Abstract
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It is in every organ of the body. As ophthalmic surgeons know, it has been well tolerated inside the human eye for the last 30 years. When we used it to reconstruct monkey eyelids that had been deformed by trauma, it maintained volume for more than 2 years. Because it is not a foreign protein, and because it is derived from a non-animal source, the potential for inflammatory reaction and allergy is remote. This article will review our 6-year experience utilizing Restylane and Perlane in 2241 patients. Restylane and Perlane have been effective agents used to fill naso-labial folds, marionette lines, glabellar furrows, depressed scars, upper lip lines and to augment lips. We have observed only mild, transient erythema and edema at the injection sites lasting one to two days. Rarely punctate ecchymoses followed the injections and lasted one to five days. Patients have noted the results to be satisfying and long lasting. These products compliment Botox and non-ablative laser therapies.