RHA® Fillers vs. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: What’s the Difference?

How do traditional hyaluronic acid fillers compare to RHA® fillers? St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University says that facial fillers are known for their ability to provide plumpness or volume and reshape areas of the face, but RHA® is a newer, unique filler option that some people may not have heard of.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Myckatyn explains, “In the world of cosmetic procedures, dermal fillers have gained immense popularity for their ability to rejuvenate and enhance one's appearance without the need for surgery. Among the various types of dermal fillers, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have been a go-to choice for many individuals seeking a non-invasive solution to combat signs of aging. However, a newer player in the field, RHA® fillers, is gaining attention for its unique properties and benefits. Ultimately, the best choice of filler for you depends on individual factors such as your specific goals and the area you want to treat.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the various types of hyaluronic acid fillers.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

All hyaluronic acid fillers are designed to add structure and volume to the face. They can fill in and lift certain features or minimize facial lines and wrinkles. The most popular types of facial fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally found in the body, binds to water, and provides cushioning and lubrication to tissues such as the skin. These fillers are reversible and can be dissolved with an enzyme. Traditional hyaluronic acid fillers were designed only for static wrinkles, which are always visible on the skin and caused by a loss of volume or elasticity due to age-related collagen loss or other environmental triggers like sun damage.

RHA® Fillers

RHA® fillers are hyaluronic acid filler options that work differently from the standard types. One of the major benefits of these fillers is that they can blend and contour the face without over-volumization or overly obvious projection, making them ideal for people who want more subtle, understated results. These fillers “blend” well with facial wrinkles.

RHA® stands for "Resilient Hyaluronic Acid," and it is a proprietary technology developed to mimic the natural properties of hyaluronic acid found in the skin. There are several types of RHA® fillers that vary in terms of how much crosslinking is involved in their production. Some are designed for adding volume to deeper areas, while others are best for surface level smoothing. The hyaluronic acid in these fillers is much more similar to the substance found in our body because the manufacturing process used for these fillers provides a cleaner and purer product.

Dynamic wrinkles develop due to our habitual or repetitive facial movements, such as those used to convey emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, worry, and surprise. Each time we move our face, skin cells are stretched or squeezed, eventually resulting in these wrinkles. What really sets RHA® apart is that it is designed for dynamic facial movement, so your face looks natural at rest and in motion. Traditional hyaluronic acid fillers can sometimes result in an overly "plumped" or unnatural appearance. RHA® fillers, on the other hand, are designed to move and adapt with your facial expressions, ensuring a more dynamic and authentic outcome. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals who want to maintain facial expressiveness while enjoying the benefits of dermal fillers. They are the only type of hyaluronic acid fillers that are FDA-approved for dynamic wrinkles and folds. They are specifically formulated for dynamic wrinkles and folds.

Another thing that sets these fillers apart is their longevity. They have a significantly longer duration of results compared to many standard fillers, with a lifespan of 12 to 15 months.

Want more advice about injectable treatments for reducing wrinkles? Contact St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University for more details. Call (314) 996-8800 or submit a contact form to request a consultation if you would like to discuss these treatments.