Hand rejuvenation with fat grafting: A 12-year single-surgeon experience

Hand Rejuvenation Using Autologous Fat Grafting: A Systematic Review of Recommended Doses, Complications, and Patient Satisfaction

INTRODUCTION

Hand rejuvenation addresses aging-related changes such as subcutaneous fat loss, skin degradation, and photodamage. Autologous fat transfer (AFT) has emerged as a promising treatment, offering durable volume augmentation and regenerative effects. This study aims to systematically review the evidence on the techniques, outcomes, and complications of AFT for hand rejuvenation.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, searching databases such as MEDLINE, SCOPUS, DOAJ, and PUBMED from inception to April 2024. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting on hand rejuvenation using fat grafting, including randomized clinical trials, observational studies, case reports, and case series. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by multiple reviewers blindly.

RESULTS

Eleven studies published between 2001 and 2019 were included, comprising 303 patients with a strong female predominance. Study designs varied, with three randomized clinical trials, seven case series, and one prospective study. High satisfaction rates were consistently reported, with complications being generally infrequent and minor. Various fat grafting techniques were employed, with manual aspiration being the predominant fat harvesting method. Follow-up periods ranged from 5 to 38 months, facilitating thorough evaluation of treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

AFT for hand rejuvenation is effective and safe, offering high patient satisfaction and minimal complications. Long-term fat retention and regenerative effects of adipose-derived stem cells contribute to success. However, fat graft resorption may require multiple treatments. Future research should standardize assessment tools, volumetrically measure graft resorption, and conduct high-quality trials to optimize protocols.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Hand Rejuvenation by Autologous Fat Grafting in Post-Hansen's Hand Atrophy: Aesthetic and Psychological Implications

Introduction  Contemporary medical science has been using fat grafting in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, consistently achieving successful outcomes. Hansen's disease, caused by Mycobacterium leprae , leads to hand deformities due to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in soft-tissue atrophy, volume loss, and compromised hand function. Tendon transfer surgery is a common remedy for functionality, but it often does not address aesthetic concerns and the patient's psychological impact of living with an atrophic hand. Autologous fat grafting can effectively address these concerns. Materials and Methods  This prospective study evaluates the efficacy of fat grafting for hand rejuvenation in patients with Hansen's disease posttendon transfer surgery, focusing on aesthetic and psychological outcomes. We recorded data from 12 patients who underwent the procedure between 2015 and 2024. Using the Coleman technique, fat was harvested from the paraumbilical region of the abdomen and injected into various hand regions. Results  Autologous fat grafting showed high patient satisfaction with significant improvements in hand contour, skin texture, and psychological health. The benefits of the procedure included improved self-esteem, enhanced quality of life, reduced social stigma, and psychological well-being. Conclusion  Autologous fat grafting is a safe and effective technique for hand rejuvenation in patients with Hansen's disease, after functional treatment addressing both physical deformities and their psychological impacts. It could be considered one of the components in the comprehensive management of Hansen's disease-related hand deformities, significantly enhancing patients' overall quality of life.

Fat transplant: Amazing growth and regeneration of cells and rebirth with the miracle of fat cells

BACKGROUNDS AND OBJECTIVE

During fat transplantation, adipose tissue is removed from the body and injected into different areas under the skin. The goal of this review article is to look into the efficacy and applicability of fat transplantation in regenerative medicine and rejuvenation, including Nanofat, Microfat, and Millifat.

METHODS

As a search strategy and study selection, we searched the PubMed and Medline databases until 2023 using related keywords (e.g., Nanofat, Microfat and Millifat, Regenerative Medicine, and Rejuvenation).

RESULTS

Autologous fat transplantation has no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection of the transplant by the individual. Autologous adipose tissue is considered an ideal filler for facial rejuvenation and is suggested as the most biocompatible and non-immunogenic skin filler. Adipose tissue transplant may have semi-permanent to permanent effects. According to recent reports, adipose tissues possess a high percentage of mature stem cells. The effect of regenerating adipose tissue and its intrinsic cells can be described as an obvious process. Variations in the sizes of adipose tissues can result in different results depending on the surgical site. Based on topographic assessment, graft fats are assigned depending on the anatomical locations and the size such as Millifat (2-2.5 mm), Microfat (1 mm), and Nanofat (500 μm or less).

CONCLUSION

Some characteristics of fat tissue increase its effectiveness, such as increasing stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, and compounds effective in repair, regeneration, and rejuvenation.

Revitalizing Hands: A Comprehensive Review of Anatomy and Treatment Options for Hand Rejuvenation

Dorsal hand rejuvenation is gaining popularity as a solitary procedure and adjunct to face and neck rejuvenation treatments. As the hands age, the skin loses elasticity and becomes more translucent, the veins, joints, and tendons appear more prominent, and the bones become more noticeable. These changes are due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Current treatment methods include the injection of dermal fillers and autologous fat grafting. Anatomic studies to ensure the successful implementation of rejuvenation procedures identified three separate fascial layers in the dorsum, from superficial to deep. More recent re-evaluations revealed a less distinct, inseparable, sponge-like fascial layer. All authors agree that the superficial dermal layer is probably the optimal location for the injection of volumizing materials because it is free of anatomical structures. Many methods for harvesting, preparing, and injecting fat grafts to the dorsum of the hand have been described in the past three decades. Both filler and fat-graft procedures are performed on an ambulatory basis under local anesthesia. Good results with low postoperative and long-term complication rates and high patient satisfaction have been reported.

LGBTQ+ Perspective in Hand Surgery: Surgeon and Patient

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) individuals and patients face high levels of discrimination both in the workplace and in the clinic setting, with more than 25% of LGBTQ+ people experiencing discrimination in the workplace due to their sexual orientation. Hand Surgery stands to continue to advance by encouraging the brightest students into the field no matter their background. LGBTQ+ patients also have specific needs within the field of Hand Surgery, where we are uniquely positioned to treat them or guide them by being well versed in the needs of the community.

Combination Approaches to Hand Rejuvenation: A Review of the Literature and Discussion

BACKGROUND

Various noninvasive/minimally invasive modalities for hand rejuvenation exist, and the efficacy and safety of these procedures as both monotherapy and same-day procedures is increasingly being studied.

OBJECTIVE

To review data on the efficacy and safety of hand rejuvenation modalities and suggest a practical combination approach for these procedures.

METHODS

The PubMed database was queried for peer-reviewed articles regarding hand rejuvenation techniques, including chemical peels, laser and light sources, sclerotherapy, autologous fat transfer, and injectable volumetric fillers.

RESULTS

Chemical peels have been studied the least, with most studies evaluating the use of fillers and laser/light-based devices. Most studies reported overall good results with high patient satisfaction. Satisfaction rates were lower in laser/light-based treatments compared with other modalities. Transient erythema, edema, or pain after procedures was common; most studies did not report serious postprocedure complications. Importantly, there was no significant increase in adverse effects after same-day procedures.

CONCLUSION

Using same-day procedures allows practitioners to address hand rejuvenation from different aspects, seems to improve outcomes, and reduces time spent in the office for patients. The authors suggest a practical framework for combining cosmetic approaches to achieve the most optimal outcome for hand rejuvenation.

Autologous Fat Grafting in the Upper Extremity: Defining New Indications

Autologous fat grafting is a commonly used technique in plastic surgery that can also be applied broadly in hand surgery. We present a case series to demonstrate the diverse indications for fat grafting in hand surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cases of fat grafting in the upper extremity in 2020. Cases representing a unique application of fat grafting were identified. Patient data, including demographics, diagnoses, preoperative and postoperative assessments, complications, patient satisfaction, and surgical operative reports, were recorded.

Results

Five patients representing distinct indications for autologous fat grafting in the upper extremity were identified. Indications included hand rejuvenation (20.0%), burn/scar management (20.0%), tenolysis (20.0%), revision nerve decompression (20.0%), and carpometacarpal joint arthritis (20.0%). Average patient age was 60.4 years (range, 42-71). Average volume of fat injected was 15.2 ml (range, 1-37 ml). No major complications were noted (0.0%). All patients expressed satisfaction with their overall result with good functional outcomes (100%).

Conclusions

Autologous fat grafting can be applied broadly in hand surgery. Indications for fat grafting in hand surgery include hand rejuvenation, burn/scar management, tenolysis, revision nerve decompression, and thumb carpometacarpal arthritis. Hand surgeons can easily incorporate fat grafting into their daily practice. Current literature supports fat grafting as a viable technique in hand surgery with lower-level studies.

Autologous fat transfer for hand rejuvenation: systematic review on technique and outcome

Background

Age-related changes to the dorsum of the hand present as dyschromia, soft-tissue atrophy, and volume loss, resulting in wrinkles and prominent deep structures. Volume augmentation by means of autologous fat transfer (AFT) is one of the options to rejuvenate the hand; theoretically, autologous fat is the ideal filler because of durability and biocompatibility.

Objective

This systematic review aims to summarize and describe the current evidence on the technique, effectiveness, and safety of AFT in hand rejuvenation.

Methods

Three major databases, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, were systematically searched up to November 2020 for studies reporting on AFT and hand rejuvenation.

Results

A total of 10 articles were included, reporting on a total of 320 patients treated by AFT to improve the aesthetic appearance of the dorsum of the hand. Some degree of postoperative oedema was present in nearly all patients. Other complications were infection (0.67%), cysts/irregularities (1.3%), temporary dysesthesia (5.3%), and ecchymosis (7%). There were no major complications. Of all patients, 97.6% self-reported to be satisfied with the result.

Conclusions

Overall, by combining the current evidence, AFT is considered a promising and safe technique to rejuvenate the aging hand with very high patient satisfaction. Future research, using validated patient questionnaires, objective volumetric measurements, and longer follow-up, is needed to confirm these results.

Level of Evidence

3

Hand Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review of Techniques, Outcomes, and Complications

BACKGROUND

Hand rejuvenation is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure for hand atrophy and aging. The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the techniques, outcomes, and complications of surgical hand rejuvenation.

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken using a computerized search. Publication descriptors, methodological details, techniques, outcomes, and complications were extracted. Articles were assessed using the MINORS and Cochrane instruments.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies were included. Most studies were published in the last five years (51.6 percent) and were prospective case series (35.5 percent). The mean age of patients was 56 (range 21-82), while the mean sample size was 47 (range 10-220). The most commonly examined interventions were Radiesse (32.2 percent) and fat grafting (32.2 percent). Major complications were not observed in any study, while minor complications such as edema and pain were temporary. Injection techniques varied, however, the proximal to distal fanning technique and using a cannula was associated with a lower risk of complications. Both Radiesse and fat grafting had robust long-term esthetic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand rejuvenation is a safe and efficacious surgical intervention to reduce dorsal hand atrophy. Further studies are needed to compare the long-term outcomes of common interventions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Use of an Autologous Diced Cartilage Graft and Fat Graft Combination to Improve Regeneration in Rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND

In rhinoplasty, many techniques are used to increase the permanence of the planned final shape of the nose. Cartilage grafts can be diced and applied directly to the nasal dorsum, or by wrapping with a material. We aim to show that mixing and using diced cartilage grafts with fat grafts can contribute to the viability of cartilage grafts by comparing our early postoperative and long-term results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 228 cases were analyzed. Postoperative 1-month, 6-month, and 1.5-year photographs of the patients were compared and the places that descended on the nasal dorsum were measured. In addition, dorsal height was measured and compared. Preoperative and postoperative first-year rhinoplasty outcome evaluation scales were performed. Specimens from 6 patients were examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

After the first month, the mean regression in the dorsum was measured as 1.4 mm. The decrease in dorsal height between 1 month and 6 months was significantly greater than the decrease between 6 months and late periods. According to the rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) scale, the average preoperative score of the patients was 45, while the mean postoperative score was 81.5. The viability of chondrocyte cells was measured as 85-90% histopathologically.

CONCLUSION

This approach has been evaluated as an application that satisfies both the surgeon and the patient due to the advantages of fat grafts such as preventing the cartilage and osteotomy lines from being palpated in thin-skinned patients, holding the diced cartilage grafts together by acting as a glue, increasing the viability of cartilage grafts.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Nanofat: A therapeutic paradigm in regenerative medicine

Adipose tissue is a compact and well-organized tissue containing a heterogeneous cellular population of progenitor cells, including mesenchymal stromal cells. Due to its availability and accessibility, adipose tissue is considered a "stem cell depot." Adipose tissue products possess anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory effects. Nanofat, being a compact bundle of stem cells with regenerative and tissue remodeling potential, has potential in translational and regenerative medicine. Considering the wide range of applicability of its reconstructive and regenerative potential, the applications of nanofat can be used in various disciplines. Nanofat behaves on the line of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. At the site of injury, these stromal cells initiate a site-specific reparative response comprised of remodeling of the extracellular matrix, enhanced and sustained angiogenesis, and immune system modulation. These properties of stromal cells provide a platform for the usage of regenerative medicine principles in curbing various diseases. Details about nanofat, including various preparation methods, characterization, delivery methods, evidence on practical applications, and ethical concerns are included in this review. However, appropriate guidelines and preparation protocols for its optimal use in a wide range of clinical applications have yet to be standardized.

Dorsal Hand Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Dorsal hand appearance undergoes changes with aging. Grading systems have been designed to provide numerical scores to dorsal hand appearance. Various modalities have been utilized to improve the aesthetic appearance and rejuvenate the dorsal hand.

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched for articles investigating dorsal hand rejuvenation. Studies were grouped by method including fat grafting, injectable filler, laser/light-based treatments and miscellaneous treatments. Treatment protocols and outcomes were compiled along with patient information and complications.

RESULTS

Forty-six articles were identified for inclusion. This included 9 studies of fat grafting procedures, 20 studies of injectable filler, 10 studies of laser/light-based treatments and 7 miscellaneous. Most studies showed overall good results with high patient satisfaction. Satisfaction rates were lower in laser/light-based treatments compared with the other modalities. The average patient age for included studies ranged from 41.5 to 69. Across all studies, 96.8% of patients were female and 3.2% male.

CONCLUSIONS

Procedures for dorsal hand rejuvenation in the literature include procedures to address volume atrophy and superficial wrinkling. These procedures are overall safe with most studies reporting no complications or only mild adverse events. With high satisfaction rates and anecdotal reports of increasing patient interest, these procedures represent a developing area in aesthetic surgery likely to continue increasing in popularity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Autologous Fat Grafting in Hand Surgery

Autologous fat grafting is commonly used in plastic and reconstructive surgery, but its indications are less well known in the hand surgery literature. Autologous fat grafting is frequently used for its anti-inflammatory, proangiogenic, and regenerative properties, which can be useful in treating the hand and upper extremity. We present a summary of the current literature on autologous fat grafting in the hand and upper extremity and discuss the applications, outcomes, techniques, safety, and level of evidence.

A Review of Hand Feminization and Masculinization Techniques in Gender Affirming Therapy

INTRODUCTION

Anatomical characteristics that are incongruent with an individual's gender identity can cause significant gender dysphoria. Hands exhibit prominent dimorphic sexual features, but despite their visibility, there are limited studies examining gender affirming procedures for the hands. This review is intended to cover the anatomical features that define masculine and feminine hands, the surgical and non-surgical approaches for feminization and masculinization of the hand, and to adapt established aesthetic hand techniques for gender affirming care.

METHODS

The authors performed a comprehensive database search of PubMed, Embase OVID and SCOPUS to identify articles on the characterization of masculine or feminine hands, hand treatments related to gender affirmation, and articles related to techniques for hand masculinization and feminization in the non-transgender population.

RESULTS

From 656 possibly relevant articles, 42 met the inclusion criteria for the current literature search. There is currently no medical literature specifically exploring the surgical or non-surgical options for hand gender affirmation. The available techniques for gender affirming procedures discussed in this paper are appropriated from those more commonly used for hand rejuvenation.

CONCLUSION

There is a dearth of literature addressing the options for transgender individuals seeking gender affirming procedures of the hand. Though established procedures used for hand rejuvenation may be utilized in gender affirming care, further study is required to determine relative salience of various hand features to gender dysphoria in transgender patients of various identities, as well as development of novel techniques to meet these needs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. .

Autologous fat grafting in the treatment of a scleroderma stump-skin ulcer: a case report

Here we describe the case of a 60‐year‐old-woman with systemic sclerosis sent to our Scleroderma Unit to treat digital stumps. The stumps were successfully treated with autologous fat grafting (crown-shape infiltration). Our technique of autologous lipotransfer improved wound healing in a scleroderma patient with stump-digital ulcers where all other options failed.

Fat Grafting for Hand Rejuvenation

The hands are one of the most visible parts of the body, and prominent dorsal veins and extensor tendons are the most readily recognized signs of the aging process. Fat grafting has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective method of hand rejuvenation by restoration of subcutaneous fat. Despite some variability in the technical approach, fat grafting techniques are consistent in their use of low-pressure injection with standard cannula sizes, small aliquots of graft, and a total volume of graft greater than or equal to 15 mL per hand. While distribution of the fat is an area of debate and a topic of active research, published studies have shown high patient satisfaction rates, suggesting that perhaps the restoration of volume alone is paramount. In this article, we will review the applications of fat grafting to the hand, focusing primarily on its role in hand rejuvenation.

The 5-Step Filler Hand Rejuvenation: Filling with Hyaluronic Acid

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Many patients are pursuing simultaneous facial and hand rejuvenation with the latter receiving increased interest in recent years. Various materials have been purported to rejuvenate the hands including fat, calcium hydroxyapatite, and hyaluronic fillers. Despite the seemingly ubiquitous use of fillers, the Food and Drug Administration has approved only a select number for hand rejuvenation. This year, Restylane Lyft (Galderma, Texas) became the first hyaluronic acid filler to garner Food and Drug Administration approval for hand rejuvenation. The purpose of this video plus article was to demonstrate the technical nuances in administering hyaluronic filler in a safe and effective manner as it relates to hand rejuvenation.