Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a natural substance found in the human body that is used to keep skin healthy, hydrated, and smooth. As we age, our bodies produce less HA on their own and so it becomes more difficult to maintain a youthful appearance. Revance – RHA is a ground-breaking new product that Dr. Ingrid E. Trenkle at her Redland’s Office in Redland, CA, can use this FDA-approved product to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Revance – RHA
RHA® – Resilient Hyaluronic Acid
The RHA® Collection is a trademarked name for an injectable form of hyaluronic acid. It is derived from rooster comb, which contains large amounts of HA. It is a proprietary formulation of HA that contains 2x more HA molecules than the leading anti-aging topical brand. It consists of two major components: Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin type A (Botox) and hyaluronic acid (HA). It is far more resilient than other HA products and moves with the dynamic demands of the face. It comes in a special collection of three different strengths, consisting of RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4.
Unlike prior dermal fillers, RHA® can provide these anti-aging benefits on a long-term basis. In addition, its uses are not limited to just keeping skin healthy. It can also be used as an anti-inflammatory agent for various dermatological conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, as well as an injectable into the joints to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve range of motion.
Who Developed It?
The RHA® Collection was developed by a Swiss company called TEOXANE. The CEO of this company, Madame Valerie Taupin, helped co-create the dermal filler Juvéderm® back in 2000. She became highly focused on the further advancement of HA and went on to develop the company TEOXANE in Geneva in 2003.
Her company continued their research and went on to develop a form of hyaluronic acid that more closely resembled native HA in our bodies, requiring less chemical modification. The breakthrough result was the RHA® Collection.
Why Are There 3 Different Strengths of RHA?
Depending on the need for RHA, a different strength will be prescribed, with the higher number indicating the stronger product. RHA2 is typically used for smoothing the upper layer of the skin. This can include radial cheek lines, perioral lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Off-label, it is used for adding volume to the lips, as well as for smoothing out inter-brow furrows (the 11’s).
RHA3 targets deeper commissures including the nasolabial lines and around the corners of the mouth. It can also be used for contouring the cheeks. RHA4 is the strongest product and is injected deeper into the subcutaneous layers than the previous two. It is used for deeper lines and wrinkles, particularly in the lower face and jawline. It is often used in the midface and for significant cheek contouring to alleviate that “fatigued” look, accompanied by loose, flabby skin.
How Does It Work?
The unique composition of Revance – RHA allows it to attach to cell surfaces like water molecules and provide support and hydration. It works by entering the skin’s surface where it stimulates the body’s natural hyaluronic acid production.
This means that it does not take up space in your body but instead regenerates itself as you apply it to your skin. It also provides relief for dryness and is able to penetrate deeply into thicker skin such as on knees, elbows, and feet to help soften the skin regardless of age or the degree of dryness or damage to the skin.
How Does It Differ From Other Dermal Fillers?
Free HA found in skincare products, including your own natural HA, is broken down and metabolized in less than 2 days. To prevent this from happening in dermal-filling products, suspended protein-based chemicals are crosslinked with HA chains. Fewer chemical proteins, modifications, and processes yield a cleaner and more pure product.
Fewer chemical modifications and crosslinking for longer chains of HA means you get a product that more closely resembles your own natural HA. RHA is longer-lasting and provides much more flexibility and natural results. It can increase the skin’s natural levels of HA by a whopping 300%. No other dermal filler comes close to matching these results.
How Is It Applied?
Most providers prefer the injection method, as it gets deeper into the lower layers of the skin, yielding more significant results. A topical anesthetic solution is applied prior to treatment for greater comfort. The needle is inserted just below the upper layer of skin area to be treated, injecting a small amount of RHA. This process is repeated until all of the target areas have been treated. A cold compress is applied post-treatment to prevent any swelling. A typical treatment session usually lasts between 30-45 minutes.
RHA can also come in creams or lotions and can be applied like any other lotion or cream product. A thin layer is applied to the face and neck and should be left on overnight for best results. Within just a few days, you should begin to see a visible change. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatments such as peels, microdermabrasion, or laser resurfacing for increased benefits.
How Often Does Treatment Need To Be Applied?
The topical cream can be applied once or twice a day at any time during the day and it will start impacting your skin within a few days to a few weeks.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Unlike some other dermal fillers, RHA is longer-lasting, though it varies amongst clients due to a number of factors. It typically lasts for an average of twelve to thirty months, which is up to two years longer than some of the traditional fillers.
What Are the Benefits?
Though there are many benefits of RHA, the following list includes the most common reasons clients seek this special treatment:
- Moisturize dry skin
- Stimulate natural collagen production
- Diminish smile lines
- Reduce Marionette lines (the deep lines around the mouth)
- Promote fuller cheeks
- Reduce lip lines
- Diminish expression lines around the eyes
- Increase lip volume
- Reduce acne problems
- Diminish eczema or psoriasis
- Yields natural and long-lasting results
Revance RHA – Look Your Best
Which strength of the Revance – RHA® Collection is most suited for you? Dr. Ingrid E. Trenkle will be more than happy to help you answer that question. We are here to help you achieve your most beautiful self at her Redland’s Office in Redland, CA.
