Restylane®

Interested in Restylane® and Perlane®?

Interest in hyaluronic acid-based dermafillers for facial rejuvenation in San Francisco is growing with each passing week. Restylane® is rapidly establishing a name for itself as the way to correct mid-facial wrinkles and hollows without surgery, and Perlane®, which could be described as its sister product, is gaining in popularity as well.

It's no wonder these alternatives to plastic surgery in San Francisco are gaining such momentum. Just at the time when most of us are finding it more and more acceptable-in fact, desirable-to take aggressive measures to look our best longer, time available for surgery and recovery is shrinking. The demands of family, job, and other obligations leave us scant opportunity for time out.

If you're confused by the array of dermafillers available today, don't worry. Dr. Mabrie is well acquainted with all the products and he knows which will be best to address your own individual areas of concern. To discover your options, request a consultation online or call us at (415) 445-9513 today.

Restylane Treatment to the Eyes, Cheeks and Nasolabial Folds


Before, Patient has dark bags beneath her eyes, sagging in the cheeks, and deep grooves in the nasolabial folds.	After, Dr. Mabrie used 3 syringes of Restylane, 1 to each area treated. Photo is taken 1 year after treatment to the nasolabial folds and 6 months after treatment to the eyes and cheeks

What Are Restylane and Perlane?

The active ingredient in both these products is hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that binds water to cells. Both work on the same principle: lifting and supporting surface skin from beneath by both filling in for lost tissue and increasing hydration. Both fillers are made by the same company, and the main difference between them is that the particles in Perlane are slightly larger.

Restylane is used to fill wrinkles and hollows in the mid and lower face, including around the lips, and can also be used for non-surgical rhinoplasty. Perlane can be used in these areas as well, and it has been widely used for lip augmentation.

Restylane Treatment beneath the Eyes


Before, patient has puffy bags and dark shadows under her eyes.	After 1.0cc Restylane, the skin beneath her eyes has been smoothed and tightened. Shadowing has diminished

Are the Products Safe?

Yes, the two fillers are safe. Both are FDA-approved, and prior to their approval in the United States they had been used safely in Canada and Europe for many years.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Restylane has minimal side effects; however, some common injection-related reactions may occur, such as bruising, which is seen in about 20% of patients. Additionally, following the injection there may be swelling, which resolves within a day or two. For additional information, read what to expect during and after your treatment.

For a gentler injection procedure, Dr. Mabrie offers the innovative microcannula injection method. These blunt-ended microcannulas cut fewer arteries and veins than needles, resulting in significantly less after-treatment bruising and swelling. The microcannula technique is available upon request.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty with Dermafiller


Before, under-developed bridge	After, Dr. Mabrie used 1.0cc Elevess, a dermafiller with a similar texture to Restylane, to fill in the concaveness in the bridge and give him a strong, masculine profile.

What are the Differences between Restylane and Collagen?

Unlike collagen (which lasts 3-6 months), the benefits of Perlane and Restylane treatment should be visible for 6-12 months, depending on the location of the treatment and the nature of your skin. For example, highly mobile areas like the lips tend to require at least a touch-up treatment after about 6 months. Areas where there is less movement may only require additional treatment after 12 months. Experience has shown that often, smaller amounts of Perlane and Restylane are needed for maintenance than were needed for the initial correction. Restylane is a smooth, clear gel and "flows" when it is injected and goes in very evenly.

Restylane Treatment for the Lips


Before, lips are slightly asymmetrical and not as full as patient desired	After, Dr. Mabrie used 1.0cc Restylane to augment and improve symmetry

What Is the Difference Between Perlane / Restylane and BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX Cosmetic is used in San Francisco to relax the muscles which cause many facial lines and unwanted facial expressions. Fillers like Perlane and Restylane collagen (Zyplast™ and Zyderm™), Artefill® and other products fill creases, lips, cheekbones, and also defects like acne scars. Sometimes BOTOX Cosmetic is used in combination with Perlane and Restylane when treating certain areas where permanent deep lines have resulted from overactivity of the muscles, for example some frown lines on the lower forehead or wrinkles around the lips.