Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Defining the Basic Aesthetics of the Hand

  • Published:
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Hand aesthetics have been poorly described because function is the main reason why patients consult a surgeon about their hands. Ideal proportions are based on normal anatomy, which is a prerequisite for aesthetics.

Methods

A literature review was performed.

Results

Anatomically correct proportions are, besides adequate soft tissue, the most important aspects of hands considered to be beautiful. The golden proportion may be used to identify suboptimal areas. Extrinsic and intrinsic aging must be distinguished, and therapy should be determined accordingly.

Conclusion

Hand aesthetics are based on normal anatomy. Knowing this is essential for every surgeon treating hand patients.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Aboudib JH, deCastro CC, Gradel J: Hand rejuvenescence by fat filling. Ann Plast Surg 28:559, 1992

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Abrams HL, Lauber JS: Hand rejuvenation: The state of art. Dermatol Clin 8:553, 1990

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Brodar V: Observations of skin thickness and subcutaneous tissue in man. Z Morph Anthrop 50:386, 1960

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bürger M: Die Hand des Kranken. 1st ed. Lehmanns Verlag, Munich, pp 34–59, 1956

    Google Scholar 

  5. Butterwick KJ: Lipoaugmentation for aging hands: A comparison of the longevity and aesthetic result of centrifuged versus noncentrifuged fat. Dermatol Surg 28:987, 2002

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Coleman SR: Hand rejuvenation with structural fat grafting. Plast Reconstr Surg 110:1731, 2002

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Cowan RJ, Conley MM: Surface area of the hand and digits. Can J Surg 16:187, 1973

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Ely JF: Hand wrinkles. In: Gonzalez-Ulloa M (ed) Aesthetic plastic surgery. Vol. 5, Piccin Publishing, Padova, 1988

  9. Garrett JW: The adult human hand: Some anthropometric and biomechanical considerations. Hum Factors 13:117, 1971

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. George R: Human finger types. Anat Rec 46:199, 1930

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Glogau RG, Beeson WH, Brody HJ: Obagi’s modified trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-controlled variable depth peel: A study of clinical signs correlating with histological findings. Ann Plast Surg 38:298, 1997

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Hambridge J: The elements of dynamic symmetry. Dover Publication, New York, 1967

    Google Scholar 

  13. Jiminez G, Spencer JM: Erbium YAG laser resurfacing of the hands, arms, and neck. Dermatol Surg 25:831, 1999

    Google Scholar 

  14. Kapandji A: Anatomie fonctionelle de la premiere commisure de la main. Ann Chir Main 5:158, 1986

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Kimura S, Kitagawa T: Embryological development of human palmar, plantar, and digital flexion creases. Anat Rec 216:191, 1986

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Kimura S, Schaumann B, Plato C, Kitagawa T: Embryological development and prevalence of digital flexion creases. Anat Rec 226:249, 1990

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Manske PR: Aesthetic hand surgery. Am J Surg Hand 10:383, 2002

    Google Scholar 

  18. Millard R: Principilization of plastic surgery. 1st ed. Little, Brown and Company, Boston, pp 78–112, 1986

    Google Scholar 

  19. Moren GA, Fernando J: Intense pulse light for melanocytic lesions. Dermatol Surg 27:397, 2001

    Google Scholar 

  20. Napier J: Hands. 2nd ed. Princeton Scientific Library, Princeton, pp 14–38, 1993

    Google Scholar 

  21. Nippert O: Ueber Gestalt und Kruemmung des menschlichen Fingernagels. Anthrop Anz 15:61, 1939

    Google Scholar 

  22. Cooper JM, Hutchinson PS: Plato: complete works. 1st ed., Hackett, Philadelphia, pp 25–49, 1997

    Google Scholar 

  23. Ricketts RM: The biological significance of the divine proportion and Fibonacci series. Am J Orthod 81:351, 1982

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Schmidt HM, Lanz U: Chirurgische Anatomie der Hand. 2nd ed. G. Thieme, Stuttgart, pp 20–224, 2003

    Google Scholar 

  25. Thomine J-M: The skin of the hand. In: Tubiana R (ed) The hand. Vol. 1. 1st ed. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1981

  26. von Lanz T, Wachsmuth W: Praktische anatomie. Vol. I/3, 1st ed. Springer, Berlin, pp. 12–115, 1959

    Google Scholar 

  27. Wagner C: The pianist’s hand: Anthropometry and biomechanics. Ergonomics 31:97, 1988

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Wendt JR: A great time for pioneers of superior extremity aesthetic surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 113:2237, 2004

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Wendt JR: Distal, dorsal superior extremity plasty. Plast Reconstr Surg 106:210, 2000

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Wendt JR: Distal, dorsal superior extremity plasty. Plast Reconstr Surg 106:210, 2000

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Schloesslistr 7, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland

    Rafael G. Jakubietz, Michael G. Jakubietz, Danni Kloss & Joerg G. Gruenert

Authors
  1. Rafael G. Jakubietz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Michael G. Jakubietz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Danni Kloss
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Joerg G. Gruenert
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rafael G. Jakubietz.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Jakubietz, R.G., Jakubietz, M.G., Kloss, D. et al. Defining the Basic Aesthetics of the Hand. Aesth Plast Surg 29, 546–551 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-005-0100-6

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-005-0100-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation