Joint and rheumatology problems, are fillers safe?

My Rheumatologist said I could use botox but not fillers? What are your thoughts? I currently take Enbrel for my RA but my lips and the lines make me look 60+ but I am only 41. Is there any research fillers are dangerous to me? thanks Lisa

I’d ask your Rheumatologist again…….maybe a little more specifically.   It’s true that certain fillers may need to be avoided with some rheumatology conditions.   Fillers (FDA approved only) are safe for the general population but with certain autoimmune diseases, they can cause problems. 

The permanent fillers like Artifill or silicone – absolutely not recommended.  Sculptra and Radiesse are usually fine for some autoimmune diseases (like multiple sclerosis, for example), but should be avoided in conditions like lupus, Sjogrens, Wagoners, RA, etc because they are slightly more likely to form bumps (nodules).  More readers questions on filler problems.

The hyaluronic acid fillers though like Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, etc. are generally NOT reported to cause these problems in autoimmune diseases and have been used in millions worldwide with an excellent safety profile.

There is never a guarantee though, and you could be the one, very unusual individual, to have a problem.   We generally will use HA fillers in patients with well-controlled autoimmune diseases and have not had problems.  Also, these fillers can be easily reversed, if a problem should occur.

I hope this helps,

Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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