How successful are fat transplants to the hands?

Some 35 years ago I got tired of surgeons telling me that fat does not last. So I injected one hand with fat and waited 2 years. You could tell the difference across the room. Go to an experienced fat injector and u should be very happy.

This is a very rewarding procedure. It improves the appearance of the aging hand by decreasing the show of bones, tendons, and veins on the back of the hand. I place between 10-15 cc per hand. Common donor sites are the knees, thighs, love handles, and tummy. Not much fat is needed for this procedure.  The recovery is only a day or so. 

   Fat grafting is a reasonable form of treatment, although hand fat grafting is far less common than fat grafting to the buttocks or the face.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Marietta 5425, thank you for your question.Fat transfer – also known as fat
grafting to the hands is a very successful procedure and produces significant
rejuvenation of the aging structures of the hands.Whenever any type of grafting procedure is performed, it is
well known that not 100% of the graft will survive, but the majority of the
tissue should with proper technique and placement of the graft.The fat that does survive will last
much, much longer than other possible fillers (which usually have to be
maintained on an annual basis).Although the fat grafting does not reverse the natural stages of aging
and depending on your expectations , amount of correction needed, and your
individual aging process, you may need to have it performed again in the
future.However, fat grafting to
the hands should provide you will a much more youthful appearance to your
hands.Good luck on your cosmetic
enhancement pursuits

Renuva is a great option for hand rejuvenation. It is similar to fillers in that it provides noted volume improvement at the time of treatment. It differs though because over time the product is replaced by your body's own fat. This provides longer lasting results. See my website or a provider near you to learn more.

Fat transfers are a great way to volumize the farce and hands. Incidentally the same concept is used for both breast cancer reconstruction and and brazillian butt lift with some modifications. The procedure entails removing fat from one location (therefore stripping the fat of its lifeline (aka blood supply), then transplanting it into another location and allowing the new lifeline (aka blood supply) to grow into the fat and nourish it. During the period where the fat is trying to get it lifeline established there is always some fat resorbtion. People will quote varying percentages of fat resorbtion but the reality is that a small amount, depending on technique and experience, will resorb. For the sake of informed consent and transparency, I always warn potential patients about this fact. I hope this information helps to make you comfortable about the procedure. Its very safe, easy and the results are instant. Raj S. Ambay, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonTampa, FL

Dear Marietta5425: if the hands are showing the veins & tendons, fat transfer is one of the best approaches. It is an outpatient procedure, done under local anesthesia. The transferred fat, may also help the overlying skin , posdibly through the stem cells it contains. The hands can also be filled with fillers , such as Radiesse, Restylane/Perlane, or Juverderm/ Voluma. The overlying skin can be improved by using vitamin A creams, Alph Hydroxy Acid creams, peeling, or Laser/Light device treatments.

As with all fat transfers, you will initially be overcorrected.  Hands seem to stay swollen for at least 4-8 weeks, so expect them to look puffy for a while.  With time a % of the fat will resorb, and your hands should look less bony and veiny.