Hand mesotherapy delivers nourishing and hydrating blends superficially into the skin on the back of the hands, across many points. The hands meet water, detergent, soap, sanitiser, cold and sun all day long. Meanwhile the skin here is thin, poor in oil glands and has relatively little supporting tissue beneath it. At his clinic in Nişantaşı, İstanbul, Dr. Levent Ünal plans the hands according to what the examination shows.
What hand mesotherapy addresses
Over time the back of the hand can become dry and dull, the skin can thin and the surface can take on a crepey look. As the skin thins, the veins and tendons underneath read more clearly. The aim of the treatment is to support this area from the layer that needs it and to contribute to moisture balance and the quality of the skin texture. Because the hands are, along with the face, one of the most looked at areas, they are often included in the plan. This is not a volumising procedure; where there is marked volume loss, expectations should be discussed separately during the visit.
Which areas and situations it covers
- Back of the hand: dryness, dullness and superficial crepiness.
- Back of the fingers and over the knuckles: a rough, flat appearance.
- The transition at the wrist: sun related uneven tone.
- Wear linked to frequent hand washing and sanitiser use.
Who it suits
It is considered for people who notice dryness, dullness or a loss of vitality on the back of the hands. For those who wash their hands constantly or work with water and chemicals, it can also form part of a preventive approach.
Situations that need closer assessment include pregnancy and breastfeeding, active eczema, fungal or other skin infection in the area, contact dermatitis, a bleeding disorder or the use of blood thinning medication, a known allergy to the blend, circulation problems in the hands, and poorly controlled systemic conditions. Suitability is decided by a medical assessment.
How a session goes
- Examination: the hydration and thickness of the skin on the back of the hands and everyday exposures are reviewed alongside the medical history.
- Preparation: the hands are cleaned, rings are removed and, if needed, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied and left to work.
- Choosing the blend: a nourishing formulation suited to the needs of the area is selected.
- Application: the blend is distributed superficially across the back of the hands, with the tendons and veins kept in mind.
- Review: the area is cooled, aftercare is explained and the session interval is planned.
Onset and duration of the effect
The effect is gradual and is assessed as the sessions progress. On the hands, daily habits decide how well the result holds; if frequent washing, hot water, cleaning chemicals and sun exposure continue unchanged, the appearance is harder to maintain. Persistence also depends on age, skin type and how regularly you moisturise. Results vary from person to person.
Aftercare and what to watch for
- Avoid unnecessary frequent washing and very hot water on the first day.
- Wear gloves for washing up, cleaning and any contact with chemicals.
- Reapply hand cream regularly through the day.
- Use sunscreen on the back of the hands too; this area is usually skipped.
- Postpone sauna, steam rooms and long contact with water for a few days.
Mild redness, small raised points and occasionally small bruises can appear afterwards. These generally settle in a short time, and everyday use of the hands is mostly unaffected.
Points that are often confused
Hand mesotherapy is not a procedure aimed at spots on the back of the hands. Where sun spots are present, they are assessed separately and need a different plan. What the treatment concerns itself with is the moisture balance and tissue quality of the skin.
Another misconception is that it replaces hand cream. The treatment complements daily care rather than substituting for it. A marked change should not be expected from one session either; because exposure is high in this area, a course spread over intervals is usually planned.