Corona vaccinations and fillers

There has been a lot of media attention recently regarding Corona vaccinations in combination with fillers. We would like to give you more information on what to consider and the policy within Skin + Surgery.

It was recently reported that a small number of patients with fillers had adverse reactions to a COVID-19 vaccine. Localised swelling of the face or lips occurred in these cases in the days following vaccination with Moderna or Pfeizer. In all cases, this swelling disappeared after brief use of steroids and/or antihistamines (anti-allergy medication).

The reported incidents are very rare and these reactions were mild and quickly resolved with medication. None of the cases required hospitalisation and there were no long-term complications.

In general, vaccinations can cause swelling as a side effect. This is very rare. The immune system is activated by the vaccination and therefore may also react to foreign substances such as the filler in these cases. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the authority in America, and the manufacturers of the approved COVID-19 vaccines continue to monitor for other similar reactions.

We want to stress that previous use of fillers is not a reason not to get vaccinated. The risks of COVID-19 infection are much higher than the risks of a reaction to a vaccine because you have had filler treatment in the past. We base this opinion on the fact that it was a very small number of reported patients who had an adverse reaction, the minimal severity of the reaction and the minimal treatment needed to remedy the reaction.

However, from Skin + Surgery, we do advise against undergoing filler treatment two weeks before and two weeks after your Moderna or Pfizer vaccination. A reaction, however rare and minimal perhaps, can be annoying either way. By observing a two-week period (14 days), you are relatively very safe.

Should you have any further questions, we can of course be reached on 070 200 20 70 and via info@skin-surgery.nl

Source: "Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting; FDA Briefing Document for Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine." U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 17 Dec. 2020