Can a person be allergic to Juvederm because of the gram positive bacterial proteins in it?

Hi AlexisMost hyaluronic acid products are developed by culturing the product in various strains of streptococcus, including streptococcus equi, which is a benign bacteria. Many modern day pharmaceuticals are made in this fashion in various bacteria, like insulin. The incidence of allergy to these products is low, and while most people have been exposed to various types of streptococcus bacteria and their proteins, the likelihood of prior infection predisposing to this allergy is very low. I have used Juvederm since it first came out around 2006 and I have only twice seen a hypersensitivity, and those happened all before 2008. The reactions were very mild and no therapy was needed.

Thank you for your question! Most hyaluronic acid products are developed by culturing the product in various strains of streptococcus, including streptococcus equi, which is a benign bacteria. Many modern day pharmaceuticals are made in this fashion in various bacteria, like insulin. The incidence of allergy to these products is low, and while most people have been exposed to various types of streptococcus bacteria and their proteins, the likelihood of prior infection predisposing to this allergy is very low. I have used Juvederm since it first came out around 2006 and I have only twice seen a hypersensitivity, and those happened all before 2008. The reactions were very mild and no therapy was needed. Best of luck! 

Most of the fillers available in the US are hyaluronic acid gels.  They are all manufactured in slightly different ways which accounts for the differences in various properties such as longevity, softness, flexibility.  It is great to have all of these options to achieve the natural results that we strive for.  These products are extraordinarily safe, rare reactions to HA products do happen and occasionally do have to be treated.  Because the reactions are so rare (I have seen a handful in over 35 years of using dermal fillers and many 10s of thousands of treatments done) they are not easy to study.  We really don't know if reactions are due to  allergy,  infection or a body's reaction to a foreign substance. If you suspect a reaction to a filler make sure to see a board certified physician expert who can advise and treat as needed.  Remember, this is a very rare occurrence so don't let it stop you from considering fillers!