A lupus patient at Kelli Roseta’s “More Than Lupus” asks the question ” … is it safe to receive Botox or filler injections if you have lupus?” Thanks for posting this, More Than Lupus.
My answer regarding getting Botox or filler injections in lupus patients: “I have quite a few patients who get Botox for migraine, and it does not seem to cause any problems. I cannot comment on fillers too much. However, I know they sometimes use hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid, and we often give this as knee injections in our patients, many of whom have lupus. They have no problems with it. I like to use research to back up my answers, but I do not know of any on these two subjects.”
This is a fair and smart question about Botox or filler injections for lupus patients. We know that some insults to the skin, mainly ultraviolet light, can cause lupus to get worse. Therefore, other insults could potentially worsen lupus (theoretically).
If you have experience of botox or filler injections as a lupus patient tell us about it by leaving a message in the comments section below. Did you receive it for an issue like migraines or something else, and what were the results you experienced?
COMMENTS?
What has your experience of Botox or filler injections been?
What do you think and would you recommend Botox or filler injections?
Do you have any advice for patients or healthcare providers?
Leave your answers below in the comments section
9 Comments
I have SLE and sjogrens. Having sjogrens causes me to pucker my lips and I’ve developed what looks like smokers lines around my mouth. I’m very self conscious about it. I tried botox and was very happy with the results. About a month later, I decided to try a small amount of fillers around my mouth. At first I was very bruised and swollen but after about 2 weeks, everything settled down and it looks good. It does feel a little lumpy which is common with lupus patients but it’s not noticeable at all. I’m happy I did it and may add a little more filler around my mouth. The doctor said she would only do it if my lupus was well controlled.
S. Pratt: Thank you for sharing your experience with others!
Donald Thomas, MD
I had fillers several years ago and my guess is my body rejected them. Restlyne.
Swelling, redness, heat and it literally dissolved in my skin.
I am going to try Botox if I ever get the nerve to do so.
Botox unfortunately makes my constant headache more severe and migraines much more frequent. Both the full migraine preventative regimen (150 units?) and 10 units cosmetically between my eyebrows. I had hoped the smaller dose would be more tolerable, or I could get used to it. But each treatment 3-4 months apart was worse. No effect on my symptoms or flares thankfully.
As I can’t tolerate Botox or even Retinol, I’m considering filler in the vertical lines between my eyebrows. With a dermatologist who only does injectables (with a 6 month wait). And only dissolvable HA. I haven’t found any evidence it’s likely to cause a flare. Only an anecdotal increased rate of rejection.
I have Lupo for many years. I do not have any symptoms yet. Doctors are surprised. I have been using Botox in my face for many years (10).I keep being busy helping others.
I get botox in my forehead. My daughter in law is a trainer for Allergan and is an expert injector. No issues. She also injects Kysse filler in my lips. Bruises a bit but I love the result and does not cause a lupus flare up of symptoms.
Michelle: thanks for sharing!
Donald Thomas, MD
Botox almost killed me! I was working for a dermatologist, when my co-worker talked me into getting the free botox as an employee. I was so bad that I had prepared to die. It’s only by a miracle that I’m still here.
Wow… I am so glad you are doing better, and what a sad story. Thanks for sharing. It reminds us all that there is no 100% safe procedure and everyone must always weigh the risks and benefits
Donald Thomas, MD