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How Long Does RHA Filler Last – Maintaining Your Results

Medically Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aurora Kalmanson on
Written by Fillers Editorial Team, plastic surgery specialists.

The longevity of RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid) fillers is a standout feature in the realm of dermal injectables. Designed to adapt to facial dynamics, these fillers provide a natural look while in motion and at rest, maintaining their efficacy in wrinkle and fold reduction.

Typically, RHA fillers last from 9 to 15 months, with their unique formulation offering sustained results across the RHA Collection, regardless of the treatment area. Specifically, RHA fillers have shown to last up to 15 months for wrinkles and folds and one year for lipstick lines, with clinical studies supporting their duration. By striking a balance between resilience and natural HA characteristics, RHA fillers represent the latest advancement in HA filler technology, addressing both static and dynamic facial lines while ensuring a patient can retain natural expressiveness.

Longevity of RHA Filler Results

Understanding the duration of effect is a key consideration for prospective patients, defining how RHA fillers can deliver long-lasting anti-aging benefits.

Factors Affecting Filler Longevity

Type of RHA Filler Used: The specific type of RHA filler selected plays a significant role in the duration of its effects. The RHA Collection comprises different formulations, each designed to target varying depths and types of wrinkles—from superficial lines to deeper folds. For instance, RHA 2 is optimized for moderate wrinkles and may have a different lifespan than RHA 4, which is designed for more profound volume enhancement and deeper wrinkles correction. Additionally, the physical properties of each filler, such as its viscosity and cohesiveness, may influence how it interacts with the skin’s structure and, as a result, how long it maintains its form and effectiveness within the treatment area.

Treatment Area: Each facial region poses a unique environment for RHA fillers. Areas that experience frequent movement, like around the mouth, might metabolize the filler more rapidly than less dynamic regions, such as the cheeks. Therefore, an RHA filler’s longevity can be contingent upon where it is injected. Areas of high mobility that engage in constant expressions can lead to a quicker absorption and breakdown of the filler, while static areas typically preserve the filler’s presence for an extended period.

Individual Metabolism and Lifestyle: A myriad of personal factors can influence the rate at which RHA fillers are metabolized, thus affecting longevity. An individual’s metabolism, inclusive of genetic predispositions, can accelerate or decelerate the breakdown of injected substances. Additionally, lifestyle choices—such as smoking, sun exposure, and diet, alongside the overall skincare regimen—can either support the durability of filler effects or counteract them. Engaging in healthy behaviors that protect and maintain skin health can play a pivotal role in sustaining the youthful results yielded by RHA fillers.

Average Duration of RHA Filler Results

RHA 2 and RHA 3 (Moderate to Severe Wrinkles): The distinction between RHA 2 and RHA 3 fillers lies in their purpose and the depth of wrinkles they address. RHA 2 is best suited for moderate wrinkles and offers a balance between flexibility and volume, making it ideal for areas like crow’s feet and forehead lines. RHA 3 targets more severe wrinkles, providing a robust structure for areas with significant volume loss or deep folds, such as nasolabial folds. These formulations have an average duration, maintaining their effect for up to 15 months. Distinguished by their resilience, these fillers give patients a more prolonged period of enhanced skin texture and a youthful appearance before any touch-ups may be needed.

RHA 4 (Deep Folds and Volume Loss): RHA 4 is the robust option in the RHA Collection, engineered to address the most pronounced signs of aging, such as deep folds and substantial volume loss. Its design provides scaffolding to the deepest layers of the skin, restoring contours and reviving the facial structure that time has altered. In practice, RHA 4 reliably retains its properties for up to 15 months, based on its advanced formulation adapted for areas subject to significant movement and strain. Its longevity ensures that patients can enjoy lasting results and a restored, more youthful visage with fewer maintenance appointments.

RHA Redensity (Lip Lines): Specialized for the delicate and dynamic area around the mouth, RHA Redensity’s formulation aptly handles the fine and superficial lines often referred to as lipstick lines. Its relatively lighter consistency is ideal for these sensitive regions, ensuring natural movements are unhindered while smoothing out the creases. On average, patients can expect RHA Redensity to uphold its flattering effects for around 12 months, after which a follow-up treatment could be scheduled to maintain the defined and youthful appearance of the lips.

Clinical Studies on RHA Filler Longevity

15-Month Studies for Wrinkles and Folds: Extensive clinical studies underscore the durable nature of RHA fillers. Trials conducted over 15 months reaffirmed that products like RHA 2, 3, and 4 effectively retained their influence over moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. The findings suggest that upwards of 15 months is a realistic expectation for maintaining visible improvement from these treatments, providing a more long-term remedy compared to other HA fillers. Such research is important in elucidating the true value of RHA fillers, as these studies inform practitioners’ counsel and strengthen the confidence of those seeking lasting solutions to facial wrinkles.

12-Month Study for Lipstick Lines: The 12-month study concentrating on lipstick lines—those fine perioral wrinkles—casts light on the specific formulation of RHA Redensity and its specially designed characteristics for this high-mobility area. Two-thirds of study participants displayed enduring improvements up to the one-year mark, a testament to the adapted effectiveness of RHA Redensity for treating the dynamic environment around the lips. This research plays a crucial role in validating the use of RHA Redensity as a sustainable option for those specifically concerned with maintaining distinct and smooth lip contours.

Maintaining and Optimizing RHA Filler Results

To sustain the rejuvenating effects of RHA fillers, a proactive maintenance strategy is crucial, incorporating follow-up treatments and lifestyle adjustments.

Follow-Up Treatments and Touch-Ups

Recommended Timing for Maintenance Treatments: The quest for lasting results with RHA fillers typically involves a customized maintenance schedule. Healthcare providers may advise follow-up treatments before the complete metabolization of the filler to preserve the aesthetic continuity. While the durability of RHA fillers ranges up to 15 months or more, maintenance treatments are often recommended around the one-year mark. This timetable allows for the replenishment of the filler in sync with its gradual absorption by the body. The proactive engagement in maintenance treatments can avert the return of wrinkles and folds, providing a seamless aesthetic transition as the effects of the initial treatment wane.

Benefits of Consistent Maintenance: Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule affords multiple aesthetic benefits. By preventing the complete dissipation of the filler, patients can avoid the full re-emergence of aging signs. Consistent upkeep of the filler treatments ensures that the improvements in the skin’s texture and volume are reliably maintained. Furthermore, routine follow-ups can result in a cumulative effect, whereby less product may be required over time to achieve the same youthful appearance. Patients who engage in steady maintenance can enjoy both a persistent esthetic and the psychological boost of a consistently refreshed and youthful complexion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do RHA fillers typically last compared to other dermal fillers?

RHA fillers can last between 9 to 15 months, which is often longer than traditional HA fillers that generally last 6 to 12 months.

Can the longevity of RHA filler results vary depending on the treatment area?

Yes, the longevity of RHA filler results can vary with treatment area, typically lasting less time in areas of high movement compared to static regions.

Are there any factors that can impact the duration of RHA filler results?

Several factors, including the specific RHA filler used, patient metabolism, lifestyle habits, and the extent of facial movement in the treated area, can impact the filler's duration.

How often should I schedule maintenance treatments to prolong my RHA filler results?

Maintenance treatments are generally recommended every 9 to 15 months, or as advised by your healthcare provider, to prolong RHA filler results.

Can lifestyle habits affect the longevity of RHA filler results?

Yes, lifestyle habits such as sun exposure, smoking, and poor nutrition can negatively impact the longevity of RHA filler results.

Are there any specific skincare products that can help maintain RHA filler results?

Products that support skin hydration and collagen production, such as those containing hyaluronic acid and retinoids, can complement RHA filler results.

Is it possible for RHA filler results to last longer than the average duration?

While individual results may vary, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skin care regimen may help some patients experience longer-than-average results with RHA fillers.

How can I tell when it's time to schedule a touch-up treatment for my RHA fillers?

Touch-up treatments should be considered when the initial improvement begins to diminish, which can be assessed through follow-up consultations with your provider.

Conclusion

In summary, RHA fillers are distinguished by their dynamic adaptability and longevity, offering a natural and enduring solution for facial rejuvenation. Regular maintenance, awareness of influencing factors, and complementary skincare practices can enhance and extend these benefits, ensuring optimal outcomes. Whether seeking to diminish wrinkles or restore facial volume, RHA fillers, backed by clinical research, represent a significant advancement in dermal fillers, offering both immediate improvement and lasting satisfaction.

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References:

Kaufman-Janette, J., Taylor, S. C., Cox, S. E., Weinkle, S. H., Smith, S., & Kinney, B. M. (2019). 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.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.13100

Sundaram, H., Shamban, A., Schlessinger, J., Kaufman-Janette, J., Joseph, J. H., Lupin, M., Draelos, Z., Carey, W., Smith, S., & Eaton, L. (2022). Efficacy and Safety of a New Resilient Hyaluronic Acid Filler in the Correction of Moderate-to-Severe Dynamic Perioral Rhytides: A 52-Week Prospective, Multicenter, Controlled, Randomized, Evaluator-Blinded Study.

https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/fulltext/2022/01000/efficacy_and_safety_of_a_new_resilient_hyaluronic.20.aspx

Dr. Aurora Kalmanson

Always Consult a Medical Specialist

The information provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as personalized medical advice. It's crucial to understand that while we are medical professionals, the insights and advice we provide are based on general research and studies. They are not tailored to individual health needs or conditions. Thus, it is essential to consult directly with a healthcare provider who can offer personalized medical advice relevant to your specific situation.