Keywords
fat grafting - lipofilling - autologous fat transfer - hand rejuvenation
Fat grafting for the correction of concavities dates back over a century.[1] Lipofilling of the hand was first introduced in 1988.[2] The technique involved deposition of a fat bolus in the proximal dorsum of the hand,
with subsequent massaging to achieve contour.[2] A flurry of innovative strategies followed. In 1989, lipofilling was combined with
laser resurfacing.[3] Hand rejuvenation with microlipoinjection for age-related cosmetic improvement was
introduced in 1990.[4] The first published patient series reached the literature in 1992, reporting excellent
patient satisfaction (98.6%).[5] In 2002, Coleman published a landmark paper detailing a method for structural fat
grafting.[6] The technique of making multiple passes with depositions of small quantities produced
more consistent results when contrasted with injecting a lump of fat and manipulating
it throughout the hand.[6]
The Aging Process of the Hand
The Aging Process of the Hand
The hands are the most visible unclothed body part, apart from the face. Accordingly,
they play an outsized role in the visible aging process. People are able to roughly
determine the age of a person by examining the dorsum of the hands.[7]
[8]
[9] The natural aging process of the hand leads to changes in the quality and texture
of the skin and atrophy of the soft tissue and muscles, leading to an increased prominence
and visibility of the dorsal veins and extensor tendons.[10] In a survey study by Bains et al, the authors showed images of female hands of different
ages to the general public.[7] Digitally altered photographs with decreased prominence of veins were judged to
show younger hands than in the original photograph, with a greater effect on perceived
age than other cosmetic changes such as jewelry and nail polish.[7]
Aging of the hand is characterized by both soft tissue atrophy of the dermis, fascia,
fat, and interosseous muscle and a decline in skin quality secondary to sun exposure
([Fig. 1]).[10] Soft tissue thickness of the dorsum of the hand decreases with age, averaging 3.12 mm
in adolescence and 1.6 mm in patients older than 45 years.[10] The soft tissue atrophy is metered by skin thickness decreasing from 1.2 mm at 25
years of age to 0.75 mm at 70 years of age, with concomitant declines in the quantity
and quality of collagen and elastin in the dermis.[11]
[12] Dorsal hand skin thickness is influenced by gender, with a predilection for thicker
skin in males—0.05 mm at old age.[11] Atrophy of the soft tissues creates the characteristic concavities between the metacarpals.[10] In addition, characteristic lentigines, dyschromia, textural roughness, seborrheic,
and/or actinic keratosis distinguish the aged hand from the youthful one.[12] Hand aesthetics and skin quality are influenced by genetics, smoking and alcohol
abuse, chronic sun exposure, overwork, chemical toxin exposure, and rheumatological
disease.[12]
[13]
Fig. 1 (A–C) Aging of the hand. (A) Hand photograph at the age of 20 years. (B) Hand photograph at the age of 50 years. (C) Hand photograph at the age of 80 years.
Ideal Hand Proportions and Relevant Anatomy
Ideal Hand Proportions and Relevant Anatomy
The hand has long been studied as a measure of attractiveness, and ideal, aesthetic
hand proportions have been well described. Hand length is 11% of the total body length,
49% of which is made up by the long finger. Hand width is 45% of the hand length.
The dominant hand is significantly larger, although the effect is diminished in left-handed
individuals due to greater relative ambidexterity.[14] Females have 25% less hand volume than males of the same height.[13]
[15] These average proportions can serve as a critical point of reference when making
cosmetic alterations to the hand.
Fat distribution in the dorsum of the hand can be divided into three laminae: superficial,
intermediate, and deep ([Fig. 2]).[10]
[16]
[17] The laminae are separated by fascial planes. They are bounded proximally by the
extensor retinaculum, where the fascial layers fuse. Veins cross into the hand superficial
to the extensor retinaculum, whereas tendons run deep. The laminae are bounded distally
by the metacarpophalangeal joints.
Fig. 2 Cross-section of hand transmetacarpals. (Reproduced with permission of Baylor College
of Medicine.)
The superficial lamina begins less than 1 mm deep to the skin surface and contains
no important structures.[16]
[18] The fat distribution is uneven in this layer. The layer has 8 to 12 spanning fascial
septae, which contain small vessels.[16]
[18] The intermediate lamina contains the veins and nerves of the dorsum of the hand.
Dorsal veins have an average diameter of 1.27 mm.[19] The deep lamina comprises four compartments with intervening extensor tendons.
Assessing the Hand
Scientific analysis of the aesthetic of the hand begins with the Kretschmer classification
according to body habitus.[20] The aesthetic hand, associated with the ectomorphic body type, is characterized
by long, slender hands and is considered the most desirable type. The rough, wide,
and balanced hand—the athletic hand—is associated with the mesomorphic body type.
The least aesthetically pleasing classification is the pyknic type: a hand with a
short, wide dorsum and short, conical fingers associated with an endomorphic body
type. Continued focus on the aesthetics of the hand yielded a remarkably robust characterization
of the hand dimensions.
Zhou et al offered a subjective grading system for the soft tissue volumes in the
hand.[10] A grade of 0 is consistent with a natural and smooth hand contour. Hands with grade
1 exhibit mild atrophy with rhytides. Grade 2 soft tissue volume loss is consistent
with moderate atrophy with exposed veins. Grade 3 soft tissue volume loss exhibits
serious atrophy with exposed tendons.[10] The grade of soft tissue deficiency helps to determine the necessary corrective
action. Grade 1 volume loss can be managed with nonsurgical treatment, whereas grade
2 and grade 3 volume losses are best rectified with increasing degrees of surgical
intervention. As an alternative to this qualitative scale, Zhou et al have also put
forth a quantitative system of measuring soft tissue thickness with B-mode ultrasound.[10]
Other qualitative measures have been used in attempts to quantify patient's dorsal
hand volume. The Merz Hand Grading Scale is a 5-point photonumeric scale developed
specifically to assess improvement after hand rejuvenation intervention.[21] The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale is a 5-point Likert scale that is nonspecific
to the hand and quantifies change with intervention.
Fat Grafting and Harvest
The tenets of fat delivery to the hand are low pressure, low speed, and low volume
through multiple tunnels and multiple planes.[6]
[10]
[22] During delivery, attention must be focused on delivering the smallest aliquots of
fat possible in an even manner in the desired planes at a low pressure. Specialized
devices are under investigation to facilitate the safe and effective delivery.[22]
Access incisions for fat grafting vary between protocols. A proximal incision distal
to the extensor retinaculum provides access to the superficial lamina and the proximal
dorsum of the hand.[10]
[23] An incision in the webspace between the first and second metacarpals accomplishes
a similar goal.[17] Incisions in the other webspaces provide good access to the deeper lamina and the
distal portion of the dorsum of the hand with minimal scar burden.[10]
[17] Some experts recommend a single incision between the third and fourth metacarpals
to further decrease scar burden.[17]
There is controversy regarding which laminae are ideal for fat deposition. Widespread
agreement exists regarding the safety and efficacy of injecting into the superficial
lamina only.[10]
[17]
[22] The superficial lamina contains no important structures, and the fat graft covers
the deeper vessels and tendons. The intermediate lamina contains the dorsal veins,
and some experts recommend avoiding this lamina to avoid intravascular fat deposition.[10] Others, however, argue in support of fat grafting to this lamina to maximize treatment
efficacy without serious concerns about safety.[17]
[22] Similarly, grafting the deep lamina is recommended by some experts to correct concavity
between the metacarpal bones, whereas others do not believe it is necessary to fat
graft that deep in the hand.[10]
[17]
[22]
Fat delivery by cannula is the preferred method. Cannulas sized between 14 and 17
gauge are standard.[2]
[10]
[17]
[22]
[23]
[24] Cannulas larger than 14 gauge are associated with deposits susceptible to central
necrosis.[24] Cannulas smaller than 17 gauge have an outer diameter smaller than the diameter
of the dorsal hand veins and carry a greater theoretical risk of intravascular fat
deposition.[19]
Several surgeons have published their individual techniques for fat grafting to the
hand and have recommended different amounts of fat to ideally be transferred. Early
reports were modest in their recommendations of transfer.[2]
[6] The most recent suggestions agree that 15 to 30 mL of fat is indicated for grafting
the dorsum of each hand, depending on the technique used and the degree of correction
desired.[10]
[17]
[22]
[23] Some surgeons recommend an overcorrection in anticipation of graft loss, whereas
others stress that apparent graft loss is in fact because of the prolonged resolution
of edema and recommend against overcorrection.[6]
[10]
There is a wide variability that exists in techniques described for fat harvest. However,
there is little evidence at this time to support a significant difference between
different donor sites, donor-site preparations, harvest techniques, fat harvesting
cannula sizes, and centrifugation speeds.[25] Nevertheless, many experts in the field have shared their techniques as guidance.
Most practitioners use the classic adiposities of the flanks, the periumbilical areas,
or the medial thighs as donor sites. The internal thigh has been proposed as the ideal
site due to purported superior graft take and, anecdotally, less patient discomfort.[17] Widespread adoption of the needle-syringe unit has been the standard practice since
its introduction by Fournier in 2000.[2] A dry liposuction technique is recommended by some experts due to the relatively
low volume of lipoaspirate required.[17] Nevertheless, a complete review of fat harvest techniques and outcomes is beyond
the scope of this study.
Efficacy
Fat grafting to the hand is an effective treatment for age-related volume loss and
subsequent prominence of vasculature and tendons ([Fig. 3]). As methods have become more refined, Fournier's claim that results persist beyond
4 to 5 years has held true.[2] Volume gain is seen in all patients, with fat retention rates comparable to fat
grafting in other locations.[10]
[26] Subjective measures are in concordance with the objective measures of change. Satisfaction
ratings are consistently reported in the mid-1990s in published case series.[10]
[22]
[23]
Fig. 3 Bilateral hand rejuvenation using fat grafting. (A) Preoperative hand photograph. (B) One day after fat grafting. (C) Three months after fat grafting.
Complications
Edema is the most commonly reported complication following fat grafting. Some practitioners
have proposed that edema is part of the natural healing process after fat grafting
to the hand and not considered a true complication since edema in the dorsum of the
hand resolves spontaneously.[10]
[22]
[23] Compression dressings applied over several days can help manage the immediate postoperative
edema.[6]
[17] Other spontaneously resolving complications include ecchymoses and paresthesias,
which presumably occur due to damage to small vascular and neural structures, respectively.[10]
[23] Infections in the hand represent a more significant degree of complication. Abscesses
following hand rejuvenation have been described as isolated case reports.[27]
[28] Antibiotic prophylaxis with a cephalosporin has been used to diminish risk.[23]
Therapeutic Fat Grafting for Noncosmetic Pathologies
Therapeutic Fat Grafting for Noncosmetic Pathologies
Besides its use in aesthetic hand rejuvenation, fat grafting has been used to treat
patients with Raynaud's phenomenon and Dupuytren's disease using similar techniques.[29]
[30] Patients with Raynaud's phenomenon report reduced pain, fewer cold attacks, improved
skin and soft tissue texture, fewer ulcerations, and subjectively improved function
following 10 to 15 mL of fat grafting to the hand. The protocol used by Bank et al
calls for the fat to be divided between the dorsal and volar webspaces, the snuffbox,
and the superficial palmar arch. The mechanism of action is not clear, as no significant
changes in blood flow were observed.[29]
Fat grafting has also been used to treat patients with Dupuytren's disease. In fact,
when affected rays were treated with 10 mL of fat grafting, patients reported high
levels of satisfaction (96%). At early follow-up, contracture was significantly improved
at the proximal interphalangeal joint and resolved at the metacarpophalangeal joint.[31] Patients were able to resume occupational activities 9 days after the operation
on average.[32] However, while no difference in recurrence rates was observed at 1-year follow-up
when compared with limited fasciectomy, an increased recurrence rate was observed
at 5-year follow-up, which has raised some concerns about the utility of this procedure.[32]
[33]
Integration of Fat Grafting with Other Hand Rejuvenation Modalities
Integration of Fat Grafting with Other Hand Rejuvenation Modalities
Fat grafting is one option in the larger pantheon of hand rejuvenation techniques
that restore tissue volume, which includes fillers, hyaluronic acid, and poly-l-lactic
acid. Artificial fillers have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) as safe and efficacious alternatives to fat grafting. These fillers differ from
fat grafts in that they achieve a similar result in volume restoration without any
risk of donor-site morbidity. However, their treatment length is temporary, with the
longevity dependent on the product. Nevertheless, these fillers play an important
role by providing an alternative for patients who do not want any donor-site morbidity.
Calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse, Merz Aesthetics) was approved by the FDA in 2015.[34] A recommended quantity of 1.5 to 3 mL per dorsum is administered through incisions
in the distal webspace.[12]
[18] These fillers are effective for a reported 6 to 12 months.[12]
Hyaluronic acid (Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine, Galderma Laboratories) was approved
by the FDA in 2018.[35] A recommended quantity of 2 mL per dorsum, divided into four equal portions between
the webspaces, is delivered into the superficial and intermediate laminae by injecting
into tented skin.[36] It also produces a 6- to 12-month effect.[35]
[36]
Poly-l-lactic acid (Sculptra Aesthetic, Galderma Laboratories) is used off-label for
hand rejuvenation. It is currently approved by the FDA only for lipoatrophy secondary
to HIV antiretrovirals and nasolabial fold contour deficiencies.[37] An administration of 2 mL per dorsum is delivered through a cannula to the undersurface
of the dermis.[38]
[39] It reportedly has an effect for 18 to 24 months, with a proposed long-term biostimulatory
increase in collagen.[38]
[40]
Other hand rejuvenation techniques cannot restore volume but are effective in changing
the aesthetic of the superficial dorsum. Excision of a dorsal ellipse from the wrist—with
the long axis perpendicular to the long axis of the arm—creates a smoother and more
youthful dorsum but leaves a visible scar.[8] Chemical peels with trichloroacetic acid or phenol are associated with dermal thickening
and lightening skin pigmentation.[9]
[41] Laser therapy, sclerotherapy, pulsed light therapy, and topical tretinoin can resurface
the dorsal skin to produce a more youthful aesthetic.[8]
Conclusion
The hands are one of the most visible body parts—second only to the face—and prominent
dorsal veins and extensor tendons are the most readily recognized signs of the aging
process due to soft tissue atrophy. Fat grafting has been shown to be a safe and effective
method of restoring a more youthful appearance to the hand by restoring dorsal hand
volume. The restoration of subcutaneous fat covers visible tendons and veins, decreases
skin laxity, and promotes local dermal regeneration. Deeper fat placement corrects
concavities that naturally occur between the metacarpals during the aging process.
As edema resolves over the first few months after the procedure, long-term, stable
results are achieved.
The recommended fat grafting techniques, while variable in some respects, 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. Where
to distribute the fat is an area of disagreement and topic of active research; however,
all published studies have shown exceptional satisfaction rates, suggesting that perhaps
the restoration of volume alone is paramount.
