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 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.
(Related topics: Wrinkle Correction -
Facial Contouring -
How to Extend Results - Physician Selection
Tips - Find a Physician -
What are the Risks - Get Answers)
Perlane® is a registered trademark of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation.
Contributing Physicians:
Kenneth D. Steinsapir M.D., Los Angeles, CA ~ Francis Palmer III M.D., Beverly Hills, CA