Dermal Fillers and the COVID-19 Vaccine

There have been three cases in America of localised swelling in individuals with dermal fillers after receiving the Moderna vaccination. Two people with cheek filler experienced facial swelling and one person who had lip fillers experienced swelling to their lips. 

None of the three cases were life threatening, needed hospitalisation or had any long term effects. They were treated with antihistamines and/or steroids and the swelling fully resolved. 

A vaccination works by provoking an immune response in the body which will vary between individuals. This can occasionally cause temporary inflammation in filler sites. This is true for all vaccinations, not just COVID-19, as well as viral and bacterial illness and dental procedures.

So far there have been no reported cases of filler-related swelling from the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine, and if it did occur then your aesthetics practitioner should be able to manage this. 

Swelling may resolve on its own, or you could be prescribed some antihistamines as a first line of treatment. If necessary, they could then consider a course of oral steroids, but would need to weigh up the risk of it suppressing the response of the vaccine.

It is important not to let this put you off getting vaccinated. The very, very small risk of swelling is greatly outweighed by the risks associated with COVID-19.