Benefits of Perlane
By Kelly Brown | Published on August 24, 2009 | 0 Comments
As time passes, it is natural to look in the mirror and desire to return to younger days. The appearance of wrinkles may remind you of more youthful days when life was carefree and often, less stressful. While you can not literally turn back the hands of time, you can alter the image staring back at you from the mirror. If you have decided that makeup is not enough and you are searching for a more drastic way to slow your physical aging, Perlane injections may be an option.
What Is It?
Perlane is considered a dermal filler. It is the injection of hyaluronic acid gel particles, which are intended to fill wrinkles, folds, and sunken cheeks. It is similar to Restylane treatments, but Perlane particles are larger and they are injected deeper. It can also be used to augment other facial features like the chin, cheeks, and lips.
According to Restylane USA, a site about Restylane, “…hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your skin. Its job is to help provide fullness and elasticity. Over time, skin loses hyaluronic acid.” By injecting the acid into the skin, you can restore the elasticity in a relatively natural way. The science behind it is not all that complicated. After the injection, the “… hydropholic or ‘water loving’ nature of hyaluronic acid molecules allows them to bind many times their own weight in water as they slowly break down.” Basically, the acid molecules are plumped by water. This effects of the procedure typically last about six months.
Who Needs It?
Anyone looking to reduce wrinkles on the face, especially those between the nose and lips, may benefit from a Perlane procedure. The nasolabial folds respond to the injections, possibly better than any other wrinkled or sunken area.
If you have a clean bill of health, and relatively clear skin, you may be a candidate for the treatments. Those with sensitive skin will want to carefully consider their options. While the acid particles occur naturally in the body, the reintroduction of them from an outside force may trigger a reaction in those susceptible to severe chemical responses. However, if you have never experienced skin rashes, and you typically are not sensitive to chemicals, make up, cleansers, and various allergy-inducing substances, there is a good chance you will react positively to Perlane.
Benefits
While the opinions of those that have been treated with the Perlane procedure vary, the general consensus seems to be that recipients are happy with the safety and ease of the treatment. According to Drugs.com, a drug information site, Perlane has “… well-defined safety profiles.” The injections contain no animal protein, which helps to limit the risk of animal based diseases, and allergic reactions.
The results are typically subtle, an appealing aspect to many. Your entire appearance will not be transformed, as may be the case with more drastic procedures. Many report seeing themselves as the same, but better. Those that choose to have cosmetic procedures are often in search of a small boost, and want others to see them as looking healthy and fresh, as opposed to significantly different. The slight diminishing of lines and wrinkles may be just enough to improve their appearance and their state of mind.
Risks
While Perlane is considered generally safe, there are a variety of side effects to consider. First, understand that the procedure is not permanent. Unlike cosmetic procedures of comparable cost, like laser hair removal, Perlane injections will need to be given about twice a year in order to maintain your improved appearance. Treatments can range in cost from $500 to over $1,000, depending on the area you wish to have treated and the clinician you choose. Over time, it can be costly to maintain your youthful appearance through the injections.
Drugs.com considers the presence of trace amounts of gram positive bacterial proteins a risk, and points out that no allergy test is required prior to the injections. Choosing to have the injections without any idea of what your reaction may be could be risky. Little can be done if you react poorly. So when making your decision, consider your medical history. If you are typically prone to allergic reactions, it may be a good indication as to how your body will react to Perlane.
Typical side effects include swelling, redness, pain, bumps, bruises, and tenderness. There are usually mild and last about seven days. Much success of your procedure depends upon the skill and experience of your clinician. So interview your options carefully.
If you suffer from a bleeding disorder, you will not be eligible for Perlane injections. If you are suffering from pimples, sores, a rash, cysts, hives, or any sort of infection, you will need to delay your treatment. Following your treatment, should you develop inflammation papules, which are infected red bumps, you will need to be prescribed an antibiotic.
The Bottom Line
Perlane injections may not be for everyone, but those suffering the effects of wrinkles and deep crevices and skin folds due to the aging of their skin may find the procedure a safe, affordable solution. Speak with your doctor or cosmetologist concerning the treatment and carefully consider the risks and benefits. You may find that your once youthful appearance is merely a treatment away.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.