How long in between injections?
With the easing of lockdown, dermal fillers are in high demand – but what happens if you’re called for your coronavirus vaccination?
Dr John Tanqueray of Mulberry House Clinic advises his patients to leave a good gap between the COVID-19 vaccination and dermal fillers.
The guidelines he recommends are:
- For fillers BEFORE the coronavirus vaccination
- If you have had dermal fillers, you must leave at least 2 weeks before having the vaccine
- If you are called for your immunisation, explain that you have had dermal fillers and need an appointment at least 2 weeks after the filler treatment
- For fillers AFTER the coronavirus vaccination
- If you’ve had the COVID vaccine and want to have dermal fillers, wait at least 3 weeks after the immunisation
- If you’re called for your jab and have a filler appointment booked, rearrange the filler appointment. Don’t refuse the jab due to a cosmetic treatment booking. Your practitioner should understand
First and foremost, the coronavirus immunisation must be the priority; so plan any treatments around your vaccination date and rearrange them if necessary.
Why do we need to leave a gap between dermal fillers and the coronavirus jab?
Research and data have shown cases where coronavirus vaccination caused localised swelling in the area where dermal fillers had been administered, as the body’s immune response to the vaccine. The numbers affected are not high – only 3 trial participants out of over 15,000 in the Moderna vaccine trial experienced filler-related swelling.
With regard to the Pfizer vaccine, some sources say that there have been no reported cases, but the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology published a case study that highlighted 2 incidences of swelling in patients with hyaluronic acid fillers that occurred after the Pfizer vaccine and 2 that occurred after the Moderna vaccine.
Again these are very small numbers.
There are no reports associated with the newest Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is not yet available in the UK at the time of writing.
So is it safe to have dermal fillers and coronavirus jab?
Experts have stated that the risks are very low and it is deemed safe to have dermal fillers as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, although it is recommended to leave a gap before and after the COVID vaccine in order to minimise risk.
Reactions are relatively rare and generally can be treated with antihistamines, steroids or else just monitoring until they clear up. The Aesthetic Society states:
“None of the cases required the use of an EpiPen or hospitalization, none were considered life-threatening, and there were no long-term complications in those who reported having facial swelling after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery has advised its members to continue their current practices with regards to dermal fillers.
5 tips for COVID vaccine and dermal fillers
- Avoid filler treatment 2 weeks before and 3 weeks after having a COVID vaccine. Rearrange appointments if required to ensure this minimum gap between the two
- Always prioritise having your coronavirus immunisation, even if that means delaying fillers. The risks from coronavirus far outweigh the risks from a reaction to one of the vaccines if the patient has had dermal fillers
- Tell your fillers practitioner if you’ve recently had the coronavirus vaccine and tell your vaccinator if you’ve recently had dermal fillers
- Choose a practitioner who is expert medically as well as aesthetically. They should take a thorough medical history prior to treatment and be able to handle any potential complications
- In case of any concern such as post-procedural inflammation, contact your practitioner for advice as soon as possible
Expert Medical Dermal Filler Practitioner
Dr John Tanqueray MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM is a former GP who has been working in the cosmetic treatments industry for over 18 years. He established Mulberry House Clinic in 2003 and the company has an excellent reputation for providing the best medical advice, putting patient safety above all other concerns.
The company is renowned for advanced dermal filler treatments including the 8-Point Face Lift and Dr Tanqueray’s own exclusive Multi-Point Face Lift, a more sophisticated adaptation of the principle.
Mulberry House Clinic stocks a variety of top brand dermal fillers, including:
- Aliaxin® range including EV, Essential Volume, GP Global Performance, SR Shape and Restore, FL Fine Lines
- Belotero® range including Volume, Intense, Balance, Lips Contour and Lips Shape
- ELLANSÉ® is an innovative treatment that combines a dermal filler ‘lift’ with collagen-stimulation for a natural looking rejuvenation
- Juvéderm® range, including Hydrate, Ultra, Smile, Voluma, Volite
- Radiesse®
This range and expertise means that the company is able to provide the most suitable treatment that is tailor-made to the individual client’s requirements.
In his exclusive ‘Secrets to Successful Dermal Filler Treatment’ guide, John concludes:
“For my patients’ well-being, my peace of mind and also my reputation, I want to use a filler that presents as low a risk as possible of provoking an inflammatory response, which can lead to delayed inflammatory swelling, fibrosis or foreign body reaction.”
The ‘Secrets to Successful Dermal Filler Treatment’ is a comprehensive guide to choosing dermal fillers which was written to help inform patients about making the right choices for this popular treatment
This valuable resource is available to download on our website, free of charge. Please download one here and do get in touch if you have any queries or require further advice or a consultation.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with vast experience of the industry. Cosmetic skin treatments are carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, who works closely with leading manufacturers to remain at the forefront of the medical aesthetics.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
