Thank goodness for science and that we’re moving into 2021 with two vaccinations that are no doubt going to save a countless amount of lives. I am so grateful that I have been able to receive my first dose of the covid-19 vaccine—and I am less than two weeks out from receiving my second. I’ll go over my experience with the vaccine in a bit, but I want to first address some of the questions and concerns my patients have been having with regards to this vaccine and cosmetic procedures.
There have been three instances of facial swelling occurring after the patients received the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. Each of these cases resolved with treatment. Treatment includes antihistamines and/or an oral steroid. The side effect responds very quickly to treatment and none of the patients needed hospitalization or an epipen (its not an allergic reaction). As I am writing this, 12 million doses have been given in the U.S. and we have not seen a substantial uptick in this rare side effect. So while it can happen, it often does not. And if it DOES happen, it can easily be addressed and treated.
It is important to note that inflammatory events with dermal fillers can be immunologically triggered by viral and bacterial illnesses, not just the covid-19 vaccine. What does this mean? This type of swelling can occur (albeit rarely) in someone that has had fillers and becomes sick with a virus or bacteria. (Think sinus infection, etc). In cases like this, the patients immune system is responding to the filler. As an experienced Aesthetic injector, I am already properly trained in how to deal with complications from filler. It has happened before the covid-19 vaccine and is likely to continue to happen after.
Like anything in regards to your health—do your research. It is important to know what you are putting into your body and how to be an advocate for your own health. Now with that being said, there is an unbelievable amount of wrong information out there on the internet that will support just about any crazy idea. So if you are unsure, as your healthcare provider. We have been trained to dig through the research and understand scientific trials. It is part of our job. And we are here to help you! Leave your questions below!
