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RHA Dermal Fillers

*Individual results may vary

Since the approval of Restylane by the FDA in 2005 with Juvéderm following in 2006, dermal fillers have been a popular feature of the aesthetic world. In fact, after Botox, those two dermal fillers are the most popular cosmetic injectables around the globe.

But now you could call those “first generation fillers.” Recently a new series of fillers was approved by the FDA for use in the United States — Resilient Hyaluronic Acid dermal fillers, RHA fillers for short. They’ve been available in Europe for over five years, but recently received FDA approval for the U.S. market.

What are RHA fillers?

RHA stands for resilient hyaluronic acid, and this is the latest advance in dermal filler science. These fillers are designed for the dynamics of our facial movements, so the volume they provide looks more natural and adapts to movement without breaking down as quickly.

There are currently three available Teoxane RHA dermal fillers, RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4. These are marketed in the U.S. by Revance.

What is the difference between RHA fillers and regular dermal fillers?

Most people have heard of Juvéderm and Restylane, along with their respective families of dermal fillers. All of these fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body (and most other mammals) that is responsible for hydrating, plumping, and firming the skin. Hyaluronic acid does this by binding with nearby water molecules.

These fillers have provided great results, but sometimes don’t respond as well when the patient’s face moves with expressions and the like. That’s because hyaluronic acid breaks down rapidly and is metabolized in about 48 hours. To prevent this from happening, with first-generation dermal fillers the HA is crosslinked with suspended chemical proteins. These proteins make the HA in first-generation dermal fillers not as malleable with facial movements.

The difference between RHA and first-generation hyaluronic acid dermal fillers is that these new fillers have fewer chemical modifications and crosslinking in longer chains of HA. This makes RHA fillers closer to the natural hyaluronic acid that is found throughout the human body in their flexibility in usage, natural-looking results, and longevity of results. Basically, RHA fillers are closer to natural hyaluronic acid, so they are undetectable regardless of facial movements. That’s the improvement RHA fillers make over the first-generation HA fillers.

How long do RHA fillers provide results?

These new RHA dermal fillers extend the results you can expect when compared with first-generation hyaluronic acid fillers. RHA fillers provide natural-looking results for up to 15 months.

Are there any side effects with RHA fillers?

The safety of these new hyaluronic acid fillers is no different than that of the first generation. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. Its job is to hydrate and plump the skin. These fillers simply add hyaluronic acid when injected. The usual side effects are the same as with fillers like Juvéderm. There can be some slight swelling and redness at the injection sites. As with any hyaluronic acid filler, if a lump forms or if you don’t like the way the filler looks, we can inject an enzyme, hyaluronidase, that instantly neutralizes the hyaluronic acid and dissolves the filler.

How many RHA treatments will I need?

These are not multiple session treatments. One injection session delivers your results for roughly 15 months.

Can RHA fillers be combined with other injectables?

RHA fillers are a good complement to BOTOX. That’s because RHA are dermal fillers while BOTOX is a neuromodulator; they work on different types of wrinkles on different areas of the face. BOTOX works by relaxing muscles that form wrinkles on the surface skin when facial expressions are formed. RHA fillers are injected and simply fill in the area of volume loss, and this pushes the skin back upward.

BOTOX only works on wrinkles and lines formed on the upper third of the face: crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines between the eyebrows. RHA fillers work on the mid to lower face, predominantly around the mouth and nose areas.

RHA fillers can also be used in the same session with Kybella injections to reduce your double chin.

Why are RHA dermal fillers only offered by a limited number of providers?

This is only due to familiarity. These RHA dermal fillers are being called the next generation of hyaluronic acid fillers. They have only recently received FDA approval in the U.S., although they’ve been used in Europe for over five years.

Dr. Epstein makes it a point to stay abreast of the latest changes and innovations in the aesthetic world. He has thoroughly researched these new RHA fillers and has moved quickly to add them to his practice. That’s good for our patients from all across Long Island and NYC.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

If you’re interested in learning more about Teoxane RHA Fillers please contact us for a consultation at 631-638-6800  or fill out the form below. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.

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Oceane Medical Aesthetics + Wellness By Dr. Mark Epstein

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