As vaccines continue to roll out in the UK many questions are arising on the side effects, one in particular about the use of aesthetic treatments alongside vaccines.
Can you have filler if you have had the vaccine?
It has been drawn to the industries attention of research carried out in the United States where in 15,184 patients who had the vaccine (Moderna) and then dermal filler, 3 of which experienced swelling in the area of injection, more than usual.
The three who experienced this were treated and monitored immediately with no adverse effects.
Media outlets who have noted this side effect have shared some misleading information, causing some aesthetic treatment goers across the globe to rethink the decision of having the vaccine in order to continue with their treatments.
Whilst we take all side effects seriously and continue to investigate, we do not recommend forgoing your vaccine in order to have aesthetic treatments.
From continued research and talking with leading pharmaceutical brands such as Teoxane, it has been noted that patients should wait 2 weeks after their vaccine before having the treatment or wait 3 weeks after the vaccine before having treatment.
Anything that stimulates our immune system such as a vaccine has the potential to cause our body to recognise filler as foreign which can lead to an inflammatory reaction. We can help to avoid this by leaving a gap between vaccinations and treatments.
Can you have botulinum toxin treatments if you have had the vaccine?
At present there is no information of side effects caused by vaccine and botulinum toxin treatment. As the injection is performed straight into the muscle it is bypassing the flowing nature of vaccine and filler placement.
Can you have chemical peels, microneedling and laser treatments if you have had the vaccine?
Again, there have been no side effects bought to the industries attention on the combination of vaccine and skin treatments. As skin treatments are on the surface and superficial layers of the skin it does not affect vaccine placement, therefore skin treatments can carry on as usual.
What can I do as practitioner to ensure patients safety?
We understand it can be daunting, especially scrolling through social media and the news finding false and scaremongering information.
Firstly, we recommend talking to your insurance provider, making sure you are ready to go and you are covered for any reactions that may happen.
Update your consent forms to state about waiting times after treatment and receiving the vaccination.
Make sure you talk to your patient about the side effects that have been highlighted, transparency is the best when it comes to situations like this and your body language will say the most. Just by informing them and having them sign to say they have understood will cover you and ensure patient and practitioner safety.
At present, the swelling side effects are treated like nodules using antibiotics and hyalase with monitoring by the practitioner to ensure a safe recovery. If swelling does not improve then a course of steroids in recommended.
Lastly, make sure you are well trained to deal with complications, and you have spent time understanding the latest information, continued learning will help you to make the right decisions and perform safe treatments.
Our support lines are open for our delegates on 01844 3901110 / [email protected]
Find out more about our online complications course and enrol here: https://academy.cosmeticcourses.co.uk/aesthetic-complications-online
Please note this article was published in April 2021.
