Should You Avoid the COVID-19 Vaccine if You Have Dermal Fillers?

skin doctor injecting filler at woman face skin for facial treatment

Some people are comfortable with aging gracefully, while others are always scouring the internet for that Holy Grail product or procedure that will keep them fresh-faced forever. If you’re in the fountain of youth camp, the good news is that we’re living in an age where you don’t have to go under the knife to rejuvenate your face or body. Dermal fillers can help smooth out those dips, dimples, lines, and wrinkles while producing natural-looking results.

Information Cited Via Health.Clevelandclinic.Org

Back in December, the FDA reported that two people experienced facial swelling after being vaccinated during Moderna’s phase three trial. One person had a dermal filler placed six months before they were vaccinated. The swelling occurred a day after they received the vaccine. The second had a dermal filler placed two weeks before vaccination and the swelling appeared two days after they were vaccinated.

A third person reported swelling in the lips two days after vaccination. The window of time between their dermal filler placement and vaccination was unknown.

Are These Reactions Out Of The Ordinary?

This isn’t something new. With flu shots, other bacterial/viral illnesses, vaccines or dental procedures, these are immunologic reactions that are occurring. They’re not allergies. They’re not infections. These are just immunologic reactions where swelling occurs in places where people have or once had fillers.

It’s Still Safe To Get Dermal Fillers

Considering only three trial participants out of 15,184 people who received at least one dose of Moderna’s mRNA-1273 vaccine experienced dermal filler-related reactions and what she’s seen first-hand, Dr. Khetarpal assures us that it is still very safe to get dermal fillers and they shouldn’t stop anyone from getting a COVID-19 vaccination.

She says a strict rule of thumb for dermatologists is to avoid administering dermal fillers two weeks before or after vaccinations just to be safe. If you’re planning to get plumped up and vaccinated when you can, be sure to discuss this with your dermatologist so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

In the meantime, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery has encouraged its members to continue their current practices with regards to dermal fillers, including getting thorough medical histories for all patients. They also advise that dermal fillers should only be administered by board-certified physicians who are experts in both the injection of dermal fillers and the management of complications that could arise from them.

Surgical Procedures

At Michigan Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Mariam Awada—a board-certified, award-winning female plastic surgeon based in Detroit—specializes in surgical procedures that help women feel confident and empowered at every stage of life. From breast augmentation and tummy tucks to liposuction, facelifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, Brazilian butt lifts (BBL), and full mommy makeovers, each treatment is carefully tailored to your goals and anatomy. With a strong emphasis on safety, artistry, and natural-looking outcomes,

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In addition to surgery, Michigan Cosmetic Surgery offers a range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments for those seeking subtle enhancements with minimal downtime. Popular options include Botox®, dermal fillers, and advanced skin rejuvenation therapies, all designed to refresh your appearance and maintain youthful results. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to open, honest care, our team delivers trusted, customized solutions to help you look and feel your best—without the need for surgery.