RHA Fillers

A Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA) filler is molecularly designed to sustain youthful, plumping results and minimize wrinkles in the most natural way possible. It relies on the power of hyaluronic acid, a compound that draws water into the dermis layer of skin, resolving signs of aging and facial hollowing. RHA fillers are more equipped to address these same issues but with the added benefit of enhancing your natural dynamic facial contours– not changing them. RHA fillers have fewer crosslinks, meaning their molecules are more flexible and less rigidly adhered to one area. With RHA, patients can feel confident that this filler will move naturally alongside their facial expressions, not stiffen them. It also has the added advantage of lasting longer than other HA fillers.

To see the firsthand effects of this innovative form of facial rejuvenation, get in contact with Alexus Medspa in San Diego. Our injectors are highly experienced in applying our RHA collection to resolve a variety of cosmetic concerns to compliment a wide range of face shapes. For a consultation, call (888) 463-9532 or inquire with our contact form, and we will be happy to speak with you about this popular anti-aging solution.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

HA can be found in the joints, eyes, skin, and other locations where smooth movement and lubrication are essential. Many patients undergo HA injections to add volume to fill out facial hollowness from the aging process or rapid weight loss. This gel-like substance varies in viscosity and structure, providing varying results for different areas of the face. It is one of the most significant ingredients utilized in many skincare products since it is capable of binding to water, adding protective moisturization to the skin. Studies show that each gram of hyaluronic acid can bind up to 25 cups of water! ⁽¹⁾ In addition to attracting water, HA triggers the skin to produce more collagen and elastin which gives the skin more recoil and elasticity. It accomplishes this by stimulating fibroblast cells, the structures that produce these protein fibers in the skin. The compound has also been shown to encourage the elongation of collagen, improving the quality of the existing fibers as well. ⁽²⁾

The Science of RHA

As a more advanced version of other HA fillers like Juvéderm, RHA tends to dissolve in less time when administered in areas of more movement, like around the mouth and lips. These fillers’ molecules are more structured to imitate naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in the skin. Since RHA has longer chains of HA than other fillers, they are more stable yet pliable due to the delicate balance of two distinct features: stretch and strength. The RHA Collection available at Alexus Med Spa includes 4 fillers with differing amounts of each characteristic, allowing patients a means to get the most personalized treatment possible.

Introducing the RHA Collection

The RHA collection takes wrinkle elimination and youthful rejuvenation to the next level, offering distinct effects at different depths within the dermis:

RHA Redensity

RHA Redensity is capable of the most stretch, but it is not considered a particularly strong filler against the dynamic forces of gravity or facial movement. For this reason, injectors apply Redensity to soften superficial wrinkles that have developed from repetitive expressions. It enters and takes action in the superficial dermis just under the surface of the skin.

RHA 2

RHA 2 has a bit less stretchiness, but it boasts more strength than Redensity. Injectors administer this formulation within the middle dermis, providing a gentle softening effect on the surface of the skin.

RHA 3

RHA 3 has little elasticity, but it is structurally resilient against gravity and dynamic forces. Injectors typically administer this form of HA to correct moderate/severe wrinkles since it stabilizes within the deep dermis.

RHA 4

This formulation is an even more stable version of RHA 3 but with almost no stretch quality. However, it has the most volumizing effects, offering the most dramatic results in one targeted area.

Candidates for RHA Fillers

Prospective patients must be over the age of 22 and have healthy skin that has not experienced a recent acne outbreak or an infection. Women who are planning to become pregnant or who are pregnant should avoid all dermal fillers. Although hyaluronic acid is an all-natural compound that the body recognizes and responds positively to, individuals allergic to lidocaine should refrain from these treatments.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, your Alexus Medspa skincare specialist will ask you questions about the type of wrinkles and facial aging problems you would like to address. They will make sure to evaluate both your face in motion and at rest to get a more well-rounded idea of how RHA fillers can enhance your characteristics. You will have a chance to ask questions about the treatment and their recommendations for which RHA filler will be most optimal for you. No matter your aesthetic goals, we will spend time with you to make sure we understand your desires. If you are open to other treatments, your clinician can discuss other rejuvenation options like laser skin resurfacing and facial peels.

To schedule your consultation today, call (888) 463-9532 or fill out your information online, and we will get back to your inquiry as soon as we can.

Preparation for RHA Fillers

RHA fillers, like all other dermal fillers, are considered minimally invasive treatments and do not require much preparation. Still, you should consult your skincare specialist on which medications to avoid; usually, blood thinners and anti-inflammatories can increase bruising after any injection. Before your official appointment, you should try to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and protected from the sun. On the day of, you should come makeup-free with freshly cleaned skin.

Dermal Filler Treatment Steps

Your injector will cleanse your skin, then administer small amounts of RHA in the targeted areas of your skin. If you feel that you need it, you can request a topical numbing cream to reduce any stinging sensations during the treatment. You will most likely find the procedure highly tolerable since the RHA comes with lidocaine and the injections only enter superficially into the dermis, not beneath the skin. After injecting each site, they will gently massage the area to disperse the RHA within the skin. The entire process will only take a few minutes, depending on the specifics of your treatment plan discussed during the consultation.

Recovery and Results

Immediately after your treatment, the HA will provide immediate plumping and wrinkle-softening effects. You may experience mild side effects such as light bruising, redness, and slight swelling. After your appointment at Alexus Medspa, you should immediately apply an ice pack if you have any discomfort. Still, you should be mindful of avoiding all blood thinners that could exacerbate your bruising. Though the area will be sensitive for a few hours, you will be able to resume using makeup and any physical activities within 24 hours.

The longevity of your results will depend on the depth of each injection site, the type of RHA filler, and the treatment location. These resilient fillers can last up to 1 year within the lip line area and approximately 15 months in other areas of the face. To extend your results and prevent more aging and sun damage, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and practice good skin care tailored to your skin type. Your skincare specialist can provide you with more personalized guidance to help you maintain results and prevent future wrinkles.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing involves the application of laser light to temporarily injure the skin and initiate boosted regenerative processes. The skin responds to light-induced micro-injuries by creating more collagen, elastin, and various other components to heal the skin. As a result of these laser sessions, patients can fill in lines and wrinkles from years of sun exposure. Certain laser technologies at our medspa can also gradually erase age spots and acne scars. We have non-ablative lasers to provide quicker rejuvenation and ablative lasers that will require more downtime but result in more comprehensive anti-aging effects after fully healing. As always, our skilled laser technicians apply a numbing agent to the skin, ensuring that these procedures are as comfortable as possible.

Facial Peels

Facial peels are topical acid solutions that also provoke collagen and elastin renewal in the skin. We offer light, medium, and deep peels to cater to various skin concerns, penetrating different layers within the skin.

Cost of RHA Fillers in San Diego

The cost of your RHA filler treatment will depend on the amount of filler you will need to attain the aesthetic vision you have for your skin. Your skincare specialist will provide you with a total cost estimate at the time of your consultation- after you discuss the exact location of each injection. RHA fillers last more than a year, so the need for a repeat session will likely not be necessary until the compounds fully dissolve.

If you are intrigued by the transformative benefits of RHA and want to learn more, call our San Diego office at (888) 463-9532 or use our online form, and we will be glad to schedule your session with a healthcare professional at Alexus Medspa.

FAQ

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