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Restylane | Perlane | Juvéderm | Collagen Injections

RESTYLANE

Restylane is one of the newest of the "filler" agents. Though it is used to treat the same areas as collagen, the substance itself is completely different. Restylane is composed of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural part of the skin and therefore does not require any skin testing prior to injection. The big advantage of Restylane is that it is much longer-lasting than collagen, requiring only one or two treatments per year to maintain the effect. The injections require that you receive a dental block to anesthetize the area to be treated. This means that the treatment itself is completely painless. Immediately after the treatment, the treated area will be numb for about four hours. Many patients experience 24-48 hours of swelling in the treated area, which is particularly true for the upper lip. Some patients have discomfort in the treated area for a day or two. Our doctors may prescribe a pain medication to keep you comfortable.

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PERLANE

Perlane is another of the newest "filler agents" composed of hyaluronic acid, which is a normal component of the skin. Perlane is useful for particularly deep creases such as those extending down from the sides of the nose to the sides of the mouth. It can also be used for cheek contouring. No skin testing is required. Though not permanent, Perlane is long-lasting with touch-up treatment usually required only once or twice per year. The injections require that you receive a dental block to anesthetize the area to be treated. This means that the treatment itself is completely painless. Immediately after the treatment, the treated area will be numb for about four hours. Many patients experience 24-48 hours of swelling in the treated area, which is particularly true for the upper lip. Some patients have discomfort in the treated area for a day or two. Our doctors may prescribe a pain medication to keep you comfortable.

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JUVÉDERM

Juvéderm™ is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally
occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration.
Your healthcare professional eases Juvéderm™ injectable gel under the skin
to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and
folds, like your “smile lines” or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds—the
creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).
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COLLAGEN INJECTIONS

Collagen Products: Zyplast and Zyderm are collagen products derived from a bovine source. Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm are human collagen products.

The big difference is that the Zyplast and Zyderm products require that a skin test be performed prior to performing a full treatment as an allergic reaction to the bovine product is a rare possibility. Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm do not require skin testing. These products are both useful filler agents to replace collagen that is naturally lost during the process of aging, or to augment areas that just need a little more volume.

Areas that are effectively treated with collagen include the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the sides of the mouth, and lines around the mouth and lips. Other uses include lines between the eyebrows and acne scars. There is no downtime. The collagen is naturally degraded by your body over time requiring treatments about three times per year to maintain the effect. [top]