Relaxers and Fillers
Joseph B. O'Connell, M.D.
Sponsored By Plastic Surgery of Southern Connecticut, L.L.C.
208 Post Rd. West | Westport, CT 06880 | 203 454-0044
Restylane® and Perlane® by Medicis Pharmaceuticals
What is Restylane?
Restylane is the most popular dermal filler in the world. It was the first of the hyaluronic acid based fillers approved by the US FDA. Restylane is known as a NASHA - non-animal hyaluronic acid gel filler. As with all fillers, the aesthetic goal is to achieve a more youthful facial appearance through volume relacement. Remember that the aging process in the face is not simply one of gravitational descent but also one of progressive volume loss - we actually deflate! While Dr. O'Connell believes that fillers are best used in the lower two-thirds of the face, Restylane and other hyaluronic acid based fillers can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds in many areas of the face. In February, 2010 Medicis began shipping Restylane-L™. This product adds .3% lidocaine to the formulation and, because of the decreased discomfort upon injection, it is the formulation of Restylane™ currently preferred by Dr. O'Connell.
Restylane For Treatment of Nasolabial Folds:
Restylane For Lip Augmentation:
The areas that Dr. O'Connell most commonly treats with Restylane are the nasolabial folds (the lines or folds that run from the base of the nose to the angle of the mouth - also knows as "parentheses") and marionette lines. Restylane is also commonly used for lip augmentation at Plastic Surgery of Southern CT.
What is Perlane?
Like Restylane, Perlane is used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles by injection. Perlane is also a hyaluronic acid based filler but Perlane is made up of larger gel particles. Dr. O'Connell utilizes Perlane to improve deeper folding and wrinkling of the face. The most common area for Perlane use at Plastic Surgery of Southern Connecticut is in the "marionette line" that runs downward from the corners of the mouth, much like a puppet or marionette. Dr. O'Connell also uses Perlane in the "tear-trough" which is the depression where the lower eyelid meets the cheek adjacent to the nose. He believes that the larger gel particles provide a firmer gel that allows greater support and correction to certain areas of the face. During your consultation, Dr. O'Connell will help you decide what relaxer and filler is best for you and your skin. Because of the decreased discomfort upon injection Dr. O'Connell currently prefers Perlane-L™ which contains .3% lidocaine.
Perlane for Tear Troughs:
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is actually a substance found in your own body! This substance cushions and lubricates connective tissue. By use of this natural material, the chance of an allergic reaction is minimized. Because Restylane and Perlane are not animal derived, allergy testing is not required prior to use..
How many injections will I need?
Restylane and Perlane are typically administered by 1 mL syringes. The number of syringes required depends upon the severity of the wrinkles and folds and how extensive a correction is desired. On average, our patients receive between one and three 1 mL syringes per session.
How long will the results last?
Dr. O'Connell believes that the longevity of hyaluronic acid fillers is greatly dependent upon each patient's immune system. On average, Restylane and Perlane will last about six to nine months. In one study, 95% of patients showed overall duration of effectiveness for 18 months when they had a follow-up treatment at 4.5 or 9 months. Dr. O'Connell sets up a personalized plan for each patient to optimize scheduling of return visits to maintain correction in the most cost-effective means possible. He believes that it is better to add more filler before the correction from the original filler is completely lost - this way the patient avoids the "peaks and valleys" of facial aging, giving an appearance that the aging process has greatly slowed.
Joseph B. O'Connell, M.D.
208 Post Rd. West
Westport, CT 06880
Call Us Today
203 454-0044
Designed for Dr. Joseph B. O'Connell by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons