Adverse Filler Reactions with COVID-19 Vaccines - Appalachian Spring Dermatology

If we thought the drama passed with 2020, look no further than 2021. There have been three cases of adverse filler reactions reported by Moderna, maker of one of the two approved COVID-19 vaccines. There are no reports yet on the Pfizer vaccine.

The two vaccines use the same mRNA, but there is some differences in the lipid nanoparticle delivery molecule between the two. It also may be that more reports may come out as more patients who have filler receive both of the vaccines.

3 cases out of 15000. So, the risk is low – 0.02%. But, as always, it’s a big deal if you are the one who has the side effects. Upon review of the report, filler was in the cheeks in two patients and lips in 1 patient. Time from filler injection to COVID-19 Vaccine ranged from 2 weeks to 6 months. In all cases patients had swelling that resolved with steroids and antihistamines.

Thus, far, no specific fillers have been identified. Dr. Rosenberger has encountered rare reactions of this kind in the past. In 15 years of practice and thousands of filler injections in Fairmont, we have seen three cases of swelling in areas of filler injection as described in these cases. This type of reaction can occur with any inflammatory state of the body, viral infections, and other illnesses, and other vaccines. In all our past cases, no causative agent was identified. All resolved with oral steroids with no long-term problems. We also keep hyaluronidase in the office to dissolve the filler in more severe cases; happily, we have never needed to use it. Knock on wood.

The major official statements about this reaction and what we as patients and dermatologists should do have been released by the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). The official statement and recommendation are as follows.

“Patients already treated with dermal fillers should not be precluded from receiving vaccines of any kind, and correspondingly, patients who have had vaccines should not be precluded from receiving dermal fillers in the future. ASDS members will continue to evaluate and monitor developments. For those rare reactions, effects are temporary and respond to standard treatments or often resolve without treatment.” -American Society of Dermatologic Surgery https://www.prweb.com/releases/asds_provides_guidance_regarding_sars_cov_2_mrna_vaccine_side_effects_in_dermal_filler_patients/prweb17636524.htm

As with everything in medicine, there is risk. If you already have filler, we are here for you if you have an adverse reaction after receiving your vaccine. Until this pandemic passes, if you are due for filler, perhaps you may want to complete your vaccine series prior to receiving additional filler.

Dr Rosenberger recommends you have your COVID vaccine and wait about one month before having additional filler. Patients can still get BOTOX injections independent of the vaccine.

We are advocates for the COVID vaccine over filler if you feel you have to choose. We recently published an article with reasons why Dr. Rosenberger chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you know someone who may find this article helpful, please share it with them! Follow us on social media this week, and subscribe to our growing YouTube channel! If you would like to receive these posts in your email inbox, Subscribe to our Site.