I had facial fillers. Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Dermatologists are emphasizing that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for people who have recently received dermal fillers.

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Experts interviewed by TODAY Health said there were two cases of temporary swelling reported by participants in the Modern vaccine trial. Dr. Mathew Avram, a Boston dermatologist and president of the American Society of Dermatological Surgery (ASDS), said a third case was reported, but it was not “clear” whether it was a direct effect of the vaccine.

Avram said there were “some reports” of swelling after vaccination in places where people took their fillers, but did not have an exact number.

I did Botox, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Avram and Dr. Esther Freeman, the principal investigator for the International COVID-19 Dermatology Registry and the director of Global Health Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, emphasized that it is safe to get the vaccine, even if you have obtained fillers.

“People should be vaccinated, whether or not they have ingested fillers,” said Avram. “This is absolutely no reason to avoid the vaccine.”

What kind of filler reactions have been reported?

Avram said the reported reactions related to the fillers were some temporary swelling that goes away on its own.

“First of all, it doesn’t happen to everyone and, as it happens, it tends to be a temporary swelling that goes away on its own,” he said. “If it doesn’t happen by itself, there are some very direct interventions that can eliminate it. … These reactions are not very common and tend to be self-limiting and easily treated (if treatment is needed). “

What causes these reactions?

Both Avram and Freeman emphasized that this reaction has been recorded with other vaccines, including annual flu shots. The Food and Drug Administration noted, in an information document, that “it is possible that the swelling located in these cases is due to an inflammatory reaction of the interaction between the immune response after vaccination and the dermal filler. This phenomenon has been reported after natural infection (for example, after an influenza-like illness). “

“It’s not entirely surprising,” said Freeman. “This has happened to people with the flu vaccine in the past. … We are seeing the same type of reaction that we would see in the flu vaccine or other vaccines that have been around for a long time.”

Avram said that other factors can cause inflammation in the dermal fillers.

“What we are seeing with vaccination is not new. This was seen with vaccinations against influenza and other vaccinations, there may be swelling that can occur,” said Avram. “It can also occur with viruses and also after dental procedures”.

What do I do if I have a reaction?

If you have a reaction, Avram recommends contacting your dermatologist.

“If I have a patient with swelling and he is concerned about it, I encourage him to call and come over so I can have a look,” he said, noting that no patient came to see him about the vaccine-related swelling. “… As certified dermatologists, we are very comfortable and have experience with these reactions.”

Should I get my second dose if I have a reaction?

If you experience a reaction, you should still receive your second dose of the coronavirus vaccine, but if you are concerned, contact your doctor or primary health care provider.

“It is reasonable to make an appointment for a second injection, because you will probably get it, and very reasonable to call your doctor and discuss the case with your own doctor,” Freeman said. “… The data was reassuring because, after the second dose, (people) are fine and did not have a very serious reaction the second time.”

Should I receive fillers if I am going to be vaccinated soon?

Avram said the few reported cases of swelling in dermal fillers “are not a reason to stop making fillers,” but again encouraged anyone with concerns to speak to their medical providers. He also said that anyone who is considering receiving fillings, see a certified dermatologist.

“If there is swelling or a problem, you can go back to a doctor who has experience dealing with adverse side effects,” said Avram.

Freeman said she can advise patients to wait to get fillings, but said she does not expect it to affect people who have already had the procedure.

“If you were someone who is considering or about to get fillers, I could wait and get vaccinated first, but if you already had fillers, I wouldn’t suggest postponing your vaccine just because you’ve had them in the past,” she said. “The reactions are relatively rare and go away.”