We’ve lived for a year in the COVID-19 pandemic, and in that time, much has changed. We’ve learned that protective face masks are a must, social distancing keeps us safe and getting a COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Moderna COVID Vaccine, is a recommended step to take for protecting both you and others. While the vaccine is promising and necessary, it is very new, and physicians are learning about potential side effects, such as possible face filler injectable side effects, and potential contraindications every day.

In the cosmetic dermatology world, there have been reported cases in which patients experience adverse reactions or negative side effects involving fillers after receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. While all reactions have been mild and treatable, it still creates a situation that leaves some patients asking “Are fillers safe?” To learn more about this, we’ll discuss:

• What is the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine?
• Possible side effects of fillers and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
• Are facial fillers safe with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine?
• How to Take Care of Your Skin After Receiving Facial Fillers and Help Prevent Potential Side Effects of Fillers

What is the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine?

According to the FDA, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is an intramuscular vaccine with emergency approval for ages 18+ to help protect against severe disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, also known as the novel coronavirus. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is a two-dose vaccine with doses being administered one month apart.

In clinical trials, it was found to be 94.1% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness. Adverse reactions reported in clinical trials include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, chills, nausea/vomiting, axillary swelling/tenderness, fever, swelling at the injection site and erythema at the injection site.

Possible Side Effects of Fillers With the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.

Although considered a very rare occurrence, there have also been reports of patients experiencing negative face filler side effects after getting the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Before we discuss the side effects, it’s important to understand what facial fillers are and how they interact with skin.

Facial fillers, also known by their brand names Restylane, Juvederm or Revance, are typically (but not always) comprised of different types of hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid is best known for binding moisture to the skin, keeping it looking plump and youthful. Because our body’s natural hyaluronic acid reserves decrease as we age, hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, create a youthful plump to the lips or add volume to the cheeks or other areas of the face. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last anywhere from six to twelve months, and in that time, the hyaluronic acid is slowly absorbed back into the body.

Multiple physicians have reported a handful of cases where patients have experienced additional side effects of fillers after receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, FDA clinical trial data reported as of December 29, 2020, three participants out of 15,184 patients who received one dose of the Moderna vaccine developed either facial swelling or lip swelling, which was presumed to be related to the filler placement.

In most cases, it was mild allergic-type swelling in the face or lips, wherever the filler was injected. While experts don’t yet know which component of the vaccine is the culprit, many physicians believe it’s a natural inflammatory response that can happen anytime the body’s immune system kicks into overdrive.

What is it about dermal fillers that elicits this reaction? Board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO, Dr. Joel Schlessinger gives us his expert take:

“While the dermal fillers are still present in the skin, the body does technically view them as a foreign body. When the immune system kicks into gear, as it does when you are fighting an infection or receive a vaccine, it may target other foreign bodies (including fillers), causing swelling or inflammation. It’s actually a very common occurrence.”

You may be surprised to know that it’s not just the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine that can elicit face filler side effects. Certain patients who receive dermal fillers can also experience delayed, temporary swelling at the filler site from certain viruses, influenza and even flu vaccines. Patients receiving facial fillers should absolutely be aware of this potential side effect, but understand that in all cases, the swelling was reported as temporary and treatable.

Are Facial Fillers Safe With the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine?

Still hesitant to schedule your filler appointments and asking yourself: Are fillers safe? Let us put you at ease. Overall, yes, fillers are safe.

In the few rare cases of adverse reactions, the swelling resolved on its own or was easily treatable with antihistamines, oral corticosteroids or with a substance known as hyaluronidase, which helps the body reabsorb the hyaluronic acid filler. Dr. Schlessinger says:

“While most of the reactions we have heard about in my dermatology circles are after either a result of the Moderna COVID vaccine or actual COVID infection, there are a few that may be related to the Pfizer vaccine as well. This is an evolving issue and we are collecting data as it becomes available.

Whatever the case, it is absolutely in your best interest to obtain the vaccine and not delay. So far, the reactions have been mild and easily treatable with standard and readily accessible medications (or no medications as they generally resolve in a few days).

As dermatologists, we have seen reactions that happen after dental work, other vaccines and just 'life' to various fillers. The good news is that they are not often anything other than some minor swelling. Please do the safe thing and don't delay your vaccination as that can be life-saving!”

To sum it up, you shouldn’t let the threat of an adverse reaction keep you from receiving facial fillers or the Moderna COVID vaccine. While research is still ongoing, face filler side effects are still considered to be extremely rare and easily treatable.

How to Take Care of Your Skin After Receiving Facial Fillers and Help Prevent Potential Side Effects of Fillers.

Facial fillers can come with minimal risk, but for many patients, the results are worth it. To achieve the best result possible, always choose a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to perform your filler injections. Additionally, using the right skin care products can prolong the effects of your fillers. Here are a few tips to help you attain the best results possible and help prevent the side effects of fillers:

Tip #1: Take Care of Any Initial Bruising and Pain.

As with any injection, you may experience minimal discomfort or pain at the injection site. Our experts recommend applying an ice pack immediately after filler treatments and using a vitamin K cream prior to injections to help minimize bruising.

Try this! The LovelySkin Vitamin K Cream helps strengthen blood vessels prior to injections or other cosmetic treatments, like lasers. Vitamin K benefits your skin in many ways, but this advanced skin care cream helps minimize the potential for future bruising, while encouraging skin to heal properly after treatment.

Tip #2: Moisturize Daily and Stay Hydrated.

To increase the water absorption effect of your hyaluronic acid fillers, you’ll want to drink plenty of water and start using topical hyaluronic acid skin care products. Hyaluronic acid works overtime to help keep your skin plump and hydrated while further minimizing fine lines.

Try this! Add SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Hydrating Serum to your post-filler treatment skin care regimen, as it boosts your skin’s own hyaluronic acid levels with pure hyaluronic acid, 10% Proxylane™, licorice root and purple rice extract. Still have questions? Watch this video to learn how to use SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier.

If you receive lip filler treatments, try the PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster in between treatments. It offers instant hydration benefits with hyaluronic acid and konjac, while also helping maintain the appearance of plump and supple lips using peptides.

Tip #3: Use Peptide Products to Stimulate Collagen Production.

Adding a peptide product that stimulates collagen production can not only amplifies the effects of your filler treatments, but helps keep your skin looking rejuvenated and youthful in between cosmetic appointments.

Try this! The Neocutis Bio Cream Firm uses proprietary peptides to support collagen and elastin production, further minimizing fine lines. Additionally, growth factors heal the skin while smoothing texture and tone for the appearance of a more youthful, plump complexion.

Revision Skincare Revox 7 is designed to strengthen the benefits of dermal fillers and toxin injections like BOTOX. This serum targets seven common expression lines using the power of seven different peptides to provide both instant and long-lasting results.

Want to know more about the interaction between Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and dermal fillers? Watch expert physicians discuss the issue in depth in a Cosmetic Surgery Forum town hall meeting.