Moderna COVID-19 vaccine’s associated side effects in patients with dermal fillers

 

What are dermal fillers? Dermal fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face. As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat. The facial skin also stretches a bit, adding to this loss of facial volume. Dermal fillers can be used to add more volume to the lips, soften facial creases and wrinkles and enhance facial contours. Common places to use dermal fillers are the lips, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and cheeks.

 

 

There are several different types of dermal fillers. Dermal fillers differ in chemical make-up, longevity, and have varying degrees of softness. Softer fillers are used in the lips, for example, while sturdier fillers might be desired to enhance cheekbones. For many people, the use of “off-the-shelf” fillers can be a simple office-based procedure that can nicely enhance your appearance. These dermal fillers are very predictable, and have relatively minimal risks and side effects. One of the most common fillers is hyaluronic acid because of its compatibility with the human body. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your body. High concentrations are found in soft connective tissues and in the fluid surrounding your eyes. It's also in some cartilage and joint fluids, as well as skin tissue. It is extracted and reformulated and now has become one of the most popular kinds of injectable fillers. Common brand names include Juvéderm and Restylane. When this gel is injected, it acts like an inflated cushion to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume or elasticity due to normal aging. It also brings water to the surface of skin to keep it looking fresh and supple.

 

Of note, Botox is not a dermal filler. Botox acts by diminishing active lines such as glabellar frown lines, forehead lines and crows feet lines. As of this date, there has not been side effects  from Botox related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

In December 2020, the FDA approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. During Moderna’s initial studies, 3 patients out of 15,184 receiving the MODERNA SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine had developed facial swelling after vaccination. The three patients were in Moderna’s Phase Three trial and developed facial (2 patients) and lip (1 patient) swelling. Two of the patients had a history of dermal filler placement 6 months and 2 weeks prior to vaccination. One patient had lip dermal filler 2 days after receiving the vaccine. All events (swelling and inflammation) occurred within two days of receiving the vaccine dose. All patients reported complete resolution of these effects by treatment with oral steroids and antihistamines which quickly resolved the reactions.

 

Therefore, the FDA is reporting that people with cosmetic facial fillers could experience localized facial swelling and inflammation after receiving the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19. The reactions have been mild, and physicians say this information should not stop people from getting the vaccine when able.

 

I feel that dermal fillers should be administered by board-certified physicians who are experts in both the injection of dermal fillers and management of complications arising from them.