Restylane® & Perlane®

For years, Restylane® has been one of the world's best-selling dermal fillers. Dr. Rueckl has used Restylane® & Perlane® in his office for years to add volume and help fill, smooth, and minimize lines and wrinkles on the face. With his skill and artistry, these dermal fillers can be used to help create a natural, younger-looking appearance for you.

Dr. Rueckl has always been the only injector of Restylane® & Perlane® at Lakes Dermatology. He has never delegated these responsibilities to a Physician Assistant, Nurse, Medical Assistant, or anyone else. This fact is important to the integrity of his practice and to his patients' consistent care and his high patient return rate.

What are Restylane® & Perlane® and what do they do?

Restylane® & Perlane® are FDA-approved cosmetic dermal fillers from Medicis. They are both composed of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your body that helps to provide fullness and elasticity. Over time, skin loses natural hyaluronic acid, but injections of dermal fillers like Restylane® & Perlane® are able to help fill the wrinkles and folds caused by this.

The difference between Restylane® & Perlane® is their particle size. Perlane® has larger gel particles and is intended to be injected deeper within the skin.

For more information on Restylane® & Perlane®, including all FDA information and a catalog of before and after photos, please visit the Medicis Restylane® & Perlane® website at www.restylaneusa.com.

Where are Restylane® & Perlane® used?

Restylane® & Perlane® are used most often in the nasolabial folds (the parentheses from your nose to the corners of your mouth), under the eyes and in the upper cheeks, and in the lips. Depending upon the site of injection and your specific volume loss, multiple syringes may be needed for full effects. If patients are truly unhappy with a hyaluronic acid filler (like Restylane® or Perlane®, or if an error has been made with an injection,) the filler itself can be destroyed with the injection of Vitrase/hyaluronidase.

Why are Restylane® & Perlane® different than other fillers?

Like some other dermal fillers, Restylane® & Perlane® are made of hyaluronic acid. The process from which they are made, though, allows them to be injected in places where other fillers cannot be injected. For instance, sometimes when other fillers are injected under the eyes to help fill bags or saginess, the filler can give a translucent or bluish appearance. Restylane® & Perlane® do not do this, so they are often the better choice for this location. The larger particle size of Perlane® allows it to be used for deeper lines and for more significant volume augmentation.

Neither Restylane® & Perlane® contain animal proteins. Since neither is created from an animal source, there is little chance of allergic reaction and no testing is required prior to injection. The formulas are highly biocompatible (over its lifespan, Restylane® & Perlane® will metabolize with your body). Restylane® last approximately 6-8 months, and Perlane® lasts about 8-10 months.

Depending on your desires and the areas you want injected, Dr. Rueckl can help you decide if Restylane® or Perlane® is the right filler for your needs through a free consultation.

What are Restylane® & Perlane® treatments like?

As with all filler injections, Restylane® & Perlane® are only injected by Dr. Rueckl. He will begin by discussing the treatment with you and have you sign a consent for the procedure. Dr. Rueckl will prep the site with a lidocaine/epinephrine block to further reduce any pain or discomfort during the procedure and have you wait about 10 minutes. (Both Restylane® & Perlane® have recently launched a different version of their injectables which already contain Lidocaine in the syringe, premixed from the company. Because the compound doesn't contain epinephrine though, Dr. Rueckl still prefers to do his own block as it's more beneficial to each patient and reduces bruising and swelling.) By waiting this amount of time, the blood flow to that area is able to dissipate a bit, resulting in less bruising and swelling. After about 10 minutes, Dr. Rueckl will administer the Restylane® or Perlane® syringe and expertly and artistically inject the substance into the areas to be filled and revolumized. Dr. Rueckl will apply ice packs to the injected areas and have you sit for a few minutes to apply pressure, thereby further minimizing swelling and bruising. The full procedure should take approximately 30-45 minutes. You will leave the office having minimal discomfort or other affects and be able to return to normal activities.

What kind of results can I expect from a Restylane® or Perlane® treatment?

You should see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas (normally 1-2 days) with minimal bruising or swelling. Sometimes bruising and swelling can be minimized by taking Arnica pills, using Arnica gel, or having Arnica gel pads applied post procedure. Arnica is a natural medication that can be obtained from a local health foods store. It is not necessary to take it, but some people find it helpful, particularly if they are prone to bruising. Ice packs and avoidance of aspirin for a few days will help should you encounter either of these as well. Restylane® & Perlane® will help fill, smooth, and minimize the lines, wrinkles, and/or folds into which it is injected. For most patients, Restylane® lasts approximately 6-8 months, and Perlane® approximately 8-10 months, although in some cases and areas, the duration of the effect may be shorter or longer. Supplemental treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal results.

How much do Restylane® & Perlane® cost?

As with all fillers at Lakes Dermatology, Restylane® & Perlane® are charged by the syringe. One syringe of Restylane® is 1ml and costs $600; one syringe of Perlane® is 1ml and costs $650. For patients who need only a small amount of Restylane® (i.e., to fill a scar or other very small area), a .5ml syringe is available for $300.