Are fillers safe for people also using medication to treat acne? I currently use a topical cream called tactuo.

Question

I am a male in my mid-30s and am considering getting a filler to address sunken cheeks after weight loss. I currently use a topical cream called tactuo which contains benzoyl peroxide and adapalene to treat mild acne on my cheeks. Would I still be able to use this cream if I were to get injected with Radiesse or Perlane? I am concerned about the filler potentially making the acne worse and/or causing other complications such as nodules. Thanks!

Esta Kronberg, MD · Answer

There is no problem with you using your acne cream and having fillers. I wouldn't inject through an active acne lesion or if your acne is flaring.Otherwise, you can have your fillers. Your doctor will know how to go around an acne lesion. Enjoy your filler.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Fillers are fine for patients on acne medications. Already infected areas would be a concern. This would be a more advanced injection technique so choose an experienced and expert physician injector.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

There is no problem getting any filler while you are on a topical acne product.  I wouldn't inject through a grossly infected area with the filler, or if there is severe topical infection though.  Filler will help improve the appearance of the acne scars as well.

Erica Linnell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Fillers are safe for people on acne medications- including the one that you're on.  Adapalene (a retinoid cream) should be stopped one week prior to any chemical peel or laser treatment, but since fillers do not damage or treat the superficial part of the skin (epidermis), it's perfectly fine to continue these medications if considering a filler.  To address your concerns about worsening acne after fillers:  I don't know of any case or reason the filler would worsen acne.  I've never seen this in my practice either.  Nodules are rare with hyaluronic acid fillers and can usually be reversed with hyaluronidase (enzyme that degrades the product).  Good luck!

David A. Bray, Sr., MD · Answer

I see no reason that a topical cream should interfere with an injection below the skin surface. In fact, I often treat deep acne scars  with fillers

Are fillers safe for people also using medication to treat acne? I currently use a topical cream called tactuo.

Answers (5)

Answer: Fillers are safe when using topical acne medications

Answer: Fillers are safe when using topical acne medications

Answer: Male

Answer: Male

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Are fillers safe for people also using medication to treat acne? I currently use a topical cream called tactuo.

Answers (5)

Answer: Fillers are safe when using topical acne medications

Answer: Fillers are safe when using topical acne medications

Answer: Male

Answer: Male

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Radiesse

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.