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

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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!

This is not uncommon, Specialist often have to deal with this on a weekly basis as we get referred more complex cases. No 100% proven theories, but it is  though that part your filler is seen as 'foreign' or an antigen, which has a similar chain profile on the infective agent. This could explain the transient up and down swellings. Most cases resolve when the infection resolves. Many ways to deal with this if it is persistent. Your Specialist who placed your filer will know how to manage this well known entity. It occur will all fillers, but seems to be more common in the Vycross range. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.