Ultrasound Analyses of the Dorsal Hands for Volumetric Rejuvenation

Volumetric hand rejuvenation of the dorsal hands is increasingly applied for aged, skeletonized dorsal hand skin, with prominent veins, tendons, and joints due to volumetric loss of subcutaneous fat. However, the aging process of the fatty laminae remains unexplored.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of aging and potential determinants on the fatty laminae to improve the therapeutic effect of volumetric injection.

This cross-sectional study enrolled 105 Taiwanese participants aged ≥20 years, divided into 5 decade-based age groups. A single blinded practitioner measured the thicknesses of the dorsal superficial lamina (DSL), dorsal intermediate lamina (DIL), and dorsal deep lamina (DDL) by ultrasonography. The potential determining factors of the laminae thickness (age, sex, BMI, and hand dominance) were analyzed.

The thicknesses of the 3 laminae decreased with age, with the mean decrease in thickness from the 20s to >60 years of the DSL, DIL, and DDL being 0.21 mm (30.0%), 1.38 mm (63.89%), and 0.31 mm (20.95%), respectively. The decrease in DIL thickness was the greatest and most significant in subjects aged >30 years. Multiple linear regression analysis showed age to be the only determinant of thickness for the 3 laminae (all P < 0.001), although the DIL was significantly thicker in men (P < 0.001).

Volumetric fat loss was noted in the 3 fatty laminae of dorsal hands during aging; the DIL showed the greatest progressive fat loss after the age of 30. Volumetric rejuvenation of the 3 laminae may result in the most aesthetic appearance, especially in women.