As the Covid 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?
In the United States research carried out had shown that of 15,184 patients who had received the Moderna vaccine and then dermal filler, 3 patients experienced swelling in the area of the injection, more than usual.
The three who experienced this were treated and monitored immediately with no adverse effects.
This information has been shared in a misleading way by media outlets which has caused some aesthetic patients across the globe to question the safety of the vaccine with dermal fillers, some rethinking 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 cancelling your vaccine in order to have aesthetic treatments.
The advice from leading pharmaceutical brands is that patients should wait 2-3 weeks after their vaccine before having treatment (Link) . 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 (Link to course content on this 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?
MAP-IQ’s first aim is patient safety. (About Us Link)
Scrolling social media and other news outlets can be daunting with the amount of false information and scaremongering.
Firstly, we recommend talking to your indemnity 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. Share this information during your pre appointment screening.
Discuss with your patients about the side effects highlighted and be transparent about the research.
Confirm their understanding and consent, just by informing them and having them sign to say they have understood will cover you and ensure patient and practitioner safety.
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.
