Our faces make some dynamic demands of us, and to keep up, we need a filler that’s able to move (naturally) with our emotions and laughter and smiles. Which is why it’s a celebration here at Majewski Plastic Surgery and Spa as we announce a new product offering: The RHA Collection of fillers.

Named RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid), this luxury line is really the first innovation to dermal fillers in more than 10 years, and it’s designed to be a cleaner, more natural option to fill dynamic wrinkles that appear when the face moves repetitively. Want to know more about this Swiss-innovated, new-to-the-States hyaluronic acid filler (including how long they promise to last)? Read on.

First, what’s the Difference Between RHA and Injectable Fillers?

Movement is the most significant difference between RHA and other dermal fillers, meaning it’s designed to adapt to facial movement. The RHA collection specifically targets the dynamic wrinkles and folds that appear in areas of the face that move repetitively—think frowning, laughing and talking. These wrinkles and folds can be difficult to treat with other fillers because they tend to cause the area to appear stiff or unnatural when the face moves.

RHA on the other hand integrates better into the face (thanks to its construction, which we’ll touch on below!) and provides a softer, more natural result—so the face looks equally as good when it’s rest as when it’s in motion.

Because RHA is made to replicate (or be most similar) to the native hyaluronic acid that’s present in our skin, it can be incredibly flexible and look most natural. And that brings us to the other major difference: how it’s made.

How is RHA Made?

Like other dermal fillers, RHA is made from hyaluronic acid—but RHA is different because it's made differently.

When hyaluronic acid is present in the skin and in skin care, it breaks down rapidly. To make sure the HA doesn’t metabolize too quickly, typical HA dermal fillers crosslink HA chains with chemical proteins. More modifications and crosslinking, however, means a less pure product.

RHA fillers use a gentler manufacturing process with fewer modifications that other dermal fillers, making RHA an ultimately cleaner product that more closely mimics the natural HA found in our skin.

All this allows it to not only perform in the most dynamic areas of the face (without looking stiff or unnatural), but also perform longer. The RHA Collection has proven clinical effectiveness and duration up to 15 months.

Which Areas Do RHA Fillers Target?

The RHA Collection includes three different formulations: RHA 2, RHA 3 and RHA 4. Each contains hyaluronic acid (see more on how it’s made with fewer modifications below) and a small amount of local anesthetic (lidocaine) to help reduce pain of the injection. Dr. Majewski will choose which formulation makes the most sense for each patient, but typically, RHA 2 is best for plumping the lips and filling wrinkles around the mouth, as well as more superficial smoothing. RHA 3 may be injected into the mid-to-deep dermis, like nasolabial folds or the corners of the mouth. And RHA 4 is most appropriate for deeper folds and lines in the lower face.

Is RHA Collection Completely New?

No! This collection of fillers has actually been available in Europe for more than five years, but is finally making its debut in the States. It is now only available in select practices with a reputation for providing exceptional patient treatment outcomes—and Majewski Plastic Surgery and Spa is thrilled to be one of those practices!

If you’re interested in learning more about this luxury collection of (cleaner!) hyaluronic acid fillers and whether they’re right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Majewski here.

We know that there can be some confusion around the different types of injectables (a catchall term for fillers and botulinum toxin), their uses, ingredients and more. But we’re here to help. Whether you’re a first time injectable patient ready to take the plunge into the world of dermal fillers and neurotoxins, or you’d just like to brush up on your vocabulary, below are a list of terms you should know.

Injectable Wrinkle Reducers:

This is the most common cosmetic procedure in the United States. Injectable Wrinkle Reducers (like Botox or Dysport) are typically used on the top third of the face and are considered reducers or relaxers because they temporarily smooth the appearance of lines by weakening or paralyzing specific muscles or by blocking specific nerves. By temporarily limiting the contraction of wrinkles on your forehead, around your eyes or between your eyebrows, muscle activity decreases, and the appearance of wrinkles diminishes. As for results, give it one to two days, with full results in one to two weeks and maintenance every three to four months.

Botox and Dysport: For many, the term “Botox,” has become synonymous and interchangeable with the category itself (the Kleenex of wrinkle reducers!). But it is in fact a brand name. Botox tends to be more well known, but both Botox and Dysport are brands of botulinum toxin injectables.

Botulinum toxin: This is the main ingredient in Botox and Dysport, the cosmetic form of which is able to temporarily reduce or eliminates facial fine lines and wrinkles.

Dynamic Wrinkles: These wrinkles occur when the face making repeated motions or expressions—imagine the forehead wrinkles when you’re lifting your brows or the Crow’s Feet when you’re smiling. These are the types of wrinkles that Botox and Dysport will tackle by reducing their motion and visibility.

AREAS TREATED

Forehead Lines: These lines run horizontally on your forehead, across the top of the T-zone.

Elevens: Essentially vertical frown lines that sit between your eyebrows, you’ll see elevens (also called glabellar lines) when you squint and push your eyebrows together.

Crow’s Feet: These grow from the outer corners of the eyes.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are designed to temporarily restore volume and fullness to areas that might have lost volume over time. They can plump up thin lips, define and highlight the cheekbones and jawline when injected in certain areas, and even improve the surface and texture of skin.

And while Botox and Dysport reduce the activity of muscles in the face that cause wrinkles, dermal fillers are able to add volume to correct deep facial wrinkles and creases, including those deep-set parentheses lines around the nose and mouth. In most patients, results last six to nine months, but some products can last up to a year or longer.

Juvederm and Restylane: Just as Botox and Dysport are brands of wrinkle reducers, Juvederm and Restylane are two of the most popular brands of dermal fillers.

Hyaluronic Acid: A modified version of the water-loving molecule hyaluronic acid (which is found naturally in the skin) is the primary ingredient in most injectable fillers. HA is fantastic for fillers because it helps your skin retain moisture, keeping it looking plump and healthy.

Static Wrinkles: Dermal fillers are ideal for static wrinkles, the ones that are still visible even when your face is relaxed. These areas are depleted and sunken in and vary from the always-moving dynamic wrinkles treated by wrinkle reducers.

AREAS TREATED

Nasolabial Folds: Also called laugh lines, these create those parenthesis around the lips.

Marionette Lines: Jowl wrinkles can form when your cheeks begin to droop. Marionette lines form and frame the chin vertically.

Lips + Cheeks: Whether you want fuller lips, a more proportioned profile or to restore volume lost in the cheeks, fillers (properly injected gradually over time) can create more balanced facial proportions.