The FDA advisory committee that reviewed the new Modern vaccine noted a specific side effect involving several trial participants who used cosmetic facial fillers.
Carmel Valley facial plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Karam said specifically that facial swelling was seen in a small number of patients in the study.
“So, what they saw in Moderna’s 30,000-member test is that they found that about three of these patients have a reaction to filling. The reaction was located where the padding was placed, so in some cases it was on the lip and cheek, ”he said.
One participant completed it two weeks before vaccination, another one six months before.
Millions of people receive cosmetic facial fillings administered by doctors to smooth out fine lines, wrinkles and enhance cheeks and lips. Karam says the reaction to the vaccine is immunological.
“What happens is that you get a vaccine and suddenly your immune system increases. The thinking is basically because of the effect of the immune system that is targeting the areas that you have fill in and causes a more robust inflammatory response, “he said.
He also said that this possible side effect should not stop people from getting the vaccine when their turn comes. Karam said that all reactions to dermal fillers were easily treated by medical staff.
But what if people have a filler and have a moderate reaction? Karam said: “I think if it is located, a kind of very mild reaction just that the areas are swollen, I think the first step is to contact the doctor who injected the filler”.
If someone has a severe anaphylactic reaction, they should go to the emergency room immediately for help.