RHA Fillers

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Oswego, Portland, OR and Woodburn, OR

RHA Fillers

RHA fillers, also known as Resilient Hyaluronic Acid fillers, are a cutting-edge advancement in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation. As we age, our skin naturally loses volume and elasticity, leading to the formation of wrinkles and a loss of facial contour. RHA fillers are specifically designed to address these concerns while maintaining the natural aesthetics of dynamic facial movement. They contain a form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally produced substance that serves to maintain hydration in the skin and provide cushioning lubrication to the joints. RHA lasts longer than standard HA, providing a more comprehensive treatment for the correction of both static and dynamic wrinkles.

As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Quita Lopez takes the time to understand every patient’s unique needs, ensuring that they feel like their most confident self. At Aesthetic Laser Center in Lake Oswego, OR, near Portland, Dr. Lopez and her team work to provide quality service with the highest level of professionalism and care. We implement the most up-to-date dermal filler techniques that will seamlessly blend in with the beauty of your natural features. To get started today, please call (503) 658-9892 or use our contact form and we will be happy to schedule your appointment as soon as possible.

The Latest Advancement in Dermal Fillers: RHA 

The hyaluronic acid found in dermal fillers is capable of enhancing areas of facial sunkenness, or hollowness due to age or significant weight loss. You can find this gel-like acid as a main ingredient in many skincare products due to its molecules’ ability to bind to a large volume of water, restoring and maintaining moisture in the skin. Research has found that every gram of HA can bind with up to 6 liters of water. (1) 

One issue with most hyaluronic acid fillers is that they tend to dissolve quicker when administered in areas of high movement, such as the lips and nasolabial folds. RHA fillers, however, are chemically structured in such a way that allows the body to metabolize it slower, leading to longer-lasting results. 

Why Does RHA Last Longer?

RHA has longer molecular chains than other HA fillers, making them more structurally stable. The RHA Collection by Teoxane features 4 types of fillers with varying degrees of two elements: strength and stretch. This allows patients to get a fully customizable treatment with RHA that works with their unique facial characteristics and signs of aging. 

The RHA Collection 

This advanced collection of hyaluronic acid fillers is designated to correct wrinkles and lines around the mouth, including nasolabial folds. Each formulation has distinct capabilities and is designed to be administered at varying depths in the skin: 

RHA Redensity 

Redensity has a chemical structure with the highest stretching capability, but it is the RHA filler with the least amount of strength against the applied forces of the face. It is most effective at treating superficial dynamic wrinkles since it is applied to the superficial dermis (middle skin level) just beneath the epidermis (most superficial skin level). 

RHA 2 

This product comes in second place when it comes to its stretch quality, and it is a little more resilient against dynamic forces than RHA Redensity. It is also applied slightly deeper within the dermis layer to provide subtle softening. 

RHA 3 

RHA 3 has little stretchability, but it is very resilient against dynamic movement. It is used for the correction of moderate to severe wrinkles, and it is administered to the deepest part of the dermis for the most comprehensive rejuvenation. 

RHA 4 

RHA 4 has the strongest chemical structure and almost no stretchability. It treats moderate to severe folds and has the most volumizing capabilities. 

Hyaluronic Acid Supports Skin Health 

In addition to the resolution of wrinkles and volumizing and hydrating effects, RHA fillers support the health of fibroblast cells in the dermis, the cells that create the collagen and elastin fibers required for a strong, supportive skin structure and youthful appearance. While collagen gives the skin a more rigid quality, elastin contributes to its elasticity and ability to recoil. Hyaluronic acid has also been shown to help collagen fibers elongate, contributing to both the quantity and quality of collagen. (2)  

Can RHA Fillers Correct Sagging Skin? 

RHA fillers can provide mild skin-tightening by volumizing the surrounding tissue, but they can’t fix overly lax skin. Sometimes, a surgical procedure such as a facelift or mini facelift is necessary to tighten moderate or severely loose skin. 

Candidates for RHA Fillers

Candidates for RHA fillers are individuals over 22 years of age in good overall health with skin that isn’t affected by infection or acne. Those who are pregnant or have recently gone through surgery should refrain from any cosmetic fillers. Although hyaluronic acid is biocompatible and poses little risk of an allergic reaction, some patients can’t undergo this treatment. You should avoid RHA fillers if you have ever experienced a severe allergic reaction or are allergic to lidocaine. 

Personal Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Lopez, you will have the chance to explain your specific cosmetic concerns and find out if an RHA filler is right for you. She will assess your skin quality, the depth of your wrinkles and folds, and your facial movement to recommend the best choice from the RHA Collection. She will go over how the procedure will go and the details regarding your results, such as its expected longevity. If you feel that RHA fillers are exactly what you need to help restore the contours and volume of your younger self, please call Dr. Lopez’s practice near Portland at (503) 658-9892 or inquire online, and a staff member will gladly assist you. 

Preparation for Dermal Fillers

RHA Fillers

Dermal fillers of all types, RHA included, require similar steps for preparation. First of all, you should stop the use of anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medications to prevent the risk of bruising. Dr. Lopez will go over your current medications and supplements to advise you on what to avoid. In the days leading up to your appointment, you should practice healthy skin care habits and stay well-hydrated. On the day of your procedure appointment, you should make sure your face is clean and makeup-free. Dr. Lopez will cleanse your face once more before administering the injections. 

How Are RHA Fillers Administered? 

RHA fillers themselves contain lidocaine which will make the injections much more tolerable. After preparing the injection sites, she will inject RHA into the areas of facial aging, providing immediate, natural-looking volume and softening effects. After each injection, she will gently massage the site to spread the medication around evenly. The entire procedure only takes a few minutes. 

Recovery and Results 

After your injections, you will notice immediate changes, but you may have some mild temporary side effects such as slight bruising, redness, or mild swelling. After your appointment, you can use an ice pack to relieve any discomfort, but you should continue to refrain from any blood-thinning medications. Within 24 hours, you can resume applying daily makeup and your normal workout routine. 

Because of the molecular structure of RHA fillers, you will have a noticeable improvement in and reduction of vertical lip lines (lipstick lines) for up to 1 year, while other treated areas could maintain their results for up to 15 months. You should remember to apply daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or more and consult Dr. Lopez on other skin care products that can help maintain your results. 

Cost of RHA Fillers in Portland 

The cost of your RHA filler treatment will depend on your customized treatment plan and the number of syringes you will require for your expected outcome. Dr. Lopez and our staff at Aesthetic Laser Center work hard to be transparent when it comes to pricing concerns- at the time of your consultation, we will give you an accurate cost estimate. For those interested in a more affordable option, we offer CareCredit financing plans. 

To find out more about RHA fillers, and to book a personal consultation, call (503) 658-9892.

If you would like to learn more about the many other procedures available at our practice, please take a moment to look through our blog. 

FAQ

Are RHA fillers FDA-approved? 

The RHA Collection has been available to countries outside the U.S. since 2015. In 2017, the FDA approved RHA 2, 3, and 4, and RDA Redensity was approved in 2021. 

Can you reverse the effects of RHA fillers? 

If you aren’t pleased with the results of your RHA fillers, your injector can administer an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which breaks down the RHA molecules and allows your skin to metabolize them right away. 

References

  1. Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S. Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2014;7(3):27-29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3970829/#:~:text=One%20of%20its%20most%20important 
  2. Anjali Sharad Ghatge, Sharad Balasaheb Ghatge. The Effectiveness of Injectable Hyaluronic Acid in the Improvement of the Facial Skin Quality: A Systematic Review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2023;Volume 16:891-899. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s404248