment by cryolipolysis with radio-frequency and ultrasound cavitation combination is no more effective in improving indices of adiposity than radio-frequency and ultrasound cavitation alone, Translational Metabolic Syndrome Research. Elsevier. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588930318300136.
- Suh, D. H., Park, J. H., Jung, H. K., Lee, S. J., Kim, H. J., & Ryu, H. J. (2018). Cryolipolysis for submental fat reduction in Asians. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology, 20(1), 24–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/14764172.2017.1368564. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28850270/.
- Rodopoulou, S., Gavala, M. I., & Keramidas, E. (2020). Three-dimensional Cryolipolysis for Submental and Lateral Neck Fat Reduction. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 8(4), e2789. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002789. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32440449/.
- de Gusmão, P. R., Canella, C., de Gusmão, B. R., Filippo, A. A., & Filippo, G. R. (2020). Cryolipolysis for local fat reduction in adults from Brazil: A single-arm intervention study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 19(11), 2898–2905. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13389. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32281283/.
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