Identification of a suitable layer for injecting calcium hydroxylapatite fillers in the hands

Abstract

Background: Hand rejuvenation has become increasingly popular in esthetic medicine. Hand rejuvenation with injectables remains challenging, and there are no established practice guidelines. The calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler injection is currently one of the most common procedures. This study aimed to identify the layer of the hand dorsum that is lifted by skin pinching and to identify the layer where an injectable filler would be placed based on the anatomical study and ultrasound findings.

Methods: The anatomic layers of the cadaveric hands were examined using the skin pinching method. Anatomic dissections and histological examinations were performed on four fixed and five fresh cadaveric hands to reveal the anatomical layers in which the CaHA filler was administered. Furthermore, 20 patients were treated with the CaHA filler, and the Doppler ultrasound was used to reveal the proper anatomical layers for filler placement.

Results: The study of the cadaveric hands showed that skin pinching can ensure safe entry points and can guide the cannula into safe planes without compromising the large superficial veins. A filler injection with skin pinching in cadaveric hands demonstrated that the filler was introduced primarily in the dorsal intermediate lamina where the veins are present. This was further confirmed by ultrasound findings.

Conclusion: The dorsal intermediate lamina, which has the veins is a relatively loose structure, and the cannula was moved along this space. When the layer is stretched by skin pinching, the veins run underneath. The dorsal intermediate lamina is the appropriate layer to inject the filler.

Keywords: Calcium hydroxylapatite filler; Hand rejuvenation; Radiesse; Soft tissue filler.