Good tolerance of hyaluronic acid filler injections during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The aim of our study was to identify and evaluate the complications related to hyaluronic acid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Twelve dermatologists participated in this study. A cohort and a non-cohort follow-up were ensured. Results: (1) Cohort follow-up: 1041 patients. 8% had a COVID-19 infection, 27% had received COVID-19 vaccination. 2% had immediate side effects (edema, erythema, bruising). 0.5% had delayed side effects (two inflammatory nodules, one nodule without inflammation, one edema). None of these side effects occurred in the context of infection or COVID-19 vaccinations. (2) Non-cohort follow-up: 7900 syringes used. Two early side effects (inflammatory edema) were reported, of which one occurred 15 days after vaccination. Two cases of delayed side effects such as inflammation on the injected area and inflammatory nodules occurred of which one was in the context of vaccination and one during COVID-19 infection. We estimate the frequency of complications possibly attributable to the disease or to the COVID vaccination to be 0.06% in our population. Discussion: Complications of HA injections in the context of COVID-19 disease or vaccination appear to be very rare but the frequency could be underestimated because of the low rate of vaccination/infection in our population. Our study shows a very good tolerance of hyaluronic acid injections during the COVID-19 pandemic.