Anti-wrinkle treatment is perhaps the most common cosmetic procedure in the world. A concern for many in society, wrinkles are the result of a loss in elasticity from a depleting number of active structural cells (which provide support) - a gradual weakening process that occurs with age as gravity and muscular contraction take their toll. To compensate, there are a number of procedures and treatments available, one of the safest of which is restylane or Perlane injections.

Restylane is a natural, safe cosmetic filler that works to restore volume to the skin and reduce moderate to severe facial wrinkles which has been used worldwide since 1996. restylane (and its sister treatment Perlane) is the only cosmetic filler composed of non-animal hyaluronic acid. hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that exists within the human body and is important in providing fullness and volume to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in restylane is biodegradable and wholly biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid, meaning there is no potential for allergic reaction. Injected into the skin with an ultra-fine needle, restylane and Perlane (in essence the same product in different dosages) are particularly similar to the natural bodily acid, ensuring a comparatively safe treatment, free from the complications involved in other, similar treatments. The acids in restylane and Perlane accumulate within the body, building on the natural acids which deplete with age, to add a fuller, 'filled' appearance to the treated skin. The average treatment results last six months or possibly longer, and the procedure can be repeated any number of times, as many as necessary due to the wholly natural basis of both Perlane and restylane.

Specifics of Treatment

Restylane and Perlane are excellent treatments used mainly in connection with wrinkles, lip enhancement, deeper folds and shaping facial contours. They are not suitable for use against deeper wrinkles and certain types of acne scar. The treatment is administered through an ultra fine needle directly under the skin. After injection, it is not uncommon for physicians to massage the area to optimize the effects. Treatment for both restylane and Perlane lasts approximately thirty to forty minutes, and the effects can persist for some time varying from patient to patient. The effect of both restylane and Perlane treatment is dependent on factors like the patient's age, lifestyle and genetic makeup. Most patients however opt for repeat treatment within a year as the natural acids are metabolized over time. Being a larger dosage, Perlane takes longer to dissolve than Resylane.

Restylane and Perlane treatments are quick and particularly effective. As neither product relies on animal extracts there is no risk of an allergic reaction and the acid forming the basis of the product occurs naturally in the body allowing for immediate implementation and results.

Only a mild discomfort can be felt during the procedure from the ultra thin needle, which is easily tolerated, and a local anesthetic cream can be applied for further minimize sensation. For lip enhancement, a local anaesthetic injection is often used as the lips are more responsive to pain.

Restylane and Perlane last on average twice as long as collagen, so treatments are typically scheduled twice yearly. Evidence has shown that touch-up treatment during the effectual period will enhance the lasting effect and leave skin looking more refreshed for longer.

Risks

The biocompatible quality of restylane almost entirely eradicates any risk of disease or allergic reaction. Unlike other injectables which are based on animal-derived products, restylane and Perlane share an entirely biocompatible acidic base; a replica of an acid naturally present in the human body. Related side effects are particularly rare with occurrence in roughly one in every two thousand patients having reported localized reactions thought to be of a hypersensitivity nature, for example swelling, soreness, tenderness and occasionally (more rarely) acne type symptoms. These reactions have all been reported as mild in nature, and will usually disappear within two to three weeks. The most common side effects of restylane are the temporary side effects associated with injections such as temporary redness and swelling. It is recommended that before treatment commences, patients and physicians comprehensively discuss the facts and options available to decide which treatment is most applicable.

By nature, all medical procedures carry an element of risk. Before embarking on any medical procedure, it is advisable to consult fully with the Mclean Academy so that our qualified staff can suitably discuss any risk or concerns that your procedure may pose. Perlane & Restylane are non surgical procedures with very minimal risks.