Comparing the efficacy of surgical vs. non-surgical options for hand rejuvenation – A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction The efficacy of surgical versus non-surgical options of hand rejuvenation has not been explored in the literature. We present an interesting analysis comparing surgical and non-surgical options for hand rejuvenation with results obtained from a systematic review of the literature available. Methodology A Medline search of MeSH term “Hand rejuvenation” was conducted. A total of 83 articles were found and articles containing clinical data on surgical and non-surgical techniques of hand rejuvenation were selected. The selection criteria were that each study contained 5 of more patients and a post intervention follow-up analysis was available. Each study had to refer specifically to a technique of hand rejuvenation alone and not done in combination with separate procedures. Results A total of 10 articles were identified and selected. A total of 405 hands were treated using various non-surgical and surgical methods. Non-surgical methods include fillers such as hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, Juvederm, calcium hydroxylapatite and Dermicol P350G. Surgical methods include the current popular technique of structural fat grafting and skin excision/reduction techniques. Complications are also comparable to each technique. Conclusion Surgical techniques appear to have a higher patient satisfaction compared to non-surgical methods but invariably involve different types of complications.