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 everyone at at Rejuvenate Austin is excited to announce they have a new product offering: The RHA Collection of fillers! If you missed my last injectables post all about my experience getting Kybella, don’t forget to read that if that’s something you’re interested in too! Don’t forget that you can save 15% off ANY service at Rejuvenate Austin by mentioning my code HANNAH15!

My goal for this post is for it to be a one-stop source for all things lip 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-US hyaluronic acid filler (including how long they promise to last)? Keep reading… 

What is my history with lip fillers?

Going into this appointment, this was my 3rd experience getting lip fillers, and my 3rd TYPE of lip filler. Previously I’ve had Juvederm and Restalyne, but I wasn’t honestly 100% happy with my results OR the practice I went to both times. Keeping in mind that it had been almost a full 3 years since my last injection, I was ready to try something new that promised to be more flexible with my facial movements, and would last longer in general. I’ll insert my previous results from 2018 to the right.

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 your natural 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 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 and a small amount of local anesthetic (lidocaine) to help reduce pain of the injection. Beth will choose which formulation makes the most sense for each of her patients, 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 Rejuvenate Austin is one of those practices! 

Why Rejuvenate Austin?

When looking for a medical spa to visit on a regular basis, it’s important that I feel warm, welcome and comfortable with not only the injector, but everyone I interact with from the receptionist to the owner. I’ve been going to Rejuvenate for almost a year now, and I am beyond happy with the service and my results, especially the Kybella Treatment I got done earlier in 2021. Not only this, but they were voted Austin’s Best MedSpa 2020 and are in the running to win again in 2021! Don’t forget that you can save 15% off ANY service at Rejuvenate Austin by mentioning my code HANNAH15!

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How was my healing process?

Easy! Surprisingly, my body doesn’t take too harshly to injectables. I swelled for 2 days and had bruising for 4-5! I personally don’t take anything I just use bruising gel and lip repair balm, both linked on my Amazon Storefront!

What To Do Before Lip Fillers And Injections

In order to reduce the amount of bruising and swelling at the injection site, Rejuvenate Austin makes the following recommendations about how to prepare for fillers:

One Week Prior to Lip Injections

• Avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, and Aleve.
• Avoid supplements, including primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E.

2 Days Prior to Injections

• Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, or any “anti-aging” products.
• Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or using hair removal cream on the area to be treated.
• Do start taking Arnica two days prior to the procedure. (This is not required, but it will help to lessen bruising.)

24 Hours Prior to Injections

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior.

General Recommendations

• If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another eruption of cold sores. Please let your physician assistant know if you are prone.
• Do not use dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any ingredients, or suffer from neurological disorders. Please inform us if you have any questions about this prior to your treatment.

The Day Of Treatment

• Arrive at the office with a “clean face”—washed and without makeup.
• In order to maximize your comfort during the procedure, a topical anesthetic may be applied. In most cases, a local numbing like Lidocaine injected into or around the area(s) to be treated in the same application as the filler.

What To Do After Fillers: The First Hour

• Apply an ice pack and Arnica topically—Arnica tablets are both natural supplements to reduce bruising. I’ll link it on Amazon here!
• Take acetaminophen to reduce pain as necessary.
• Avoid itching, massaging, or picking around the injection site. This is normal and generally disappears within a few hours to a few days. If these symptoms last more than 3 days, please contact your MedSpa.

How To Reduce Swelling After Lip Injections

6 to 10 Hours After Treatment

• Until the swelling and redness have resolved, avoid intense heat in the treated area(s). This includes sunbathing, tanning, saunas, hot tubs, or hot wax.
• To help alleviate swelling, some recommend an antihistamine during the day, such as Zyrtec or Claritin, and Benadryl at night. I personally don’t take anything, I just let my body do what it needs.
• If there is a visible bump, you can massage the area. Depending on the areas treated and the product used, you may feel “firmness.” These areas will soften and settle with time (usually 1-2 weeks).
• Sunscreen and makeup can be applied, and you may use a gentle cleanser on the area.

How To Reduce Bruising After Fillers

• Avoid drinking alcohol or partaking in strenuous exercise, as it may result in additional bruising.
• To help alleviate bruising, I recommend taking Arnica or using Arnica Gel, eating fresh pineapple, and applying ice to the area.

Important Lip Filler Aftercare Notes

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR INJECTOR IMMEDIATELY IF YOU:

• Have fever and/or chills
• Have discolored blotches in areas not injected
• Have blanching of injected areas
• Notice the area appears red and/or hot to the touch
• Have severe or increasing pain

I have EVERYTHING I use for aftercare linked on my Amazon Storefront under “Lip Filler Aftercare” with two-day delivery so you can stock up before your procedure! 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 my girl Beth HERE! Don’t forget that you can save 15% off ANY service at Rejuvenate Austin by mentioning my code HANNAH15!