Injectible Fillers

The Kaiser Laser and Cosmetic Center offers injectible fillers for facial rejuvenation and enhancement. These products are used throughout the face to fill wrinkles and to add volume to deficient areas. They offer a minimally invasive means of rejuvenation with minimal downtime. While fillers can not offer the degree of correction that surgical treatments do, they are a nice alternative for patients wishing to achieve substantial improvement with less downtime and cost.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance which exists in each of us. This filler offers a soft, natural look making it ideal for enhancing the delicate features of the face. The results are felt to last approximately six months. For more information, please visit the Restylane website.

Calcium based products such as Radiesse are also helpful in facial rejuvenation. This filler is used to fill deeper wrinkles and to add volume in areas of the face which have atrophied over time. The results typically last over a year. For more information, please visit the Radiesse website.

Poly-L-lactic acids such as Sculptra offer longer lasting results, but involve a series of injections (usually three treatments). This product is helpful around the eyes, cheeks, and jawline, where "hollows" may exist and larger volume correction is needed. For more information, please visit the Sculptra website.

Before coming in for treatment with injectible fillers, please cleanse the face of any make up. Following the procedure, please do not engage in any vigorous exercise or activity for twenty-four hours.

Some patients may experience mild discomfort following injection of filler products. If this occurs, it should resolve completely within a week. We recommend taking Tylenol to treat discomfort, and to avoid aspirin and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. advil) as this may cause more bruising. Please refer to our list of medications to avoid if there are any questions. If Tylenol is insufficient to control discomfort, please contact your treating physician.

In order to minimize bruising, cold compresses or ice may be used over treated areas as necessary. Cooling treatments should be applied no more than 20 minutes per hour, and may be repeated as often as desired, although these treatments are of diminishing benefit after the first 48 hours. Oftentimes, patients will experience no bruising and find that cooling measures are unnecessary.

Likewise, patients experiencing or anticipating bruising with treatments may choose to sleep with their heads elevated on a wedge pillow or on a recliner for 2-3 nights. Such measures help reduce bruising by preventing the gravitational increase in blood flow we experience when lying flat.

Patients who have a history of heavy bruising or patients undergoing more involved treatments may choose to take a course of Arnica Montana concurrent with their injections. This should be discussed with your physician.

Make-up may be gently applied immediately after treatment as desired.

Please do not hesitate to call our clinic if you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment. (510) 675-4454 ext. 2.

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