Autoimmune diseases and fillers – are they safe? Can food help to avoid flare ups?
I have Hashimoto and Pre-Lupus. Over the past five years I have used Juvederm and Voluma twice a year. I have been told by all my Dr. this is not a problem to use filler with Auto Immune. I have worked hard on my diet and stress levels to help with the flare ups of the Pre-Lupas. However at this time I am going through a flare up and very surprised as I am low stress and clean diet. I did have Radiesse about 6 month ago and had a very bad inflammation reaction to it. They gave me steroids and it cleared up, but I still have bumps under my cheeks where it has not smoothed out and came across your article. In time will the bumps smooth out? In time does the Radiesse stop affecting the inflammation process in the body? Any input would be helpful I would like to continue using filler but think there is a link with my flare ups (High ANA) Thank you, Tammy
This is great to hear Tammy! It’s sometimes difficult to figure out what causes flare ups of these somewhat mysterious autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases and fillers is another question, which I’m glad you brought up. It sounds like you are doing everything you can with cautious measures. Everyone is an individual, but in general, many can benefit from these measures, below.
Food and diet changes that may help with autoimmune diseases, like Hashimoto’s in general:
- Identify clear triggers and avoid them! This sounds easy but can be hard, because we’re human. 🙂
- Research anti-inflammatory diets, or find a good functional medicine doctor or naturopath who can help you. Please be very skeptical if the doctor is trying to sell you expensive supplements or lab tests.
- Lot’s of veggies. Aim for 10 different ones a day or more. Doesn’t have to be a ton of each. A good salad could have at least 5+.
- In general avoid refined sugar in any form (sodas, pastries, cookies, and look for hidden sugar). Read food labels. You’ll be shocked.
- In general, avoid things made with flour. A bread made without flour that is great is Ezekiel 4:9 bread. Intact grains are usually fine, this is individual of course.
- Too much alcohol.
- Avoid or reduce stimulants like caffeine. They make it hard to asses where your REAL energy level is.
- Avoid dairy, if that pertains to you.
- Some are gluten intolerant, but not truly celiac sprue. Get the blood test for celiac if you’re not sure.
Autoimmune disease and dermal fillers, Is it safe? My thoughts:
- At this point in time, hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, etc. have the best safety record for those with autoimmune diseases. In my opinion, please stick only with them.
- Radiesse and Sculptra have a slightly higher incidence of inflammatory bumps, especially with certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, for example. If you and your doctor aren’t sure, in my opinion, it’s better to avoid these.
- With Radiesse bumps or Sculptra, these will slowly go away on their own. I’m sure your doctor told you this but…….it can occasionally take 1-3 years. If these are invisible bumps that you can feel, but not see, try NOT to agitate them by rubbing, constantly feeling them, etc. It’s better, if they are not visible to just leave them alone, and let them gradually, slowly resolve. If visible, please see your doctor.
- Permanent fillers like Artefill, Bellafill, and silicone should be absolutely avoided. These will not go away on their own. This was also the consensus at a recent conference of about 200 experts doctors from all over the country.
Hope this helps, Dr. I
