RHA Fillers

Offered at our convenient location in Sonoma County, CA

RHA Fillers Allegro MedSpa in Santa Rosa, Dr. Heather Furnas, Dr. Francisco Canales, and Dr. Eric Culbertson

Enhancing your complexion with Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA) fillers is one of the most effective ways to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles from aging and sun exposure. RHA fillers move with your natural facial expressions and are one of the most effective treatments for reducing signs of facial aging. Although age is a number, it can mean a gradual loss of facial volume, noticeable creases, and hollow skin replacing what were once smooth, supple contours. For decades, we have safely and effectively restored facial volume with dermal fillers to slow the aging process and achieve a more refreshed—yet completely natural—appearance in Santa Rosa. In 2023, specialists performed more than 5,200,000 hyaluronic-acid-based filler procedures to help patients restore their complexions. (1)

Allegro MedSpa in Santa Rosa is led by board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Heather Furnas, Dr. Francisco Canales, and Dr. Eric Culbertson. Our safe, effective treatments are designed to achieve restorative, completely natural-looking results in a luxurious atmosphere. Contact our Santa Rosa office at (707) 537-2123 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

About RHA Fillers

Most dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm® and Restylane®, are composed of a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid, or HA, which also occurs naturally in the body. RHA filler, however, integrates more closely into soft tissue as it fills lines and wrinkles while moving fluidly with your facial expressions. RHA can help you achieve long-lasting, remarkably natural results. In short, RHA fillers treat static and dynamic wrinkles, add youthful volume, and offer augmentative benefits. Additionally, one of the most notable differences between RHA fillers and HA fillers is the quality of the synthetic HA created in the manufacturing process. Traditional HA dermal fillers are engineered with a high degree of chemical processing. RHA is developed using a more refined process with limited chemical modifications. This results in longer chains of HA which better mimic the natural HA that is produced in the body.

The RHA collection in Santa Rosa features three different specialized formulas to treat specific areas of the face:

  • RHA 2 is a highly flexible formulation ideal for lip augmentation and addressing moderate lines and wrinkles including smile lines (radial cheek lines), frown lines, crow’s feet, and folds in the midface and around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds).
  • RHA 3 is designed for moderate creases and wrinkles in nasolabial folds and the corners of the mouth. This formula can also be used to smooth the cheeks and add volume to the midface and lips. Using hyaluronic-acid-based fillers to correct hollow cheeks can help you achieve a significantly younger-looking complexion. (2)
  • RHA 4 is best for treating the deepest folds and lines through the lower face and jawline. We can also inject this formula into the cheeks to add a volumized, higher cheekbone contour.

For increased comfort, the RHA collection contains lidocaine (a local anesthetic); we also apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort.

New RHA Fillers vs. Other HA Fillers

RHA dermal fillers are FDA-approved and effective for treating dynamic facial wrinkles—wrinkles that are formed by repeated muscle movements (facial expressions). Previously, HA dermal fillers were only FDA-approved to address volume loss; augment, or fill specific areas (like your lips and cheeks); and treat static wrinkles (wrinkles that remain when your face is expressionless). These more flexible, resilient fillers are specially formulated to smooth lines and wrinkles while also stretching to accommodate your facial expressions.

RHA Fillers Benefits

Patients treated with RHA fillers saw significant aesthetic improvements and reported a higher satisfaction rate compared to patients who received HA fillers. (3) Additional benefits may include:

  • Fewer side effects—RHA consists of a more pure form of HA which may integrate better with your tissue and potentially reduce your body’s reaction to it.
  • Longer-lasting effects—RHA benefits can last up to 15 months (compared to 6-12 months for HA fillers).
  • A natural look—We can fill in dynamic lines and wrinkles without relaxing the muscles or limiting your expressions.

Candidates & Consultation

The best candidates for RHA fillers would like to restore their facial volume with a minimally invasive treatment. If you have any allergic reactions to lidocaine, a history of hypertrophic scarring, or any fillers in the past year you may not be the best candidate. We can discuss your aesthetic goals to determine the best treatment for your needs. We also offer other treatments to help you look and feel your best. Daxxify is a peptide-infused treatment that improves the appearance of frown lines between the eyes. It reduces the appearance of deep lines between the brows as well to help you achieve a younger-looking complexion.

How to Prepare for RHA Fillers

To prepare for RHA fillers, you will need to:

  • Avoid chemical peels that could damage your skin
  • Limit sun exposure
  • Take good care of your skin

You will also need to avoid anything that could trigger your skin leading to an allergic reaction or outbreak that could lead us to delay your treatment.

RHA Fillers Procedure

During an appointment for RHA fillers, we will cleanse your skin and mark it for surgery. Next, we will use a thin needle to inject the formula beneath your skin for natural-looking volume. You may have some temporary puffiness or irritation around the injection site, and the fluid formula will move with your natural facial expressions. The procedure can take 15 minutes to an hour depending on your aesthetic goals and the size of the treatment area.

Recovery

After RHA filler injections, you can return to your daily routine—however, you may wish to plan for social downtime until minor temporary side effects have resolved; your timeframe will depend on the area you would like to treat, so talk to your injector about what to expect. For the next 24 hours, we ask that you avoid touching your face and postpone strenuous exercise. Side effects of RHA fillers are similar to HA fillers and are typically short-lived and easily tolerated. The injection sites will appear slightly red and swollen, but this often goes away after several hours. Minor bruising can appear, but you can easily conceal it with makeup. The most common side effects include temporary:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Itching or irritation
  • Lumps or firmness

RHA Filler Results

RHA Fillers Allegro MedSpa in Santa Rosa, Dr. Heather Furnas, Dr. Francisco Canales, and Dr. Eric Culbertson

After RHA fillers, you can enjoy a plumper appearance with natural and long-lasting volume. Most patients will experience some improvements immediately after RHA injections, but it usually takes 1–2 weeks before you can enjoy the final results. Many patients enjoy pleasing results for up to 15 months. During your appointment, we will recommend a time frame for returning for follow-up treatments at Allegro MedSpa.

Other Facial Treatments

Botox

Botox is an injectable neuromodulator that limits repetitive muscle movements that can lead to wrinkles and fine lines. Although it does not increase volume, it can help reduce signs of facial aging. Repetitive movements wear on your skin, resulting in visible creases that can quickly create fine lines and wrinkles. If you have sun damage, this can accelerate the formation of fine lines and wrinkles as well. We can combine Botox with RHA fillers to help you both increase volume in areas where you lost it and reduce the repetitive movements that result in signs of facial aging.

For more innovative treatments at Allegro Medspa, please see our blog.

Cost of RHA Fillers in Santa Rosa

The cost of your RHA filler appointment will depend on the size of the treatment area and whether or not you would like additional appointments to meet your goals. We can combine RHA fillers with other facial treatments to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or improve the texture of your skin. Contact our office to learn more about your dermal filler options, we invite you to schedule your consultation online or call us at (707) 537-2123.

FAQ

Are RHA fillers painful?

No, RHA fillers are not painful and we can use topical anesthetic for your comfort. Some patients feel a slight pinch during the procedure and have some temporary swelling.

Can I combine an RHA filler treatment with other procedures?

Yes, you can combine RHA fillers with other treatments. During your consultation, we can discuss your aesthetic goals to determine the best treatments for your needs.

How long will my RHA filler appointment take?

Your RHA filler appointment should only take a few minutes for a small treatment area, but it will depend on the size of the area you would like to treat and your aesthetic goals.

Do RHA fillers have any downtime?

No, RHA fillers do not have any downtime, and you can resume your usual routine immediately afterward.

References

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  2. Kaufman‐Janette J, Taylor SC, Cox SE, Weinkle SH, Smith S, Kinney BM. Efficacy and safety of a new resilient hyaluronic acid dermal filler, in the correction of moderate‐to‐severe nasolabial folds: A 64‐week, prospective, multicenter, controlled, randomized, double‐blind and within‐subject study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2019;18(5):1244-1253. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13100
  3. Trévidic P, Kaufman-Janette J, Weinkle S, et al. Injection Guidelines for Treating Midface Volume Deficiency With Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: The ATP Approach (Anatomy, Techniques, Products). Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2022;42(8):920-934. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjac007