Q. I have heard about a new injectable cosmetic filler, Perlane®. What specific issues does this new filler tackle?

A. Dr. Nicolette Picerno uses this new product, Perlane, used to correct a multitude of facial problems. It is most commonly used to soften wrinkles and for facial contouring but has many other uses such as lip and chin augmentation, filling the hollows under the eyes, softening the appearance of jowls and is even used as a temporary brow lift. Perlane is also used in patients who have experienced a loss of facial volume, something that happens to us over the course of time. Perlane is injected into the areas where they most need it to give them a refreshed, healthy appearance. 

Q. I heard that the same company that makes Restylane®, also makes Perlane. What is the difference between Perlane and Restylane?

A. You’re right, the same company manufactures Perlane and Restylane, but there are significant differences between the two. Dr. Nicolette Picerno explains that Perlane has much bigger hyaluronic acid particles than Restylane. Because the particles are bigger, they reach the deeper layers of the skin and last longer than Restylane, sometimes up to a year. Perlane also has much smoother results than other fillers.

Q. I want fuller lips. Is Perlane an option for me?

A. In a word, yes. Unlike collagen, which is extracted from bovine, the hyaluronic acid in Perlane is a natural substance that is found in the human body. Over time, the natural levels of hyaluronic acid in the body are depleted and wrinkles form. Since Perlane is already naturally produced in your body, there is no chance of experiencing an allergic reaction and a skin test is not needed.

Q. I want to make my wrinkles disappear but I also don’t want to lose all facial expressions. Does Perlane work like Botox or is it different?

A. The two, BOTOX® and Perlane, have entirely different applications. BOTOX paralyzes the facial muscles at points on your face that tend to contract creating wrinkles, crow’s feet, frown lines on the surface of your skin. BOTOX injections stop the muscle from contracting and thereby eliminate the opportunity for your wrinkles to “work.” Perlane is an injectable filler that plumps up the area it is injected into, filling in frown lines and wrinkles that have become creases if you will on your face.

The two treatments are often used in companion to achieve a younger, more refreshed facial appearance. And don’t worry, Dr. Nicolette Picerno, is very attentive to the fact that no one wants to look overdone like they’ve had major plastic surgery that has gone too far. Instead, Dr. Picerno has mastered making patients appear to be natural and younger looking using a variety of injectables and maybe a little BOTOX too.