The reality is that only three people in a study of hundreds had an adverse reaction to COVID vaccinations at their dermal filler site. This figure was often not included in headlines and, unfortunately, sometimes not even in the story itself. Plus, headlines also failed to mention that such swelling is rare but possible with any kind of vaccination including the common flu vaccine. That’s right, there have been isolated incidents of people experiencing swelling in dermal filler sites after a flu shot, and that has been the case for many years.

The Reality of Filler Reactions

It’s actually not surprising that a vaccination might cause delayed swelling in dermal filler sites. Simply put, everyone’s body is different and there are rare side effects possible with any vaccination and with any cosmetic treatment. It’s important to bear in mind that COVID-related stories are simply great news fodder and click bait at the moment. The reality is that in a very long document that detailed the efficacy of COVID vaccinations, there was one sentence that mentioned “delayed” swelling in those with dermal fillers and that became an international headline. You may have also noticed that those headlines only lasted a couple of weeks and there has been virtually no mention of them since.

You might be thinking, “Doesn’t swelling occur in most cases with dermal filler?” Yes, but what makes this reaction unique is that it’s delayed. In the case of COVID vaccines, vaccinations caused swelling at dermal filler sites weeks and even months after both the vaccination and the dermal filler were administered. It’s very common to be a little swollen right after getting dermal fillers. It’s not common at all to experience swelling weeks or months later. This delayed reaction also makes it very difficult to gauge what exactly caused the swelling.

Taking Care of Yourself

At Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, we encourage you to do what’s best for you in terms of your health and safety. If getting vaccinated is in your best interest and what you want to do, you do not have to stop getting dermal fillers in order to do so. It’s okay if you have dermal fillers and are about to get your COVID vaccine regardless of when you got your dermal filler. We also take the stance that it’s okay to get dermal fillers after you get your COVID vaccine.

Ultimately, we encourage our clients to do what is best for them on every level, whether it be their health or their cosmetic treatments that boost their self-confidence. Some people have revealed that they have delayed or avoided getting vaccinated (even though they want to) because they worry about swelling in dermal filler sites. Know that this reaction is extremely rare, and if you do have delayed swelling it is very easy and simple to treat with a prescription oral medication. Your doctor can prescribe this to you right away to subside swelling, and know that the swelling itself is not dangerous.

Information is Key with Dermal Fillers

We appreciate that our clients are committed to putting their safety first, but know that this doesn’t have to come at the cost of your beloved treatments. The numbers don’t lie: the amount of people who experience delayed swelling from COVID vaccines is so small that it should not be a worry for you. And if it is? Simply make sure you keep an eye out for any unusual, delayed swelling and know how to contact your general physician in case a reaction does happen and you require a prescription to treat it.

We are dedicated to the safety and happiness of all of our clients. That’s why Zuzana Likar personally trains every staff member to her impeccable standards for every treatment, including dermal fillers. Remember that the skill of the injector is just as important as the dermal filler itself in achieving beautiful and safe results. To schedule your dermal filler, connect with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care by completing the online form or calling the office.

The post Can You Get Dermal Fillers and the COVID Vaccine? (Yes!) appeared first on Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care.

We hope that during the COVID19 pandemic, you have kept yourselves, your family, and friends well, happy, and safe. To keep you safe Palo Alto and Laser & Skin Care is taking the necessary steps to prevent transmission of COVID-19.

To ensure your safety and wellbeing, we have redesigned and implemented a number of new operational procedures (coming to our practice may in fact be safer than going to the supermarket!):

Reduced and Healthy Staff: Anyone who can carry out their functions from home will continue to work virtually. Each employee coming into the office will be screened. Screening entails symptom checks including temperature. If anyone is exhibiting symptoms they will be asked to stay home. Staff will be required to wear scrubs that will be washed every day, facial mask, wear eye protection, open doors for all patients, and wash and sanitize hands between each patient interaction.

Mandatory 6-feet Spacing: Mandatory measures will ensure that all patients are 6 feet apart from one another. That means a maximum of 1-2 patients in the waiting room area at the time (with facial mask). This will be done by using markings that designate where patients should stand.

Screening: To follow the highest safety measures, we will assume all patients have been exposed. Due to this, we will require patients to wear their face masks at all times while coming, staying, and exiting the office. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided. Reusable masks will be washed every day. Soiled masks will be discarded. Patient screening which will include temperature checks upon entering. There will also be screening over the phone at the time the appointment is being made. We will ask all patients not to travel out of state at least 10 days before their appointment or have a negative COVID test upon arrival for their appointment.

Prioritizing Cleanliness: Break rooms, bathrooms, and other common areas will be disinfected frequently throughout the day. Disinfectants, hand sanitizer, and/or related supplies will be available to staff and patients at all times. Additionally, there will be a 15 minute “No Patient” time incorporated into the schedule every hour to ensure adequate cleaning of the office.

No ‘Waiting Room’: Patients will be asked to wait in their car until it is time for their appointment. And the waiting room (which we are now calling reception as no one will be waiting!) now only has 2 seats available. Only scheduled patients will be allowed to enter the office. If the patient is a minor, only one accompanying adult will be allowed to enter the office with the patient being treated.

Limiting Interaction: Scheduling follow-up appointments will occur in the exam room instead of at check-out as much as possible. Non-patient visitors will be limited, and we will be staggering appointments for the entire clinic.

We are NOW offering Virtual Appointments (the new normal for consultations) and Online Skincare Shopping/Curbside ‘No Contact’ Pickup for all of our patients.

Virtual Consultations: Meet with one of our practitioners to discuss your concerns and develop a full treatment plan. A typical video consultation will last about 15-20 minutes and it is FREE! Every new client consultation will include a complimentary skincare assessment.

To schedule a virtual consultation online, please email contact@paloaltolaser.com Please make sure that your email contains the following information: 1. Your full name;2. Best email to reach you at;  3. Best phone number we can reach you at; 4. The services you would like to discuss.

Virtual Skincare Orders & Curbside Pickup:

Free shipping for orders over $300!
Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our aestheticians to develop your own custom skincare regimen. All packages will be packed and shipped with the maximum precautionary efforts including wearing gloves and masks.

For all skincare orders visit our online store at paloaltolaser.com (click on products), call 650-565-8683 or email Andrea@paloaltolaser.com and we will gladly assist you. We are looking forward to seeing you soon, virtually or in person!

Sincerely,
The Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care Team

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