Written by Dr.Anna Avaliani MD
One of the hottest topics in discussion in the Aesthetic industry for the beginning of 2021 is the news of dermal filler swelling after receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.
This news report of facial swelling is nothing worrisome or abnormal as there have been multiple reports of associated dermal filler swelling after receiving other vaccinations, including the influenza vaccine aka the flu shot.
The latest update of the news of facial filler swelling after receiving Moderna COVID-19 vaccine comes from a clinical trial involving 30,000 patients, out of which, only 3 patients have reported associated facial filler swelling after receiving the vaccine. Out of these 3 patients, one has had a similar reaction when they received an Influenza vaccine a few years prior.
Fact: In all three cases: the swelling reported was Temporary, Treatable, Reversible and all patients recovered.
All swelling has completely resolved with treatment of oral steroids and anti-histamines.
At this point, close to 30% of Our patients have received both Pfizer and Moderna Vaccine since the beginning of December 2020. Our office is located in very close proximity to many big hospitals and medical facilities such as NYU, Cornell, Mouth Sinai, NY Presbyterian, MSK ( Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) , HSS ( Hospital of Special Surgery), and many others. Close to 20-25 % of our patients are in health care and then we have about 5-10% of teachers, all of them are essential. To this date, and it has been 2 months, not a single patient called to report any abnormal swelling after receiving their second dose of vaccines.
Will my face swell after receiving COVID-19 vaccine if I have Restylane Family of HA Fillers?
The answer is, no one knows yet and it doesn’t really matter. It will not affect the management of swelling in any way. It has not been reported on the type of filler that the 3 patients have received or where the filers have been injected or how long it has been since their original treatments.
At the end:All swelling has completely resolved with treatment of oral steroids and anti- histamines.
Will my face swell after receiving COVID-19 vaccine if I have Restylane Family of HA Fillers?
The answer is, no one knows yet and it doesn’t really matter. It will not affect the management of swelling in any way. It has not been reported on the type of filler that the 3 patients have received or where the filers have been injected or how long it has been since their original treatments.
Will my face swell after receiving COVID-19 vaccine if I have Sculptra Aesthetic injections?
It has not been reported on the type of filler that the 3 patients have received or where the filers have been injected or how long it has been since their original filler treatments.
Are dermal filler injections safe after getting Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?
Absolutely yes. Receiving your vaccine should not prevent you from continuing your anti-aging protocol. The only times where it would not be advisable or contraindicated if there were reports of anaphylactic reactions or worse, death.
Are dermal fillers safe to get if I got Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?
Absolutely safe. There are no contraindications or severe side effects reported at all.
Are dermal fillers safe to get if I received Moderna COVID-19 vaccine?
Absolutely safe. There are no contraindications or severe side effects reported at all.
How long should I wait after receiving COVID-19 vaccine before getting my dermal filler injections?How to best schedule receiving dermal filler injections around your COVID-19 vaccination
There are no guidelines as how long to wait or even if waiting is necessary. It depends on patient comfort for sure. Some patients will not care as they have travel plans or events they need to attend, while others will wait until after their second dose and then resume their treatments.
Prolonger facial swelling after dermal fillers is extremely rare and one should not hesitate to call their doctor to ask whether its normal.Our office has a very comprehensive and detailed follow up system in place to answer any questions our patients have so they will feel confident and comfortable.
What to take at home to help with dermal filler swelling after receiving COVID-19 vaccine?
You may try taking over the counter anti-histamines such as Benadryl (be careful as this may make you drowsy/sleepy), Allegra or Allegra-D, or Claritin, etc and over the counter NSAIDS’s such as Aleve, Motrin, Advil. There is not one drug better than the other. Before taking any medications, please make sure you have discussed them with your treating physician.
The conclusion is that safety of dermal fillers have been established over the last 29 years. With current pandemic situation and fear of COVID 19, things that were not important or noticeable before may appear unusual or worrisome. The 3 patients who reported side effects of swelling and tenderness, have been treated with full resolution of their symptoms. Don’t forget that swelling is the most common side effects after receiving your dermal filler injection and should be expected and self limited. Trust your provider and make sure you have a proper follow up.
If you ae not comfortable receiving injections, no one is forcing you but if you are looking for a clear answer, it doesn’t exist. The reactions reported are side effects and NOT contraindications, therefore receiving dermal filler injections is purely a voluntary decision.
This reaction may happen with any other vaccine and has been reported with Flu vaccine in the past, but it seems like people forgot about anything except COVID.Also, all side effects completely resolved without anything abnormal.