I am anaphylactic and I am interested in getting dermal fillers, can I be tested for them beforehand ?

Question

Hi, I am a 23 year old female and I have a severe nut allergy making me anaphylactic, I also have Asthma and a lot of different food allergies that are not so severe. I recently looked into getting dermal fillers, but during my consultation i was told I can't have these due to me having a history of anaphylaxis even though I haven't taken a reaction since I was 2 years old. can I get tested for hyaluronic acid/fillers? the product I was supposed to be getting is called juverderm? Thanks, Naomi.

Muhammad Mirza, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's very rare for Botox to trigger an allergic reaction. The best advice I can offer is for you to consult with a qualified and experienced physician. They can best advise you as to whether or not Botox is suitable for you and if you can get tested prior to treatment.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Sounds like there are some major concerns. It is unlikely you will be anaphylactic to the hyaluraonic acid filler; however there is still a possibility so I would get testing. A small amount can be placed (not on your face) and you can be observed and monitred for a reaction in the right setting in a doctor's office. If there is no reaction you can likely safely get fillers. The issue here is in order to place the test amount you would likely need to purchase that filler whether you are reactive or not. Hope that helps and hope you find someone who can help you. Your case is a perfect example of why everyone here reccomends a board certified physician!

Marek Kacki, MD · Answer

If you look at the "Warnings" and "Precautions" printed in every insert found in every known filler l you will find that one of the contraindications is ..."multiple allergies". This is done for a reason since wide reactivity to many compounds puts one in increasing risk of allergic reaction.  It would be rather irresponsible to suggest that there is" no risk" or that "most likely" you will do fine. Nothing can predict allergic reaction and no one can guarantee the safety of any compound. You may be allergic to lidocaine if filler is pre-mixed with it, you may have a very rare sensitivity to the hyaluronic acid itself, as much as you have allergy to nuts and many other factors increasing the airway reactivity - asthma. In summary, you are at higher risk for allergic reaction and any advice will reflect the statistics and not your individual case. I would suggest to go to injector that is most likely to respond appropriately in case of severe allergic reaction. Remember, not all specialties are equally capable! Stay safe! Good luck!

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

I think you could have filler injection without issue as long as you see an experienced provider. If needed, a spot test could be done but I don't think this is necessary since your allergy was to nuts. I think your physician is being overly cautious and I would get a second opinion from another experienced injector.

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

Hi there! 
Sounds like there are some major concerns. It is unlikely you will be anaphylactic to the hyaluraonic acid filler; however there is still a possibility so I would get testing. A small amount can be placed (not on your face) and you can be observed and monitred for a reaction in the right setting in a doctor's office. If there is no reaction you can likely safely get fillers. The issue here is in order to place the test amount you would likely need to purchase that filler whether you are reactive or not. Hope that helps and hope you find someone who can help you. Your case is a perfect example of why everyone here reccomends a board certified physician!

I am anaphylactic and I am interested in getting dermal fillers, can I be tested for them beforehand ?

Answers (6)

Answer: Allergy and filler treatment

Answer: Allergy and filler treatment

Answer: Testing

Answer: Testing

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

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

I am anaphylactic and I am interested in getting dermal fillers, can I be tested for them beforehand ?

Answers (6)

Answer: Allergy and filler treatment

Answer: Allergy and filler treatment

Answer: Testing

Answer: Testing

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

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