Perlane is one of many hyaluronic acid trans-dermal fillers used to add volume to the face and smooth away fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. It is made from a non-animal based form of HA which is chemically linked to slow down the natural breakdown process. This allows for the effects of treatment to last as long as six months.
It is designed to be used on the face, primarily in the areas such as the lines that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth, called the nasolabial folds. As we age, our own natural store of hyaluronic acid is depleted, causing the skin to sag and leading to formation of wrinkles and lines. In order to combat this process, trans-dermal fillers such as Perlane can be used to restore the natural fullness and elasticity of the skin for a softer, smoother look.
How Is Perlane Used And What Are The Side Effects?
Perlane is injected under the skin using a fine needle, directly at the site where treatment is required. Because the needle used is so small, the amount of pain involved in the injection is relatively minor, but your doctor may apply or inject a local anesthetic to the area before treatment to further lessen discomfort.
To minimize the potential for complications, you should avoid taking St. John’s Wort, Vitamin E supplements, aspirin and other NSAIDS before treatment and for a week afterward as they can cause excess bleeding or bruising at the injection site. Also, if you have had cold sores or herpes you should inform your doctor of this since the injection process could cause these conditions to recur.
Possible side effects of Perlane are similar to those of other trans-dermal fillers. They can include bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness, pain, itching and the formation of small bumps at the injection site, all of which will generally clear up on their own with seven days. In African American patients, Perlane injections can sometimes cause hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin. This condition may take several weeks to clear up. If you have any side effect that does not clear up spontaneously after two weeks you should inform your doctor as this may be a possible sign of infection. People with severe allergies to bacteria or to drugs, people with blood disorders and pregnant or nursing women should not be treated with Perlane.
Are There Any Particular Cautions for Post-Treatment?
Cold compresses may be used directly after treatment to reduce swelling but you should avoid touching the area of the injection for at least six hours post-injection, or until the injection site is no longer numb, to prevent injury. You should also avoid prolonged exposure to UV light and extreme cold during the first few weeks as the skin remains extra-sensitive to light and temperature during this time.
How Does It Compare To Other Treatments?
Though it shares similarities to other HA fillers, Perlane is most closely related to Restylane. The two substances differ in their chemical composition. Perlane is composed of much larger particles of HA and must therefore be injected much deeper into the skin than Restylane, which can be applied near the surface.
Also, unlike Restylane, Perlane cannot be used for lip enhancement. Its primary directed use is for correcting deep wrinkles in the nasolabial folds and other areas of the face. In terms of safety and of cost, there is little difference between Perlane and any of the other popular fillers.
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