Dermal Fillers Part 2: Hyaluronic Acid-Based Fillers (Restylane, Perlane, & Juvéderm)

Welcome to Part 2 of Port City Plastic Surgery’s Dermal Fillers Blog Series! Last week in Part 1 we provided an overview to the series, including what areas of the face can be treated with injectable dermal fillers, and the procedures Dr. Brian Widenhouse provides at his offices in Charleston, SC.

This week we will be discussing three popular hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers we offer at Port City Plastic Surgery:

• Restylane®
• Perlane®, and
• Juvéderm®

Restylane and Perlane

Restylane® and Perlane® are dermal fillers made of hyaluronic acid, a compound that occurs naturally in the skin but is normally lost as we age. They are non-animal sourced, so you won’t need to be allergy tested prior to receiving your filler injections. In fact, they are both hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which is a naturally occurring substance already in your skin. These types of dermal fillers work by attracting moisture and producing volume for a more youthful appearance.

Restylane® and Perlane® are the same chemically, but differ slightly in structure. Perlane® has slightly larger particles of hyaluronic acid, making it a good choice for deeper wrinkles that benefit from a deeper injection into the skin. These deep wrinkles typically include nasolabial folds or marionette lines. It can also be a great option for thin lips. Restylane® has smaller, more delicate particles, and is preferable for injection closer to the surface, as in the case of frown lines, smile lines, and acne scars.

Perlane® is more highly “crosslinked” than Restylane®, meaning it persists in tissues a bit longer. Restylane® flows more readily than Perlane®, making it the more natural-looking choice in areas where the skin is naturally thin, like the lips. For areas of the face where skin and fat are thicker – like the cheek, chin, and nasolabial fold – the firmness of Perlane® provides needed volume.

Juvederm

Dr. Widenhouse also offers Juvéderm®, a similar hyaluronic acid filler marketed by the makers of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Juvederm offers some products not available from other manufacturers, such as SkinVive, a hyaluronic acid microdroplet skin treatment, and Volux, a jawline contouring injectable dermal filler. Juvederm fillers offer FDA-approved treatment options for a variety of facial wrinkles and cosmetic concerns. It’s a reliable, customizable way to restore volume without surgery.

Dermal Filler Results

Results of hyaluronic acid fillers typically last for six months or more, and can be dissolved with a simple injection of hyaluronidase in the unlikely event of a lump or asymmetry. Best of all, dermal fillers are temporary, allowing you to explore your cosmetic goals and tweak your look as needed. Many patients prefer them over facial fat grafting, which can require downtime.

Dermal Fillers in Charleston, SC

Unlike many practices where nurses or aestheticians inject dermal fillers, at Port City Plastic Surgery only plastic surgeon Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse performs each dermal filler procedure. He believes that all patients deserve personal treatment from a board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Widenhouse is an expert in the art and science of dermal filler procedures: his years of experience and knowledge of facial anatomy ensure his clients get the results they desire. Visit our Dermal Fillers page for more information.

If you would like to discuss injectable fillers with a board certified plastic surgeon, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse at Port City Plastic Surgery in Charleston, South Carolina.

Check the Blog again next week for Part 3 of our ongoing Dermal Fillers Series when we’ll be discussing Radiesse, a biostimulatory filler designed to stimulate collagen production!