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Perlane Vs. Restylane, What's the Difference?

Before i get to the doctors office for my next appointment i want to know why a company called medicis is selling 2 products called "perlane" and "restylane" even though they are the same ingredients according to the website?  i want to get fuller lips and hide wrinkles.  Which injection, restylane or perlane, do I ask for?

Sort 33 expert answers by:
+5

Perlane and Restylane are similar products with important differences.

Restylane and Perlane are both hyaluronic acid filler products made by Medicis, Inc of Scottsdale, Arizona. They are similar products with important differences. Perlane is a more highly crosslinked product than Restylane. Crosslinking is the process that allows these products the ability to persist in the tissue and provide long term benefits. In the case of Restylane, this product seems to last for about a year or more. Perlane persists a bit longer and that time frame seems to be 4... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+4

Restylane or Juvederm VS. Perlane or Juvederm Plus

Restylane and Perlane are produced by the QMed Corp (Sweden) and distributed by Medicis. Juvederm and Juvederm Plus are produced by Allergan (which also produces Botox and Latisse). Restylane and Juvederm are Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers in which the molecules are cross linked to ensure long-term stability. As they degrade, both attract more water molecules to maintain their filling effects. To get a stiffer a stiffer filler which lasts longer and is intended to be placed deeper in the... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+3

Perlane vs Restylanea

The reason the company offers two products is because they have different specification for each use. Perlane is a more concentrated hyaluronic acid therefore it is used for deeper filling where you want a more robust fill. Restylane is used for more superficial areas such as the lips and nasal labial folds. Each doctor has their own preference. I have all different hyaluronic acids in my office because no product "fills" all needs. Good Luck
Carlos Wolf, MD
Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

Perlane is exactly Restylane but three times thicker

Many posters with essentially the same answer. I chose to tell patients a very simple explanation. Restylane is thinner less thick substance while Perlane is the exact same product but three times thicker. Perlane is harder to inject, but lasts 3x longer, cost is double of Restylane. Very simple answer.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+3

Perlane vs. Restylane

Perlane and Restylane are similar products, made by the same manufacturer. They consist of the same substance - hyaluronic acid. The difference is in the particle size, with the Perlane having much larger particles. This in turn translates into the way we inject it: Perlane is usually injected deeper, with a slightly larger needle. Larger particles allow for more volume expansion, so we use it when we need to create more diffuse volume increase with perhaps less finesse. For example, we use... more
Stella Desyatnikova, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

The are similar fillers

For your application-lips, I would use Restylane rather than the thicker Perlane which is designed for deeper folds and lines. We are finding that both products last over a year and if injected properly you should have a great result.
Ivan Wayne, MD
Oklahoma City Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Restylane and Perlane are the same only different

Restylane and Perlane are both hyaluronic acid-based products from the same company, made with the same chemical formula. Perlane is thicker, because of a larger particle size, so it is used more where deeper volume filling is desired such as the cheeks. Restylane works better in more superficial layers. But when to use which one is a matter of preference and clinical experience.
Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Perlane vs. Restylane

Perlane and Restylane are both superior dermal fillers made, and are both made with hyaluronic acid (HA). The main difference between Restylane and Perlane is their particle size and consistency. Restylane has a thinner consistency and uses smaller HA particles. It can be used in deeper folds but it is easier to use than Perlane when injecting into areas that use less product like the lips and under the eyes. Perlane has larger HA particles and is thicker than Restylane. It is more... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Restylane and Perlane: How I use them

This question has already been answered pretty well, so I will explain how I use Perlane and Restylane in my practice in Dallas, Texas. The trade off is that Perlane is much harder than Restylane but it lasts much longer. I like Perlane for the cheeks and chin and for smile lines. I use Restylane under the eyes and in lips more, areas that require a softer product to stay smooth. Here is a link to a video that describes my use of products based on hardness, including fat transfer, etc.,... more
Samuel Lam, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Try Restylane first and then graduate to Perlane

Great question. I would make a few suggestions. As you know that Perlane tends to last a bit longer than Restylane by perhaps 6-8 weeks or so (when injected in to the lips). You want to make sure that your doctor has experience with fillers in the lips as the lips require a great deal of skill and judgment to do properly. Consult with you doctor about his/her preference and experience. Your doctor can help guide you. I tend to start people with Restylane and then once I am sure they like... more
Robert F. Gray, MD
Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Perlane vs. Restylane

While the two products are Hyaluronic Acid based fillers, Restylane remains the "gold standard" as it allows for greater control and finesse. Medicis markets the larger particle (Perlane) to last at least 6 months, and Restylane to last up to 6 months. Both products should be injected by a trained and licensed surgeon to provide the optimal natural look without risking the potential side effects or a distortion in the appearance.
Kris M. Reddy, MD
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Restylane Lipp or Juvederm Smile

Restylane and Perlane are hialuronic acid fillers produced by Galderma (QMed in the past) and distributed by Galderma (Europe) and Medicis (USA). The difference between the 2 produducts is the cross-linking of hialuronic acid molecules; the more cross-linked, the most long term stability and duration; Perlane is more cross-linked than Restylane and because of this, it lasts longer. As your question is related with lip enhancement, I think that Galderma's best choice for this purpose... more
Enrique Etxeberria, MD
Spain Plastic Surgeon
+1

Restylane vs. Perlane

Restylane and Perlane are both hyaluronic acid-based products made with the same chemical formula. Perlane is thicker, because of a larger particle size, so it is used more where deeper volume filling is desired such as the cheeks. Restylane works better in more superficial layers. From my experience, most people prefer the Restylane.
Michael A. Fiorillo, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

The difference!

As you have pointed out, both are of the same material, manufactured by the same company, so what is the difference you may wonder? The answer comes down to the size of the particles. Restylane particles are smaller in size and therefore can be used to fill finer lines. Perlane particles are much larger and are used to fill deeper areas with a larger volume. Another difference between the two is the length of the results. Perlane tends to last a minimum of six months whereas Restylane... more
Yael Halaas, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

What is the difference between Restylane and Perlane

Both are hyaluronic acid fillers with the difference being that Perlane has more cross linking. Perlane gives you a more robust filing which is helpful in certain patients and areas whereas sometimes and in some areas Restylane is more suitable. Finally, Perlane is generally injected a little deeper than Restylane.
Ted Brezel, MD
New York Dermatologist
+1

Restylane vs. Perlane: what's the difference?

Restylane and Perlane are made by the same company from the same ingredients, but Perlane is formulated thicker, to be placed deeper, and potentially last a bit longer. The thickness makes it not comfortably appropriate for more superficial use. There are good reasons to use both in the right areas. One is not better than the other overall. It is up to your board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine what is best for your particular situation. Feel free to ask any and... more
Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH
Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Difference between Perlane and Restylane

The two products, Perlane and Restylane, are the same.  They are made of the same material and from the same company.  The difference is; if you can imagine the difference between a large cheese grater and a small or fine cheese grater.  If you took cheese and ran it across the large cheese grater, you'd get a large strand of cheese and if you took it across the fine grater, you'd get a finer strand that's smaller in diameter.  That's the difference... more
Amir Moradi, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Perlane is thicker than restylane

Perlane is designed to be placed more deeply than Restylane. Both are hyaluronic acids. If Perlane were injected superficially, it would possibly create bumps that would last for many months, but Restylane is used purposely in a more superficial plane than Perlane.
Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Perlane vesus Restylane

Both Perlane and Restylane are made of molecules of hyaluronic acid (a natural component of skin). This substance is slowly metabolized by your body (biodegradable). In Perlane, there are more molecules clumped together, so it is a bit thicker and it takes longer for it to be metabolized - it lasts longer. Let your doctor recommend which product is best for the areas you are concerned about.
Randy J. Buckspan, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1

Restylane and Perlane Difference

Restylane and Perlane are hyaluronic acid fillers and are made by the same company, Medicis. The difference is that Perlane ha a larger particle size which makes if thinker and good for adding volume to cheeks and filling in the nasolabial folds around the mouth. Restylane is great for adding volume to the lips and tear toughs around the eyes and filling in the nasolabial folds
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Perlane and restylane

Both perlane and restylane are hyaluronic acid products made by the same company. The particle size is larger with Perlane and the Perlane lasts longer.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

When to ask for Perlane vs Restylane

You really shouldn't have to choose on your own. Your doctor should explain to you the differences in the products and where they can be used to your best individual advantage. Yes, basically Restylane and Perlane are the same product but Perlane has larger gel particles so is typically injected deeper in the skin. This makes it more suited to areas that have deeper wrinkles or need a more robust structural support. Products for superficial lines are thinner and move more easily in the... more
Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologist
+1

Restylane more versatile and Perlane provides more volume

You should ask your board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon whichever he or she feels most comfortable for particular areas of concern. Both Restylane and Perlane are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. Restylane is a versatile filler, great for lip augmentation, tear trough injection beneath lower eyelids as well as nasalabial folds. Perlane may last slightly longer, provides greater volume and a nice candidate for cheek augmentation to provide a subtle lift and rejuvenation of your... more
William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Restylane is safer for lips and fine lines.

Hi! For most patients, Restylane is better.  It is safer and more forgiving and less likely to produce bumps.  But the skill of the doctor is the most important thing, not the product.
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Restylane and Perlane

Restylane and Perlane are both hyaluronic acid fillers manufactured by Medicis. While Perlane and Restylane are composed of the same material, Perlane is composed of bigger particle size and is consequently thicker. Due to its bigger size, Perlane is more resistant to degradation and can last longer. Perlane is typically injected in a deeper plane than Restylane.
Corey S. Maas, MD
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon
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