If you’re considering facial fillers, it’s important to know the different types available and what each can do for you. In this blog post, we’ll compare Restylane, JUVÉDERM®, and RHA – three of the most popular facial fillers on the market. We’ll discuss which filler is best for addressing specific concerns and answer other common questions about facial fillers readers might have.
By the end of this post, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which facial filler is right for you.
What are Facial Fillers?
First, let’s start with a refresher on what facial fillers are. Facial fillers are injectable treatments that can be used to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance the contours of your face. Facial fillers are made from a variety of materials, including hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen, fat, and synthetic materials.
HA fillers are the most popular type of facial filler because they are safe and effective. HA is a naturally occurring substance in your skin—it helps keep it hydrated and plump. But unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less HA. This leads to wrinkles and a loss of volume in the face. Facial fillers that contain HA can help to replenish the lost HA and restore a youthful appearance.
Now that we’ve reviewed what facial fillers are, let’s take a closer look at Restylane, JUVÉDERM®, and the RHA® Collection.
Restylane
Restylane is an FDA-approved HA filler that can be used to add volume to the lips, cheeks, and under-eye area. It’s made of smaller particles than JUVÉDERM®, so it’s less likely to cause lumps and bumps under the skin. Restylane is also a good choice for people who have thinner skin, as it won’t be as noticeable under the surface.
One downside of Restylane is that it doesn’t last as long as some other fillers. The results will typically last for about six months before you need to come back for another treatment.
We offer a number of Restylane facial fillers at Anushka Medical Spa.
- Restylane – L: Scared of needles? With 0.3% lidocaine, this filler can treat many areas of the face with less discomfort.
- Restylane – Lyft: Lyft is a Restylane filler that can be used to add volume to the cheeks and mid-face area.
- Restylane Refyne: Laugh away without the fear of wrinkles and lines! This product is particularly helpful for softening laugh lines and other moderate to severe facial folds.
- Restylane Defyne: This product is similar to Refyne. However, it can also be useful for lines that extend down to the chin.
- Restylane – Silk: Silk is a Restylane filler that’s specifically designed for adding volume to the lips. It can also be used to smooth out wrinkles around the mouth.
- Restylane Kysse: If you’re looking for a Restylane filler that’s specifically designed for the lips, Kysse is a good option. It can also be used to smooth out wrinkles around the mouth, add volume, and enhance lip color.
- Restylane Contour: This product is designed to add volume to the midface and cheek area.
JUVÉDERM®
JUVÉDERM® is another FDA-approved HA filler that can be used to add volume to the lips, cheeks, and under-eye area. It’s made of larger particles than Restylane, so it tends to last longer (up to one year) but can also cause more swelling and bruising. JUVÉDERM® is a good option for those who want to address multiple concerns in one treatment.
Under the JUVÉDERM® name, there are several different facial fillers and products to choose from.
At Anushka Medical Spa, we offer the following JUVÉDERM® products:
- JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC is a good choice for adding fullness to the lips. It’s also FDA-approved for use in the tear trough area, which is the space under the eyes.
- JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus is a thicker filler that can be used to add volume to the cheeks or lips. It’s also FDA-approved for use in the nasolabial folds, which are the lines that run from the corners of your mouth to your nose.
- JUVÉDERM® Voluma is an injectable gel that adds volume to the cheek area. It’s the only filler that is FDA-approved to last up to two years.
- JUVÉDERM® Vollure is a long-lasting facial filler that can be used to smooth out moderate to severe wrinkles and folds, including your nasolabial folds. It’s also FDA-approved to last up to 18 months.
- JUVÉDERM® Volbella is a softer, more delicate filler that is often used for adding volume to the lips. It can also be used to minimize the appearance of fine lines around the mouth, such as smoker’s lines.
RHA
The RHA® Collection is one of the newest fillers to appear on the market in the United States. It’s known as TEOXANE in Europe, and this group of dynamic-area-intended hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are extremely mobile yet sturdy. Revance Aesthetics brought these fillers to the United States and claims that they are a more “natural” form of HA.
RHA fillers fall under four categories: RH1, RH2, RH3, and RH4. The first, or RH1, is used for thin lines and wrinkles. As the number increases, so does the intensity of the lines and wrinkles the facial filler folds. As such, the fourth product, or RH4, is the most robust and is intended for deeper lines and folds as well as a cheek contour. At Anushka Medical Spa, we carry RH3 and RH4.
(Are you also curious about the best makeup options for you? Learn about the choice between the foundation or tinted moisturizer here)
Other Questions About Facial Fillers
We’ve talked about a lot of different facial fillers in this post. We know you might still have other questions about getting them, however, so let’s talk about those next!
Do facial fillers hurt?
Like most injections, facial fillers can cause some discomfort. However, many contain lidocaine, a numbing agent, to help minimize any pain. Facial fillers are also typically injected into the upper layers of skin, where there are fewer nerve endings. As a result, most people report only feeling a mild sting during the injection process.
How long do facial fillers last?
The answer to this question depends on the type of filler you choose. For example, Restylane Silk is designed specifically for lips and usually lasts around six months. On the other hand, JUVÉDERM® Voluma is made for adding volume to the cheeks and can last for one to two years. Ultimately, it’s important to talk to your doctor about which filler will best meet your needs in terms of both results and longevity.
What are the side effects of facial fillers?
As with any injection, there is always a risk of bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site. However, these side effects are usually very mild and temporary. More serious but rare side effects can include infection, allergic reactions, and skin death. Again, it’s important to speak with your doctor and provider about the risks involved with any type of facial filler before proceeding with treatment.
Are fillers better than Botox?
This is a common question we get from patients considering facial rejuvenation options. Both fillers and Botox are excellent choices for reducing the signs of aging, but they each have their own unique benefits.
Botox is most effective for treating dynamic wrinkles, or those that form when you make certain facial expressions. These are the lines that show up between your eyebrows when you frown, or on your forehead when you raise your eyebrows. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles causing these wrinkles, so they can’t contract and form lines.
Fillers, on the other hand, help treat static wrinkles—those that are visible even when your face is at rest. Fillers can be used for adding volume to areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging, such as the cheeks or lips. They can also be used to smooth out lines and wrinkles, like the ones that run from the edges of your nose to the corners of your mouth (often called “smile lines” or “parentheses”).
So, which is better—Botox or fillers? The answer depends on your unique needs and goals. If you’re looking to treat dynamic wrinkles, Botox is an excellent option. If you want to add volume or smooth out static wrinkles, fillers are a great choice. Many patients even choose to combine both treatments for optimal results.
If you’re considering facial rejuvenation, schedule a consultation with our office to learn more about your options. We would be happy to help you decide if Botox, fillers, or a combination of both is right for you.
Are there any alternatives to facial fillers?
If you’re not interested in injections or simply want to explore all of your options, there are several alternative treatments for wrinkles and other signs of aging. These include:
- Medical-grade skincare products: Medical-grade products are usually the way to go when it comes to skincare. Unlike regular drugstore skincare products, medical-grade products are held to a higher standard, and they have a higher concentration of active ingredients so they are more likely to be effective.
- Injectable wrinkle relaxers: Injectable wrinkle relaxers, such as Botox, can help to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles. These injections work by relaxing the muscles in your face that cause wrinkles. Results typically last for several months before you need to have another injection.
- Laser treatments: Laser treatments can be used to improve the texture and appearance of your skin. They can also help to stimulate collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a form of exfoliation. It involves using a small device to sand the surface of your skin and remove dead skin cells, rejuvenating the look and feel of the skin in the process.
- Dermaplaning: Dermaplaning is another type of exfoliation. It involves using a small, sharp blade to scrape off the top layer of your skin. This can help to improve the texture and appearance of your skin.
We offer many of these treatments, including laser and microdermabrasion, so be sure to browse the medical spa services we offer here.
Facial Fillers in West Palm Beach
If you’re ready to get facial fillers, including Restylane in West Palm Beach, or simply learn more, the team at Anushka Medical Spa is here to help. Contact us today to book an appointment or consultation.
