ADDRESSING WRINKLES BEYOND THE FACE

Equally important and deserving of attention are wrinkles on the hands and feet, which are increasingly concerning many people. Shriyal Sethumadhavan connects with dermatologists to showcase some of the most effective treatments available for addressing wrinkles in these areas.

As the demand for anti-ageing treatments continues to surge, it is not just the face that is getting attention. Wrinkles on the hands and feet are becoming an increasing concern for many people, as these areas are often neglected but can reveal one’s true age. According to market research, the global anti-ageing market is projected to reach $83.2 billion by 2027, with a growing focus on non-invasive treatments for areas such as the neck, hands, and feet. With a need for greater awareness of these treatments, the industry is ripe for innovative solutions to tackle wrinkles in all areas of the body. Highlighting the importance to address the appearance of wrinkles on the hands and feet as part of an overall antiageing treatment plan, Dr Soma Sarkar, Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, Dr Soma’s Aesthetic Clinic & Academy, says, “We only concentrate on face, but hands and feet are equally important as we use our hands for gestures and pictures too. The hands and feet are a part of one’s personality. Beautiful hands talk about being more aesthetic and attractive too.”

EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS

While there are various treatment options available to reduce wrinkles on the hands and feet, such as injectables, lasers, and topical treatments, dermatologists play a crucial role in creating awareness and educating their patients on the best options for their individual needs. Keeping patients informed about the latest advancements in anti-ageing treatments can help them make more informed decisions about their skincare, ultimately leading to better outcomes and greater satisfaction with their results.

Elaborating on some of the most effective treatments for hands and feet, Dr Ami Shah, Dermatologist, Shah Skin Clinic and Laser Center, says, “To take care of this area (the hands and feet), anti-ageing creams such as retinol in high concentration, moisturisers and sunscreens definitely work. There are also treatments in the clinic that work more effectively such as skin tightening devices, to some extent RF, but most importantly what works is injectables. We inject hyaluronic acid into the skin of the hands (most commonly done) and when we are taking care of the feet as well.” She adds that there are skin boosters that provide cross linked and non-cross linked hyaluronic acid, which help to improve the hydration and the overall texture and elasticity of the hands and feet. Apart from injectables, patients can opt for chemical peels in a little higher concentration and also Q-switch lasers, which again stimulate collagen, and help to improve the texture and condition of the skin of the hands and feet.

When it comes to treating wrinkles on the hands and feet, a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t do. As a dermatologist, it is essential to tailor your treatment recommendations to the unique needs and concerns of each patient. This requires a careful assessment of a variety of factors, such as the severity of the wrinkles, the patient’s age and overall health, their skin type and tone, and any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the appearance of wrinkles.

On her part, Dr Padmavathi Surapaneni, Dermatologist & Cosmetologist, Pragna Skin and Laser Clinic, considers the hands and feet as the most neglected areas of selfcare. She highlights, “Wrinkles on the hands and feet are often caused by the loss of collagen and elastin that comes with ageing, resulting in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, the loss of youthful fullness in the hands can lead to the visibility of veins and lax skin.” She adds that chemical peels can help rejuvenate the ageing skin. Collagen stimulating lasers like fractional CO2, erbium yag and fractional sublative radiofrequency can help reduce fine lines and improve the texture. Dermal fillers are the mainstay to improve the fullness and get back youthful hands and feet. Hyaluronic acid boosters can improve the hydration and rejuvenate. Bioremodulators are new and promising.

MANAGING RISKS IN PRACTICE

As with any medical treatment, there could be potential risks and side effects associated with anti- ageing treatments for the hands and feet.

As Dr Anuya Anil Manerkar, Consultant Dermatologist,

Panache, shares, “Hypersensitivity, edema, bruising, Tyndall effect and Intravascular accidents are some of the common issues we come across in these indications.” She adds that maintaining the plane of injection, injecting with blunt cannulas as opposed to sharp needles, selection of the right product based on the need of the patient, use of injection hyaluronidase, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents to sort out the issue in case of an accident. But she reiterates “prevention by taking the right steps with caution is always the best approach to deliver good and satisfactory treatment outcomes.”

Educating patients and making them aware of the benefits and potential risk associated with these treatments is also crucial.

Today, a positive aspect is that patients, particularly women, have become increasingly aware of the effects of ageing on different body parts, including intimate areas, highlights Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Yavana Aesthetics Clinic. “While this awareness may still be limited, when patients come to us seeking face treatments, we often advise them that their hands and feet can give away their true age. Once this idea is planted in their minds, some do consider exploring related treatments.” She shares her approach, which involves educating patients about the ageing process – how bone, fat, nerves, and veins change with age, and how this can manifest in prominent veins and lax skin on the hands,

and darkened, dry skin on the feet. “To this end, we show them before-and-after images of treatments we offer in these areas. If a patient expresses interest, we develop a comprehensive 360-degree plan for their individual needs, taking into account multiple layers of treatment. We provide detailed counselling on the treatment process, such as the type of filler we use, how it behaves in the skin, expected downtime, potential side-effects, and follow-up care.”

Regular follow-up appointments help ensure the patient achieves the desired outcome. And education and communication are key in helping patients make informed decisions about anti-ageing treatments.

MEASURING SUCCESS WITH FOLLOW-UP CARE

Developing a comprehensive plan that is tailored to the patient’s unique needs and concerns is vital. And one of the ways for dermatologists to measure the success of anti-ageing treatments for the hands and feet could be based on individual goals and expectations.

For Dr Shefali Trasi-Nerurkar, MD Skin, Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Trasi’s Clinic and La Piel, the success of anti-ageing treatments for hands and feet can be determined by: the quality of skin, wrinkling of skin, loss of fat making the hand bones and veins prominent, and skin colour. “When anti-ageing procedures are performed on the skin, all these criteria should be satisfied. A good rejuvenated hand should be well hydrated, without any tan and the hollows in between the hand bones should be lessened or completely disappeared,” she adds. Sharing her advice with practitioners who are incorporating antiaging treatments for the hands and feet into their practice, Dr Rupali Pavaskar, Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Trichologist, Dr Rupali Pavaskar’s Clinic & Transforme Dermo-Cosmetic

Center, says, “Advising patients to care for their hands and feet along with the face is important since a day comes when face looks younger while the extremities reveal the true age.” She suggests following a comprehensive anti-ageing routine that includes the hands, feet, and other larger body areas is essential for maintaining a youthful appearance. It can help achieve long-term results. “Additionally, incorporating moisturising butters and sunscreens for larger body areas is crucial. For the feet, using a salicylic or glycolic acid-based moisturizer with socks for 30 minutes can provide the best results.” By taking these steps, patients can enjoy a more youthful and radiant appearance throughout their body.