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Restylane®

Restylane® is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. Restylane® is the first cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is a crystal-clear gel called NASHAT or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.

Restylane® gained FDA approval in December 2003, but has been in use since 1996. It is made of non-animal based hyaluronic acid,

Perlane®
Perlane, approved by the FDA in May of this year, is a "mid-dermal" hyaluronic acid filler product. As a sister product to Restylane, Perlane is designed for more pronounced facial folds and wrinkles such as those on the sides of the mouth. Perlane is injected into the deep dermis to superficial layer of the subcutis to add volume to restore surface contour in facial wrinkles and folds. Perlane corrections maintain volume augmentation for about six months before natural product degradation begins to lessen the effects.

How is Perlane different from Restylane?
Both Perlane and Restylane are composed of hyaluronic acid. The primary difference between Restylane and Perlane is that the hyaluronic acid gel particles in Perlane are larger than those found in Restylane. This gives Perlane additional ability to lift and fill the areas of injection that require a denser formulation. Perlane and Restylane are perfect complements to one another. 

Combination of Perlane and Restylane for Lip and Vermillion Border

How do Perlane and Restylane work?
Perlane® is injected into the skin to smooth away wrinkles and folds. Perlane®’s water-loving nature attracts and binds water molecules to help maintain volume.

Perlane® is composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the body. The hyaluronic acid in Perlane® is a crystal clear gel that is chemically cross-linked (the long chemical strands are tied together) to delay breakdown by skin enzymes. Perlane® is non-animal-based and free from animal protein. This quality prevents disease transmission. Allergy pre-testing is not necessary. Also distinct from other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Restylane and Perlane are minimally cross-linked, making them similar to the natural hyaluronic acid found in the body.

Can Perlane be used in tandem with other fillers?
Dr. Hillstrom finds that most facial correction needs beyond superficial lines will be restored most naturally by the use of product layers. Perlane is the ideal "middle layer" for deep folds.

For other wrinkles or folds, Perlane may be chosen as the support layer with Restylane or Juvederm used as the top product. Depending on the level of correction needed, Dr. Hillstrom will recommend the most advantageous combination.

Hyaluronic Acid Background
Physicians have been developing ways to restore volume and structure to aging skin using a variety of approaches for over 100 years. Past fillers included paraffin, silicone and collagen injections.

In the 1930s, researchers discovered a natural substance in the body that they named hyaluronic acid, and they found that it plays a key role in numerous areas of the body including the maintenance of skin volume and hydration, eye volume and shape and joint lubrication and cushioning.

In the decades since, numerous therapeutic and aesthetic uses have been developed for this versatile natural substance. In 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler for the correction of facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the folds running from the sides of the bottom of the nose to the outer corners of the mouth).

Today, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are the fastest growing non-invasive aesthetic procedure in the United States, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural complex sugar found throughout all living organisms that retains water -- absorbing more than 1,000 times its weight -- and adds volume to the skin’s surface. In addition, hyaluronic acid binds with collagen and elastin and transports essential nutrients to these fibers. The triple combination of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid provides structure, elasticity and volume to the skin and contributes to its overall appearance.

As the skin ages and is exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet rays, the cells lose the ability to produce hyaluronic acid. As a result, the skin begins to lose volume, often resulting in the formation of facial wrinkles and folds. Dermal fillers compromised of crossed-linked hyaluronic acid are used by physicians to help temporarily replace lost hyaluronic acid and to restore skin volume and a smooth, natural appearance.

To learn more about Restylane®, please contact the Hillstrom Facial Plastic Surgery center today.