CaHA-R and Hyaluronic Acid (Voluma) are FDA-approved fillers commonly used in Singapore. These premium fillers can add fullness in the face to reverse signs of ageing and can temporarily contour the face.
This article highlights compares the differences between CaHA-R and Hyaluronic Acid to help you understand how different fillers have different properties. Ultimately, it will be best to discuss your preferences and trust your doctors’ recommendations.
Contents
Similarities between CaHA-R and Hyaluronic Acid
- Both products are FDA approved dermal fillers
- Little to no downtime
- Similar side effects of mild swelling and bruising is common. Less common but serious side effects like blindness, skin necrosis leading to scarring of the skin are comparable
- Only available in licensed clinics in Singapore
- Most frequently used to treat hollowness and deep folds of the lower and mid face e.g. sunken cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines
- Immediate improvement is expected
- Not suitable for patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding
- Both fillers are temporary and requires touch up
- Cost are comparable ranging from $650-$900
Differences between CaHA-R and Hyaluronic Acid
- There are other range of Hyaluronic Acid Ultra 2,3,4 which are NOT FDA approved.
- CaHA-R contains Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA) suspended in sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), which gives its unique feature of being able to stimulate collagen. Hyaluronic Acid contains chains of Hyaluronic acids of different molecular weight cross-linked using Vycross technology limiting the risk of hypersensitivity reaction caused by chemical bonds.
- CaHA-R may last longer than Hyaluronic Acid – 18 months versus 12 months respectively
- CaHA-R has collagen stimulating properties more than for Hyaluronic Acid. This is histologically proven with the increased activity of fibroblast and elastin production. Therefore, CaHA-R can improve on skin texture and elasticity, which Hyaluronic Acid does not.
- CaHA-R is more versatile and can be used in hyperdiluted form for a vector lift
- CaHA-R is the only filler that is FDA approved for hand rejuvenation. The use of other fillers on hand as an ‘off-label’ treatment is not uncommon.
- Although CaHA-R is ore versatile as a single filler, Hyaluronic Acid vycross has a range of Volbella, Volift, Vollite in addition to Voluma that caters to treat different indications.
- The risk of granuloma formation in CaHA-R is slightly higher than Hyaluronic Acid as CaHA-R collagen stimulate collagen by inducing a low-grade inflammation process
- CaHA-R cannot be easily corrected or dissolved in the event of undesired results
- 1 syringe of Hyaluronic Acid is 1.0cc; CaHA-R comes in 2 volume syringes 0.75 and 1.5cc
- Hyaluronic Acid comes with pre-mixed 0.3% lignocaine to maximise patient comfort during the injection. However, it is contraindicated in patients with allergy to lignocaine
- CaHA-R comes in 2 preparations – one with lignocaine (CaHA-R+) and the other without. Your doctor can choose to add in lignocaine to CaHA-R to achieve the correct concentration and dilution.
- CaHA-R has a higher G’and higher cohesivity, making it a filler that spreads less easily. This is a good property to have especially for chin and nose fillers where you want a define shape that last, resisting changes to shear pressure. However, it can also increase the chance of lumpiness which are not easily ‘moulded’ away. Hyaluronic Acid on the other hand has a smoother texture, which make it difficult to perceive any filler under the skin.
Is CaHA-R the best filler?
Each filler has its own pros and cons. These fillers are both good fillers which I commonly use in my practice.
It is not uncommon to have both products used in the same session to treat different indications.
However, it is generally not advisable to treat the same area with 2 different fillers in the same session as the interactions between the two fillers are not thoroughly studied although Boletero (a HA filler produced by Merz, which also produces CaHA-R) is shown to be safe to be done on the area with CaHA-R.
It is important to find an experienced medical doctor to perform the procedure who will be able to give you the best, natural-looking results with minimal risk and downtime.
