Recent reports of people who have cosmetic fillers developing facial swelling after receiving a COVID vaccine may have you concerned.
Fear not! Experts say these reactions are rare, highly treatable, and not a reason to avoid the vaccine.
The Data
The Food and Drug Administration recently released a report showing two participants in a clinical trial who had cosmetic fillers reported facial swelling within two days.
This swelling occurred in the areas where filler had been received. Luckily, all reactions were treated with steroids and antihistamines.
Causes
Why does the COVID vaccine cause this reaction in some people? Because the vaccine gives your immune system a boost! This boost enables your body to protect you from the virus.
That immune boost can, however, cause your body to be on alert for any foreign materials, which can (rarely) include cosmetic fillers.
Fillers and the COVID Vaccine: Can You Have Both?
The good news is, YES! You can! If you normally get filler and know you will be getting a COVID-19 vaccine soon, the best advice is to wait 2-4 weeks after receiving the vaccine to get filler.
And be sure to tell the healthcare professional administering the vaccine that you have fillers.
Are There Fillers That Won’t Cause a Reaction?
There are a lot of dermal filler options out there. There is not yet any research that shows if one cosmetic filler or another will cause a reaction.
The best advice is to carry on with what you have been doing, but wait a little longer if you know you will be receiving a vaccine soon.
Conclusion: Get Your Cosmetic Fillers!
Allergic reaction induced swelling due to the COVID vaccine and cosmetic fillers is rare and extremely treatable, and absolutely no reason to avoid getting the vaccine.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider that you have fillers, wait 1-2 weeks after getting the vaccine to get filler, and then show your well-rested face to the world!