Even if you’ve mastered the art of SPF, serums and skin cycling, your hands often reveal age first—not just because of sun damage but also due to visible volume loss that makes veins, tendons and bony structures more noticeable. And with the rise of GLP-1 weight loss medications, more patients, even younger ones, are noticing their hands looking older, thinner, and veiny. It’s a subtle side effect of rapid fat loss, but one that has led to a noticeable uptick in hand rejuvenation requests.
Once seen as an off-label secret weapon, hand filler is now a mainstream aesthetic procedure with FDA approvals and years of safe outcomes to back it up. “It gives the hands a more youthful, plump appearance,” says Boca Raton, FL dermatologist Jenna Queller, MD. “You see immediate results and they only improve as the filler integrates.”
What does hand filler actually do?
Yes, hand filler restores volume, but it’s not just about puffing things up. The loss of soft tissue that comes with age or weight loss makes tendons, veins and bones more prominent. Injectables camouflage those contours and smooth the surface. Many formulas also improve skin quality and elasticity over time. “It reduces the appearance of veins, tendons and bony protrusions caused by soft tissue atrophy,” explains Northville, MI dermatologist Farhaad Riyaz, MD. “It also helps improve skin texture and youthfulness.” Some treatments even stimulate collagen in the process.
What type of filler is used?
Hand filler falls into two broad categories: hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and biostimulatory fillers. HA fillers, like Restylane Lyft or Juvéderm Voluma or Ultra, are gel-based and hydrating, with the added benefit of being reversible. Biostimulatory fillers like Radiesse are calcium-based and work by signaling the body to produce its own collagen over time.
Many aesthetic experts opt for Radiesse in the hands due to its skin-smoothing effects and longevity. “It lasts a bit longer than hyaluronic acid fillers and your body builds collagen around it,” says Huntington Beach, CA dermatologist David Rayhan, MD. “In some cases, patients see long-term improvement.”
Those with thinner skin or concerns about swelling may do better with Restylane Lyft. “In general, Radiesse is more likely to swell, so if that is a concern, I stick with Restylane Lyft,” says Newton, MA dermatologist Papri Sarkar, MD.
Others still turn to Juvéderm Ultra. “It’s my go-to,” says Miami dermatologist Melissa Lazarus, MD. “Coupled with a laser for brown spots, it really makes a huge difference in the hands, which are a giveaway of someone’s age.”
While not a filler, fat transfer is another way to restore volume, and it’s often considered a permanent option. Because it involves harvesting fat from the body, it comes with more downtime but also more longevity. Newer alternatives like Alloclae, an adipose-derived injectable, and Renuva, which encourages fat regeneration without liposuction, are also becoming more popular for patients who want longer-lasting results.
How long do results last?
The answer depends on the type of filler used and your body’s metabolism. “Filler in the hands lasts a long time, usually two or more years,” says Shreveport, LA dermatologist Skylar Souyoul, MD. That’s on the high end, typical of Radiesse and some fat transfer outcomes.
Dr. Queller typically sees results last six to twelve months, though she notes that good skin care and sun protection can extend results well beyond that.
Restylane Lyft tends to clock in around the 9- to 12-month mark. Radiesse can last longer, but its biostimulatory nature also means improvement may continue after the filler itself has dissipated. “Patients achieve long-term improvement with it,” notes Dr. Rayhan.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on geography, expertise and how much product is needed. Most providers start with one syringe per hand, with the average total ranging from $1,100 to $1,800. “It’s usually one syringe per side,” says New York dermatologist Lilly-Rose Paraskevas, MD. “It’s very satisfying to do.”
In Southern California, Dr. Rayhan quotes Radiesse between $800 and $1,200 per syringe and notes that Restylane Lyft may cost $100 to $200 less. Dr. Riyaz says costs can range from $700 to $1,500 per session per hand.
For those choosing a slower, layered approach, like New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD, cost per session can vary between $1,000 and $1,900.
What’s recovery like?
Hand filler is a quick, in-office procedure with minimal downtime. Most sessions last under 30 minutes, and while there may be some swelling or bruising, it’s often mild. “There may be some swelling or bruising that lasts a few days,” says Dr. Queller. “Results are immediate and continue to improve.” Dr. Riyaz advises avoiding strenuous hand activity for 24 to 48 hours post-treatment, especially if swelling is a concern.
“This is one of my favorite procedures to perform because it makes patients so happy,” says Dr. Lazarus. “It has minimal downtime and makes a major difference.”
Dr. Sarkar agrees: “The procedure is usually fast, pain-free, and you can see instant results. Patients really like it.”
