Perlane® Injectable Gel
Both Perlane® injectable gel and Restylane® injectable gel are cosmetic "fillers" that contain hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance that is found in the body. HA gives volume and elasticity to the skin, but as the body ages, HA levels decrease, resulting in loose skin and wrinkling. When injected, both gels are designed to plump up the skin beneath lines and wrinkles, smoothing them out and making them less noticeable. The difference between the two is that Perlane gel, although similar in consistency to Restylane gel, contains larger particles, which are better at filling deeper depressions. Perlane injections are used for moderate-to-severe lines around the lips, nose, mouth and forehead.
Both Perlane gel and Restylane gel are manufactured by Medicis.
Benefits of Perlane Injectable Gel
When injected, Perlane gel plumps up deep nasolabial folds, and deep lines and wrinkles in the face, making skin appear younger and look smoother. According to Medicis, "in three clinical studies, 63 percent, 71 percent and 75 percent of patients maintained improvement for six months after just one Perlane treatment."
Unlike Restylane gel, Perlane gel is not recommended for lip enhancement.
Advantages of Perlane Injectable Gel
One significant advantage that Perlane injectable gel has over other facial fillers made with HA is that it contains nothing of animal origin. As a result, it does not require a potential user to undergo allergy testing, which can sometimes take weeks. Another advantage is that Perlane injections are performed in-office, usually by a dermatologist, in less than half an hour, and require little-to-no downtime for the patient.
Side Effects of Perlane Injectable Gel
The most common side effects of Perlane gel are swelling, redness, pain, bruising and tenderness in and around the injection sites; they typically go away within a week. Although considered safe for most patients, Perlane injections carry a risk of infection, bleeding or allergic reaction.