Perlane
Q. What is Perlane and is it Safe?
A. Perlane is made from non-animal stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA). It is a clear synthetic biodegradable gel. This means Perlane contains no animal products. Since Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the bones and joints of our bodies, there is no need for a skin test. Perlane is primarily the same product as Restylane, but Perlane contains a larger concentration of Hyaluronic Acid. Because of this higher concentration of Hyaluronic Acid, Perlane is usually used for moderate to severe facial folds while Restylane is better suited for smaller wrinkles. The rate of reactions to Perlane is very low. Perlane has been used safely by medical professionals since 2000 worldwide.
Q. Where can Perlane be injected?
A. The Hyaluronic acid in Perlane can be used to improve the contour of facial skin and to reduce wrinkles, folds, scars and other facial depressions.
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Common uses for Perlane are:
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Wrinkle Correction
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Diminishing Worry Lines, Smile Lines, and Crow's Feet, Marionette Lines at corners of the mouth and Smokers Lines.
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Lip Enhancement
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Chin Augmentation
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Filling Cheek Depressions
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Redefining Lip Border
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Softening Acne Scars
~ Other, less common uses for Perlane are:
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Filling hollows under the eye
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Creating a temporary eyebrow lift
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Correcting facial depressions caused by fat loss
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Softening the appearance of jowls
Q. How do I know if I'm a good candidate for Perlane?
A. Good candidates for Perlane include physically healthy men and women who are looking to improve their appearance. It's important that patients have realistic expectations. Perlane is not appropriate for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant soon. Nor is it appropriate treatment for anyone with a severe allergy history (Anaphalaxsis) to anything, including medications, bees, environmental etc.
Q. What happens during a consultation for Perlane?
A. You will meet with the Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner for the consultation. The Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner will take a thorough medical history, discuss your goals and expectations and will also explain all details of the procedure, including the technique, the benefits, the recovery, the risks and the costs. The Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner/Cosmetic Nurse Specialist will carefully examine and evaluate your face to determine what needs to be done. Photographs of all areas to be treated will be taken.
Q. Who Should Administer Perlane?
A. Any authorized health care professional can administer Perlane, but Dr. Edwin F. Williams, a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, in Albany, NY., recommends that those seeking to receive a Perlane treatment should be treated by a health care professional with experience. Cosmetic Physicians, and Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are generally more experienced professionals. Our Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are highly trained registered nurses, practicing under the direction of Dr. Edwin F. Willaims. The Williams Rejuva Center, where the treatments will be done, provides a relaxing spa-like environment.
Q. What should I tell my doctor before having a Perlane treatment?
A. Notify your Doctor or Cosmetic Nurse Specialist if you are taking Blood Thinners, Aspirin, Aspirin like medications ( Aleve, Celebrex, Advil, Naproxen, Motrin etc.) Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Herbal Supplements or Alcohol, as these can all cause bruising and/or bleeding during the procedure. Your health care professional may recommended that you stop taking any of these, if you can, at least two weeks before your Perlane treatment this helps reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Q. How long do Perlane treatments take?
A. To administer a Perlane treatment it will take approximately 30 minutes per area to treat. The result is instantaneous, producing a long lasting, natural enhancement.
Q. Are Perlane treatments painful?
A. The Williams Rejuva Center Cosmetic Nurse Specialists pride themselves in providing Perlane treatments with minimal or no discomfort. We have researched methods for optimum results with nearly pain free injections. Discomfort is minimal because we use anesthetic agents such as topical creams and/or local anesthetic. The needle used to inject with Perlane is very fine to further minimize discomfort.
Q. What is recovery like after a Perlane treatment?
A. After your Perlane treatment, any discomfort that patients experience typically fades within a few days. When the lips are treated with Perlane, they may appear swollen and somewhat uneven during the first few days. Normal activities can usually be resumed right away, though the treated area should not be exposed to intense heat or extreme cold until the redness or swelling has resolved. Alcohol consumption and exercise should be avoided for at least six hours after your Perlane treatment.
Q. Will I need to take off from work after my Perlane treatment?
A. Most patients can resume normal activities after their Perlane treatment. Since swelling of the lips is possible, you may choose to stay home for the first day of your Perlane treatment.
Q. Are there any risks or complications with Perlane?
A. There are very few complications associated with Perlane, though side affects may include redness, swelling and/or tenderness at the injection site. These side effects, if they occur, will subside with in 3 to 7 days. As with any procedure that involves an injection through the skin, there is always a chance of infection, Other possible side effects are extremely rare. When doing lip augmentation, your lips will be swollen for 24 - 48 hours after treatment. To help minimize the swelling we give two doses of Dexamethasone, (A steroid used to reduce inflamation and swelling), one dose prior to treatment and one to take later.
Q. Does Perlane have any limitations?
A. The limitations and realistic expectations of your Perlane treatment will be discussed with the professional administering Perlane at The Williams Rejuva Center. We want each patient to understand the cosmetic facial treatment and what to expect from Perlane.
Q. Are results from Perlane immediate?
A. Yes, the results are immediate after treatment with Perlane, though some swelling does occur. Your appearance will continue to improve for up to three weeks after initial treatment.
Q. How long does Perlane last?
A. The length of time the effect of a Perlane treatment lasts is very individual and depends on many factors, such as the structure of your skin, lifestyle and age. Most people choose to have a new treatment within six months to a year.
Q. Will my lines and folds look worse if I choose not to continue with Perlane treatments?
A. No, should you decide not to continue with Perlane treatments, the areas treated will gradually revert back to their pre- Perlane appearance.
Q. Does insurance ever cover the cost of Perlane?
A. Perlane treatments are considered cosmetic and therefore are not covered by insurance.
Q. Is it possible to get financing for this procedure?
A. Yes, financing is available for many of our procedures and this option can be discussed during you consultation.