Fillers and Corona
In the past week, we regularly received questions from clients about the side effects that the Coronavirus vaccine can cause with a filler treatment. The Coronavirus vaccine has no effect on a Botox treatment, which is why I will further discuss the combination of fillers and the Coronavirus vaccine in this article.
Coronavirus Vaccines in combination with Fillers
The Coronavirus vaccine from the American pharmaceutical company Moderna can cause redness and swelling in areas where fillers have recently been administered. The same applies to the BioNTech/Pfizer Coronavirus vaccine; this vaccine can also potentially cause swelling in areas where a filler has been injected.
The PRAC reports side effects of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine
The safety committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) reports that there is ‘at least a reasonable possibility of a causal link’ between the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine and cases of facial swelling in areas where a filler treatment has recently been performed. PRAC has recommended that the product information for the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine be updated to include this side effect in the package leaflet. However, according to PRAC, the benefits of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine still outweigh the potential side effects.
The FDA reports side effects of the Moderna vaccine
In America, where vaccination against Corona has begun, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received a number of reports from doctors who observed side effects (redness and swelling) in clients after vaccination against the Coronavirus, in areas where a filler treatment had been administered. Of the more than 15,000 vaccinated individuals, this side effect was observed in three patients. This reaction only occurred after vaccination with the Moderna Coronavirus vaccine. It is worth noting that all three clients recovered without problems.
Common side effect
Redness and swelling with fillers are not specifically caused only by a Coronavirus vaccine. The immune system becomes more active due to vaccination. Although hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, in exceptional cases, it can still be attacked by your immune system. These side effects are more common after vaccination or an infection.
Who receives the BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna vaccine?
You might be wondering which vaccine you will receive in the coming months, should you choose to get vaccinated. Below is an overview of the vaccination groups and vaccines.
As of January 18, 2021
- Residents of nursing homes and institutions for people with intellectual disabilities BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine.
As of January 25, 2021
- Residents of small-scale nursing homes and institutions for people with disabilities Moderna vaccine.
- Home-dwelling, mobile people aged 90 and older. BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine.
As of February 1, 2021
- Home-dwelling mobile elderly people between 85 and 90 years old. BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine.
As of mid-February 2021
- Home-dwelling people aged 60 and older BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine and AstraZeneca.
- Intramural mental health (GGZ) clients, Moderna vaccine.
- Non-mobile home-dwelling people aged 60 and older Moderna vaccine.
- People aged 18-60 with a medical indication AstraZeneca vaccine.
- Mobile home-dwelling people aged 60 and older BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine.
As of May 2021
- People aged 18-60 (without medical indication) AstraZeneca vaccine.
Advice
Although the risks are small, our advice is: If you receive a Moderna or BioNTech/Pfizer Coronavirus vaccination, do not undergo filler treatments in the 2 weeks before and after the vaccination. This significantly reduces the chance of experiencing side effects.
Sources
- “Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting; FDA Briefing Document for Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 17 Dec. 2020,https://www.fda.gov/media/144434/download
- “Facial Fillers and COVID-19 Vaccine.”https://www.surgery.org/professionals/covid-19/facial-fillers-and-covid-19-vaccine
- Dutch Government https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-vaccinatie/volgorde-van-vaccinatie-tegen-het-coronavirus/volgorde-vaccinatie-voor-mensen-die-niet-in-de-zorg-werken
- See also the reporting on this in Medisch Contact https://www.medischcontact.nl/opinie/reacties/ingezonden-reactie/bijwerkingen-door-moderna-vaccin-bij-mensen-met-fillers.htm
With over 9 years of experience in surgery and plastic surgery, Mirthe brings valuable expertise to aesthetic medicine. This surgical background contributes to her refined technique and in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy. Mirthe is known for her subtle, natural approach. Her specializations include eyelid treatments - both with PlexR and surgically -, under-eye bag treatments, and liquid facelifts. She performs these treatments with an eye for detail and harmony, always prioritizing a natural result. Within The Body Clinic, Mirthe plays an important role in guiding new and experienced doctors. She shares her knowledge and experience, ensuring that all doctors master the latest techniques and our high-quality standards. This way, we guarantee that every treatment meets the expertise you expect from The Body Clinic.
