Scheduled of jaw, chin & lip filler but unsure if I am dealing with cystic or fungal acne? (Photos)

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns. It's important to address any underlying skin conditions before proceeding with dermal filler treatments to ensure the best outcomes and avoid potential complications.

Based on your description, it sounds like you might be dealing with either cystic acne or fungal acne. Here are a few key points to consider:

Cystic Acne: This type of acne is typically deep, painful, and filled with pus. It often does not come to a head and can leave scars. Itchy and clear liquid discharge is less typical of cystic acne.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis): This condition is often itchy and can present as small, uniform bumps. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast and can sometimes be confused with bacterial acne. The clear liquid discharge you mentioned might be more consistent with fungal acne.

Given that you also have oral thrush, which is a fungal infection, it may be more likely that your skin condition could also be fungal in nature. However, a definitive diagnosis should be made by a dermatologist through a physical examination and possibly additional tests.

Recommendations:

Consult a Dermatologist: Before proceeding with your scheduled filler treatment, I strongly recommend seeing a dermatologist to get a clear diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your acne. Treating the acne first will help in achieving better results with your fillers and reduce the risk of complications.
Oral Thrush: Since you have oral thrush, it's important to treat this condition as well. A fungal infection in the mouth can potentially affect the healing process and outcomes of lip fillers. Your dermatologist or primary care physician can provide treatment for this condition.
Please do not hesitate to reschedule your filler appointment again if necessary. Your skin's health and the success of your treatment are paramount.

If you need further assistance or wish to schedule a consultation, please contact my office at 305-902-5733.

I'm glad that you rescheduled your injectable filler procedure, since you would benefit from having clear skin in advance. If you have oral thrush, which is a fungal candida infection, it is conceivable that you're itchy outbreak could be from the same organism. If that is the case, a trial of fluconazole may be helpful. I would suggest Consulting with a dermatologist for a definitive answer and for treatment. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Given your current situation with potentially cystic or fungal acne and oral thrush, it's important to carefully consider the timing of your dermal filler procedure. Cystic acne, characterized by deep, painful nodules beneath the skin, can sometimes interfere with the healing process following cosmetic treatments. Fungal acne, which often presents as itchy, small bumps that may release a clear fluid, could also complicate the situation, particularly if it's related to an underlying fungal infection. Oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth, suggests that you may have a systemic issue that could potentially impact your skin health and healing. Before proceeding with jaw, chin, and lip fillers, it's crucial to consult with both your dermatologist and your injector. They can provide guidance on whether it's advisable to proceed with your scheduled treatment or if it would be better to address and resolve your acne and oral thrush first. Ensuring your skin is healthy and stable will help optimize the results of your filler treatments and minimize the risk of complications. I hope this helps and best of luck!