Perlane^® is a product of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation, the makers of Restylane^®. Perlane^®, like Restylane^®, is a hyaluronic acid used for the treatment of age related depressions of the face, such as nasolabial folds. The defining characteristic of Perlane^® is its larger gel particles of hyaluronic acid, which makes it more suitable for deeper layers of the dermis and gives it a higher restructuring capability. Consequently, Perlane^® may be used in patients presenting more deeply defined facial lines and creases.

For example, many of these physicians will choose to use Perlane^® in patients who desire substantial increase in lip volume, as well as patients requesting a more significant facial contouring procedure.  Restylane^® is often placed directly into lines and wrinkles to fill them; whereas Perlane^® is used more for contouring and to fill larger deficits, or to buttress general areas beneath wrinkles.

When Perlane^® is placed into wrinkled skin it adds fullness and reduces the prominence of the wrinkles in the treated area. The hyaluronic acid in Perlane^® is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts and binds to water. This characteristic allows Perlane^® longer lasting and more easily sustained results. As the hyaluronic acid in Perlane^® gradually degrades, each molecule binds to more water, and over time, the same volume can often be maintained with smaller amounts of product.  The hyaluronic acid in Perlane^® is called non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) because it is not derived from animal sources and thus requires no testing before use.

Perlane^® has been used for years in patients around the world, and was first approved for marketing and sale in 1999 in the European Union. Perlane^® was approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007, and is indicated for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Perlane^® is used widely by physicians for procedures such as augmentation of the cheeks, chin, lips and jowls. It may also work effectively to soften the appearance of sunken eyes.

Perlane^® treatments last from 6 to 9 months, or longer, with variants including an individual’s unique skin properties and metabolism, the amount of muscular activity in the area of placement, as well as the skill and technique of the practicing physician. Added longevity may be achieved by returning to your physician for a touch up while some filler is still present in the body.

Some physicians might choose to supplement Perlane^® treatment by placing botulinum toxin in muscles around the treated area to enhance results and extend the life of the product.  The nature of the procedure will play a role in the decision to supplement with botulinum toxin.

Since hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the human body, there is a low occurrence of adverse effects due to Perlane^® injection. The most commonly reported side effects are temporary redness, swelling and bruising around the injection site, generally lasting a few days. Consult with your physician for complete information on side effects.

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Perlane^® is a registered trademark of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation.

Contributing Physician:      Francis Palmer, MD, Beverly Hills