Background
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.
Objectives
We aim to investigate the impact of aging and potential determinants on the fatty laminae to improve the therapeutic effect of volumetric injection.
Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 105 Taiwanese participants aged ≥20 years, divided into five age groups per decade. Thicknesses of the dorsal superficial lamina (DSL), dorsal intermediate lamina (DIL), and dorsal deep lamina (DDL) were measured via ultrasonography by a single-blinded practitioner. The potential determining factors of the laminae thickness (age, sex, body mass index, and hand dominance) were analyzed.
Results
The thicknesses of the three laminae decreased with aging, with the mean decrease in thickness from the 20s to >60 years in DSL, DIL, and DDL being 0.21 mm (30.0%), 1.38 mm (63.89%), and 0.31 mm (20.95%), respectively. DIL thickness decrease was the greatest and most significant since the 30s. Multiple linear regression analysis showed age as the only determinant for thicknesses of the 3 laminae (all P<0.001), whereas DIL was significantly thicker in men (P<0.001).
Conclusions
Volumetric fat loss was noted in the three fatty laminae of dorsal hands during aging; DIL has the greatest progressive fat loss since the 30s. Volumetric rejuvenation of the 3 laminae may result in the most esthetic appearance, especially in women.