Juvederm and Rheumatoid Arthritis

My patients with rheumatoid arthritis have not ever had their rheumatologists say they couldn't have Restylane or Juvederm injected. In the olden days ( about ten years ago) collagen from cow hide was injected as fillers and there was controversy that these fillers could cause collagen-vascular disorders. Todays fillers, Restylane and Juvederm, are hyaluronic acids. They are not the same as collagen.

Dear Meshel

You should be fine with the Juevederm injections.  However, it is important to understand that everyone reacts differently to this products.  Further, some individuals are taking medications for Rheumatoid arthritis that effectively suppress the immune system.  This may increase your risk for infection.  You actual treating physician will make decisions and recommendations based on intimate knowledge of your health status and treatment.  Consequently they may or may not recommend a particular treatment based on the facts of your particular situation. 

No contraindications for Fillers used on patients with autoimmune disorders. They are made to assimilate hyaluronic acid, already found in the body.

Regardless, when you are ready to undergo any esthetic procedure, it is best to have a consultation with a board certified cosmetic doctor or dermatologist who you trust. They will give you the honest answers for your unique situation (your starting point, your objectives and your budget). It is at this consultation that you will really find out if this is a good procedure for you, not just whether you can have it.

At the Victoria Park Medispa, we take off the consultation fee from any appointment booked, therefore reducing a client’s risk of having a treatment performed without taking the time to think about what they really want. Any esthetic tool needs to be in the right hands, to achieve the best possible results.

I have injected patients who have rheumatoid arthritis and are on methotrexate with the hyaluronic acid fillers without any problems. I recommend abstaining from the NSAIDs and Aspirin to prevent bruising, but no other special precautions need to be taken.

I agree with all of my colleagues above, there is no clear contraindication to juvederm injections if you have rheumatoid arthritis. I usually warn my patients that if they have had any Aspirin or Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, the risk of bruising is higher.