Why You Should Still Get the COVID-19 Vaccine Even If You Have (or Plan to Get) Dermal Fillers

I have been asked a lot by patients about the COVID-19 vaccine and if there are any concerns about getting the vaccine if you have had filler (as well as questions about whether it is safe to get filler after having had the vaccine). I am honored to be included in this wonderful article by Jolene Edgar for Allure, along with a number of amazing colleagues. When reports first came out that 3 people (out of over 15,000) in the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial had reported complications possibly linked to injectable fillers, a mountain was made out of a molehill. Fortunately a number of media outlets, including Allure, have provided appropriate context to the story by speaking to doctors who understand the risks.

When I first heard about these 3 cases it was not a large concern for me based on my review of the data and understanding of this possible complication. It became a concern when I realized that the media portrayal of the subject (sensationalized) and the possible public reaction to it (fear) might impact the adoption of the vaccine. Many health professionals have come out to say that the risks to those with fillers are low and it shouldn’t stop you from getting the vaccine. I couldn’t agree more!

The 3 patients in the Moderna study reported minor swelling and inflammation around their filler. These were all deemed minor events. Although all 3 had prior filler injections, from 2 weeks to 6 months prior, we can’t say with certainty that the swelling was due to filler or the vaccine. We do know that when the body produces an immunologic response it can, in very rare instances, cause swelling around hyaluronic acid filler. This can happen with a vaccine, flu, or even dental work and is easily treatable. Further, this rare complication is well known amongst physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures and while temporary, this side effect can be treated with medications like steroids to speed up resolution if needed.

In the two large retrospective reviews I co-authored with colleagues examining over 9300 treatments with a hyaluronic acid filler, less than 1% of patients developed this complication. So again the risk is extremely low and the risk posed by the continued spread of COVID is significantly higher. So, filler or not, I would recommend that everybody who has the opportunity to get the vaccine do so.

I love the conclusion of the article… from Dr. Kavita Mariwalla… Bottom line: Don't let the minuscule risk of fleeting facial swelling stop you from taking your shot. "This is the largest worldwide vaccination effort medicine has ever seen," says Mariwalla — and our participation in it is vital to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.

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