Temporary swelling of HA fillers when I have a cold, flu or fever.

Question

I have Juvederm Volbella in my tear through and some Belotero Voluma in my cheeks. What I worry about is that every time I have a cold, flu or fever, those fillers react to this; I get some mild (temporary) swelling and it feels a bit painful when pressing on it. No red skin. It looks like my immune system is fighting the fillers for a while, within 1-2 days everything is back to normal. Is this a known side-effect (can't find anything on the internet about this)? Do I need to worry?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  With the increased swelling of the facial tissues that accompanies your illnesses it would not be uncommon to have some sensitivity over your filler material.  There is nothing to worry about if the symptoms disappear within a few days.  Hope this helps.

Erin Hibbitts, MD · Answer

This is a not uncommon reaction, although not noted in the literature as much as persistent delayed reactions. I have seen and heard of this but not necessarily with every infection. For some patients it is a one time reaction, for others it occurs more often with infections. This can present many months or even more than a year after the filler treatment was performed. There is no concern with this but if more prolonged or bothersome there are treatment options. As you very correctly questioned - it is theorized to be due to an immune response.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there,Thank you for your question.  There are no studies on this and I wouldn't worry because HA is found in the body naturally.  With bringing more blood flow to the face if there is an infection to heal, it might be that the areas with the filler are temporarily swelling because they are "water-loving" substances and as the infection begins to subside, less blood flow and thus less swelling. Hope this helps.All the best, Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACSBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

HA fillers love water. This is what make them so good at their job. So, when you have a cold or flu and there is filler in the areas that typically become swollen with said cold or flu then yes, you are going to feel some discomfort or pressure from the filler. If it really bothers you, you can have some of the filler dissolved.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question gieroodes. I am sorry to hear about
your situation. Volbella is a hyaluronic acid filler designed to enhance the lips. It is also used elsewhere such as the tear troughs. Hyaluronic acid fillers draw water into the area they area placed. If they are placed in areas where there is swelling due to a bacterial or viral infection, an increased amount of pressure may be felt in that area. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Temporary swelling of HA fillers when I have a cold, flu or fever.

Answers (6)