Debunking the Pillow Face Myth: Why the Filler You Choose Matters

Debunking the Pillow Face Myth: Why the Filler You Choose Matters

One of the most common misconceptions about facial fillers is that they inevitably lead to an "overfilled" or a stiff, unnatural look. However, there are several key factors to consider when injecting facial fillers—such as the properties of the filler, its intended use, how much volume is used, and the injector’s expertise. In this article, we’ll explore how filler properties influence whether results appear overfilled and overdone or dynamic and natural-looking.

Designed for facial dynamics and a natural look

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin that plays a key role in maintaining hydration, elasticity, volume, and that youthful bounce.1 Traditional hyaluronic acid fillers are manufactured with high heat, which may damage the natural structure of HA and may directly impact the fillers' properties and performance.2-4

What sets the Teoxane RHA® Collection of HA fillers apart is Preserved Network Technology (PNT)—a breakthrough manufacturing process that’s gentle, heatless, and unlike traditional methods used for other HA fillers.2,4   

The key is in the name: “preserved.” PNT manufacturing helps preserve natural HA structure, so the hyaluronic acid in the fillers more closely resembles the natural HA found in your skin.2-4  The result is a filler collection that  most closely mimics the natural HA found in your skin.2,5-7

The Teoxane RHA® Collection was created with unique filler properties that adapt to your facial moments, so your expressions remain uniquely yours.2,5-7 With the highest dynamic strength and stretch of all HA fillers,2  RHA® fillers move with you.2,5-7 When innovation meets artistry, you get results that move naturally with your face, not against it.

Designed for different dynamic needs

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The bottom line? The idea that fillers always leave faces looking “overdone” is a myth. When you choose an RHA® filler specifically designed to more closely resemble the natural hyaluronic acid in your skin, you’ll see results that look dynamic, feel natural, and move with you.2,5-7 Now that’s something worth smiling about.

Experience the Teoxane RHA® Collection difference for yourself. Learn more about the Teoxane RHA® Collection here.   

REFERENCES:1. Brandt F, Cazzaniga A. Hyaluronic acid gel fillers in the management of facial aging. Clin Interv Aging. 2008;3(1):153-159. 2. Faivre J, Gallet M, Tremblais E, Trevidic P, Bourdon F. Advanced concepts in rheology for the evaluation of hyaluronic acid–based soft tissue fillers. Dermatol Surg. 2021;47(5):159-167. 3. Mashburn 2020 J, Faivre 2021 J, Bourdon F. Evaluation of the impact of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler manufacturing technologies on HA chain degradation. Poster presented at: American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Virtual Annual Meeting; October 9-11, 2020. 4. Vantou C, Moreno C, Clerc E, et al. Unveiling the key characteristics of the Preserved Network Technology (PNT): Manufacturing the dynamic RHA® Fillers. Poster presented at: American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Annual Meeting; October 17-20, 2024. 5. Monheit G, Kaufman-Janette J, Joseph JH, Shamban A, Dover JS, Smith S. Efficacy and safety of two resilient hyaluronic acid fillers in the treatment of moderate-to-severe nasolabial folds: A 64-week, prospective, multicenter, controlled, randomized, double-blinded, and within-subject study. Dermatol Surg. 2020;46(12):1521-1529. 6. 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. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(5):1244-1253. 7. Sundaram H, Shamban A, Schlessinger J, et al. 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. Dermatol Surg. 2021;48(1):87-93.

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RHA® Collection of Fillers, by Teoxane

The Teoxane RHA® Collection of resilient hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers includes RHA Redensity®, RHA® 2, RHA® 3 and RHA® Dynamic Volume.

RHA Redensity® is for injection into the facial tissue for the correction of moderate to severe dynamic perioral rhytids; and RHA® 2 and RHA® Dynamic Volume are for the correction of moderate to severe dynamic facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, in adults 22 or older. RHA® 3 is for the correction of moderate to severe dynamic facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, and also used to augment lip fullness in adults 22 or older...

The Teoxane RHA® Collection includes hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers with lidocaine and mepivacaine. Revance will only distribute the Teoxane RHA® Collection with mepivacaine, thus may refer to the products without the use of “Mepi” in the product name. The long-term efficacy and safety outcomes of RHA® with lidocaine are applicable to RHA® with mepivacaine, and mepivacaine has shown no significant impact on gel properties, including rheology and degradation profile.

RHA® Collection of Fillers, by Teoxane Approved Uses

The Teoxane RHA® Collection of resilient hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers includes RHA Redensity®, RHA® 2, RHA® 3 and RHA® 4 with lidocaine and RHA Redensity® Mepi, RHA® 2 Mepi, RHA® 3 Mepi and RHA® Dynamic Volume, with mepivacaine.

RHA Redensity® and RHA Redensity® Mepi are for injection into the facial tissue for the correction of moderate to severe dynamic perioral rhytids. RHA® 2, RHA® 2 Mepi and RHA® 4 are for the correction of moderate to severe dynamic facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (NLFs), in adults 22 or older. RHA® 3 and RHA® 3 Mepi are for the correction of moderate to severe dynamic facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (NLFs), and also used to augment lip fullness in adults 22 or older. RHA® Dynamic Volume is for correction of moderate to severe dynamic facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (NLFs) and for cheek augmentation and/or correction of age-related midface contour deficiencies in adults 22 or older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Are there any reasons why I should not receive any RHA® injectable gel formulation?
Do not receive if you have a history of multiple severe allergies or severe allergic reactions; if you are allergic to lidocaine or mepivacaine or gram-positive bacterial proteins; or if you have a bleeding disorder.

What precautions should I discuss with my doctor?
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as the safety of these products for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been studied
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of excessive scarring, keloid formations or pigmentation disorders, as use of these products may result in additional scars or changes in pigmentation
• Tell your doctor if you are planning laser treatments or a chemical peel, as there is a possible risk of inflammation at the treatment site if these procedures are performed after treatment
• Tell your doctor if you are on immunosuppressive therapy used to decrease your immune response, as use of these products may result in an increased risk of infection
• Tell your doctor if you are using medications that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinners, as this may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site
• The safety and effectiveness of RHA® fillers in areas other than those indicated have not been established in U.S. clinical studies
• Patients who experience skin injury near the site of injection with this product may be at a higher risk for side effects
• Minimize strenuous exercise, exposure to extensive sun or heat, and alcoholic beverages within the first 24 hours following treatment

What are possible side effects?
The most commonly reported side effects included injection-site redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, firmness, lumps/bumps, bruising, discoloration, and itching.

One of the risks with using these products is unintentional injection into a blood vessel, and while rare, the complications can be serious and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring.

Delayed-onset inflammation near the site of dermal filler injections is one of the known side effects associated with dermal fillers. Cases of delayed-onset inflammation have been reported to occur at the treatment site following viral or bacterial illnesses or infections, vaccinations, or dental procedures.

Typically, the reported inflammation was responsive to being treated or resolved on its own.

As with all skin injection procedures, there is a risk of infection and recurrence of herpetic eruptions.

To report an adverse event with any RHA® product to Revance, please visit Safety.Revance.com or call at 1 (877) 373-8669.

©2026 REVANCE. RHA® and RHA Redensity® are registered trademarks of TEOXANE SA, manufactured in Switzerland. The Teoxane RHA® Collection is exclusively distributed by Revance®. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Available by prescription only.

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© 2026 Teoxane SA- All rights reserved

©2026 REVANCE. RHA® and RHA Redensity® are registered trademarks of TEOXANE SA, manufactured in Switzerland. The Teoxane RHA® Collection is exclusively distributed by Revance®. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. RHA-00280