Inflammatory reactions to dermal fillers have been linked to the COVID-19 vaccines. While this news is alarming, doctors have come to the consensus that this incidence is extremely rare. (According to Wayne, NJ facial plastic surgeon Jeffrey B. Wise, MD, the probability of this type of facial swelling occurring is two two hundredths of one percent of the patients who have had the vaccine.) Further, experts assert that the risk of being infected with COVID-19 outweighs the risk from a reaction to one of the vaccines if the patient has a history of using dermal fillers. While nerve-calming information has risen to the surface, so has a new question: Can this type of inflammatory reaction happen with breast implants, too?
When speaking to La Jolla, CA plastic surgeon Robert Singer, MD and Eugene, OR plastic surgeon Mark Jewell, MD, it became clear that this has become a common question among their patients. “I’ve had a couple patients with breast implants who have called wondering if there is any problem with getting the vaccination while having implants,” says Dr. Singer. “At this point, there are no reported incidences of any kind. In fact, there are numerous plastic surgeons across the country who have implants and have received their COVID vaccinations. They have had no problem in regard to the implants.”
“Historically, patients have had vaccines for flus, shingles, pneumonia, and more, and there has been no recorded responses in people who have implants,” adds Dr. Singer. “If there is any data that comes out, we will let the public know. However, at this point, there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of if you have implants or are considering them and are planning to get the vaccine. I would encourage everybody to get their COVID vaccination.”
While the relationship between the vaccine and breast implants has been questioned by a few patients, New York plastic surgeon B. Aviva Preminger, MD says she is performing more breast implants now than ever. “There’s been a huge uptick in patients coming in to get implants done right now due to the fact that they have more downtime and expendable income. There’s not too much to spend money on right now with nowhere to travel to, and it’s hard to go out to a restaurant. All of those things contribute to what’s been a pretty substantial uptick in breast augmentations in my practice.” Dr. Preminger also adds that she has received both doses of the vaccine herself and has had no reaction whatsoever to either dose. “I would encourage my patients to go get it!”
