After the FDA approved the Moderna vaccine, I received a cautionary message from a friend advising against getting the vaccine if I’d had dermal fillers. According to her, individuals with fillers experienced reactions post-vaccination. Specifically, two people who had cheek fillers six months prior and another who received lip fillers two days after the vaccine reported issues.
I reassured her that I had never tried fillers. (It’s something I’ve thought about, but it remains on my to-do list.) Even if I had, I wouldn’t be overly concerned. While caution is warranted, the scientific evidence does not justify panic.
Reactions Were Infrequent and Mild
At this point, over four million individuals have received their first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Among those, only three cases of reactions were linked to the Moderna vaccine in people who had hyaluronic acid (HA)-based fillers. These reactions included mild swelling of the face or lips, and notably, all occurred in areas where fillers were injected, as explained by Dr. Emma Lawson, a dermatologist from New York.
The case involving lip fillers administered shortly after the vaccine raises questions about whether the swelling was genuinely a vaccine-related reaction or just typical post-filler swelling. Overall, while there is a risk, it is exceedingly rare. Most individuals experience only minor side effects.
All Reactions Were Manageable
The reported reactions were mild and temporary, resolving either on their own or with straightforward treatments like antihistamines and steroids. Dr. Mark Thompson, President of The Aesthetic Society, stated that none of the reactions were life-threatening, and no hospitalizations or long-term complications arose from patients with fillers who received the vaccine.
Reactions Are Not Unique to COVID-19 Vaccines
Though our focus is understandably on COVID-19 vaccination, it’s vital to acknowledge that these reactions are not exclusive to the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Thompson noted that facial swelling can occur with any vaccine. The antibodies produced in response to the COVID-19 vaccine do not attack dermal fillers. Rather, the vaccine might trigger a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction to HA fillers, which is a delayed allergic response that can be induced by various factors, including flu shots and certain medications.
Current data suggests a connection between specific fillers, such as Juvéderm Vycross (including Voluma, Vollure, and Volbella), and Type IV hypersensitivity reactions, although other brands like Restylane and Revance RHA have also been associated with swelling reports.
Vaccination Benefits Outweigh Potential Risks
All reported reactions related to dermal fillers have been mild, localized, rare, and easily treated. When compared to the severe risks posed by a virus that can lead to death or long-term health complications, the advantages of getting vaccinated far outweigh the potential risks. Dr. Thompson emphasized that having dermal fillers should not deter anyone from vaccination, as the dangers of contracting COVID-19 vastly surpass the risks associated with vaccine reactions for those with a history of fillers.
Despite existing skepticism surrounding vaccines, the rapid development of the Moderna vaccine is a result of extensive prior research and a united global scientific effort. While vigilance about vaccine reactions is important, there is no reason for alarm—especially as we near the end of the pandemic, thanks to vaccination efforts.
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Summary:
The Moderna vaccine may lead to mild and rare reactions in individuals with dermal fillers, but these are not unique to the COVID-19 vaccine and are easily treatable. The benefits of vaccination greatly overshadow the risks, even for those with a history of fillers. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed and consult reliable sources when it comes to health-related decisions.