What It Is

A hand lift, also known as dorsal hand skin excision, is a surgical procedure that removes excess, sagging skin from the back of the hands. With age, skin loses elasticity and collagen, leading to wrinkles, thinning skin, and a crepey appearance. This procedure tightens and smooths the skin to restore a younger, firmer look to the hands.

In Korea, hand lifts are performed in plastic and aesthetic surgery centers, often combined with fat grafting, fillers, or laser treatments for a complete rejuvenation effect.

Why It’s Done

Patients seek a hand lift to:

• Correct sagging or wrinkled skin on the back of the hands
• Reverse aging changes that make hands look older than the face
• Improve skin quality after significant weight loss
• Restore confidence in social and professional settings
• Match hand appearance with results from other rejuvenation procedures (such as facelifts or fat grafting)

Alternatives

For patients with mild to moderate aging, non-surgical options may be considered:

• Dermal fillers: Add temporary volume to conceal veins and wrinkles
• Fat grafting: Provides long-lasting natural fullness
• Laser resurfacing or radiofrequency therapy: Tightens skin and improves texture
• Microneedling or PRP therapy: Boosts collagen production for firmer skin

A surgical hand lift is most effective for severe skin laxity that cannot be corrected with fillers or devices alone.

Preparation

Preparation typically involves:

• Consultation: With a plastic surgeon to assess skin laxity and discuss expected results
• Medical evaluation: Blood tests and anesthesia clearance
• Lifestyle changes: Stopping smoking and avoiding alcohol 2–4 weeks before surgery
• Medication review: Pausing blood thinners or supplements that increase bleeding risk
• Recovery planning: Arranging downtime for at least 1–2 weeks after the procedure

How It’s Done

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery.

Steps include:

• Marking areas of excess skin on the back of the hand
• Carefully excising redundant skin
• Tightening and suturing the remaining skin for a smoother contour
• Optionally adding fat grafting or fillers to improve volume and skin quality

The surgery takes 1–2 hours and is typically done on an outpatient basis.

Recovery

Recovery after a hand lift is relatively quick:

• First week: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common; patients should keep hands elevated
• Stitches removal: Within 7–10 days for open incisions
• Return to activities: Light hand use within a few days, avoiding heavy lifting for 3–4 weeks
• Final results: Visible once swelling subsides, with continued improvement over several months

Possible Complications

As with any surgery, risks include:

• Infection or bleeding
• Scarring (usually placed discreetly to minimize visibility)
• Stiffness or reduced hand mobility (rare)
• Skin irregularities or asymmetry
• Delayed wound healing, especially in older patients or smokers

Treatment Options in Korea

Diagnosis

• Careful skin assessment during consultation
• 3D imaging or photography for treatment planning and follow-up

Medical Treatments

• Pain relief and antibiotics after surgery
• Scar treatment with silicone gels or creams

Surgical or Advanced Therapies

• Standard hand lift: Excision of excess dorsal skin
• Hand lift with fat grafting: Tightening plus volume restoration
• Combination procedures: With laser therapy or fillers for complete rejuvenation

Rehabilitation and Support

• Physiotherapy if stiffness occurs
• Scar management using silicone sheets or laser treatments
• International patient support with interpreters, hospital coordination, and virtual follow-ups