Since the FDA approved Restylane in 2005 and Juvéderm followed in 2006, dermal fillers have become a mainstay in aesthetic treatments. Today, they remain some of the most widely used injectables worldwide, second only to Botox.
Those earlier options are often considered first-generation fillers. A newer category has since entered the market: Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA) fillers. While these fillers have been used in Europe for several years, they only recently received FDA approval for use in the United States.
American Surgical Arts in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, is proud to offer the full line of Teoxane RHA fillers. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Sean Bidic and Dr. Vinay Gundlapalli lead our experienced PA-Cs who specialize in aesthetic injections.
What Are RHA Fillers?
RHA stands for resilient hyaluronic acid, representing a newer approach to dermal filler design. Like traditional fillers, RHA products use hyaluronic acid—a substance naturally found in the body that attracts water to hydrate, smooth, and add volume to the skin.
What sets RHA fillers apart is how they are formulated. They are designed to move with your facial expressions, maintaining a natural look even as your face changes with smiling, talking, and other movements. This flexibility also helps the filler maintain its structure longer.
There are three FDA-approved RHA fillers available: RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4. Approved in late 2017, these fillers have since been carefully evaluated and selected by Dr. Bidic and Dr. Gundlapalli for patients throughout New Jersey.
How Are RHA Fillers Different From Traditional Dermal Fillers?
Many patients are familiar with brands like Juvéderm and Restylane. These fillers are also made with hyaluronic acid, which works by binding to water molecules to improve skin hydration and volume.
While these products deliver reliable results, they can sometimes feel less adaptable during facial movement. This is due to how the hyaluronic acid is processed. In earlier fillers, HA is heavily crosslinked with chemical agents to slow its breakdown, which can reduce flexibility.
RHA fillers take a different approach. They use a gentler manufacturing process with fewer chemical changes and longer HA chains. This allows the product to more closely resemble the body’s own hyaluronic acid.
As a result, RHA fillers tend to move more naturally with facial expressions while still offering lasting volume and smoothness. The outcome is a softer appearance that remains consistent whether your face is at rest or in motion.
What Areas Can RHA Teoxane Fillers Treat?
RHA fillers integrate well with the skin’s natural structure. Each formulation is made for specific concerns:
- RHA 2: Best suited for mild to moderate nasolabial folds (smile lines between the nose and mouth)
- RHA 3: Effective for deeper nasolabial folds and lines around the corners of the mouth
- RHA 4: Designed for more pronounced folds and volume loss in the lower face and jawline; it may also be used to restore fullness in the cheeks
Why Choose American Surgical Arts for RHA Dermal Fillers?
At American Surgical Arts, injectable treatments are performed by experienced, certified Physician Assistants who bring both technical training and an artistic eye to every appointment.
Jen Catalano, PA-C, joined the practice with a strong background in surgical dermatology, pediatric surgery, and trauma care. Her experience allows her to keep patient comfort and outcomes front of mind.
Regina Costroff, PA-C, has focused her career on aesthetics within plastic surgery and has completed advanced training in dermal fillers, neuromodulators, and other injectable treatments. She regularly continues her education through national conferences to stay current with evolving techniques and safety standards.
Both providers work closely with Dr. Sean Bidic and Dr. Vinay Gundlapalli, ensuring every treatment plan reflects our practice’s surgical expertise and high standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Brands Offer RHA Fillers?
RHA fillers are developed by Teoxane, a company known for its focus on advanced hyaluronic acid technologies. In the United States, these fillers are distributed by Revance.
The current FDA-approved options include:
- RHA 2
- RHA 3
- RHA 4
Are RHA Dermal Filler Treatments Painful?
RHA fillers are administered in the same way as other hyaluronic acid fillers. A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand to keep you comfortable during treatment. Most patients report only minimal discomfort.
How Soon Will I See Results From RHA Dermal Fillers?
Results will appear right away. Once injected, the hyaluronic acid begins binding with water in the skin, adding volume and smoothing lines immediately. There is no delay, unlike treatments such as Botox or Dysport.
Do I Need to Prepare Before Receiving RHA Fillers?
There is no special preparation required. Treatment typically takes about 30 minutes, and most patients return to their normal routine right after their appointment.
How Long Do RHA Fillers Last?
RHA fillers can maintain their results longer than many earlier hyaluronic acid fillers. Patients can expect results to last up to 15 months, depending on the treatment area and individual factors.
A Consultation That's All About You
At American Surgical Arts, your consultation starts with a conversation about your goals and what you’d like to improve. You’ll receive care from our skilled providers with guidance from Dr. Bidic and Dr. Gundlapalli.
Call (856) 362-8898 to schedule your consultation with American Surgical Arts in Mullica Hill, NJ.