Tag: covid19

March 2020 COVID-19 Update

An update from Dr. Fishman:

It’s been an extraordinary week for our state, our country, and the world. As we are all too keenly aware, the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a great toll on all aspects of life, especially healthcare.

Dr. Fishman will continue to follow the recommendations of the Michigan Department of Health and the following professional organizations, The American College of Surgeons, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Ascension Health and Beaumont Health.

As of Friday, March 19, 2020, Dr. Fishman’s office will close with the
exception of emergencies and essential patient visits at least until April 2020.

At the current time, there is a shortage of personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and our colleagues (heroes, really) working in the emergency rooms and treating patients in the hospital need all of the supplies we can provide. We are so blessed to live in a country where entire communities are working
together to care for one another. I am so proud of every single person who is working in the Emergency Centers and in Hospitals and other health care facilities right now caring for those in need.

For my patients whom I need to see, please note the following:
-No walk in patients.
-High risk patients (ie respiratory or other health conditions) or patients over 65,
consider staying at home to minimize any potential exposure.
-Allow us to check you in and open any doors for you.
-There will be only one patient seen in the office at one time.
-A HEPA air filter will be continuously running.
-As always, each room and the office common areas are disinfected after each patient.

If you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath or generalized malaise, kindly DO NOT come to the office. Call your family physician for further instructions.

Please do not come to the office if you have been sick within the last two weeks or have been exposed to anyone who has been sick within the last two weeks. In addition, please remain home if you have travelled out of the local area in the last two weeks.

If you need to see Dr. Fishman but are unable to make an appointment, please call the office to discuss other options.

Our patients’ health is our priority.

If you have questions, please feel free to call the office at 248-643-7374.

June 2020 COVID-19 Update

An update from Dr. Fishman:

Hello everyone,

First and foremost, we want everyone to be safe and healthy. It is a priority we hold sacred.

With the worst of the COVID virus behind us and with Governor Whitmer’s blessing, we are beyond ready to get back to seeing all of our patients, who we have missed so much!

Future Plans

Much has changed since we last saw you. 

In the beginning of June 2020, we will kick off a soft re-opening with many changes and strict vigilance about patient and staff safety.

I want my patients to feel reassured that when you visit us for your appointment, we have measures in place to keep you and our team as safe as possible. We will continue to maintain a safe clinical environment, with strict hygiene measures, with the same high quality of service you expect from us. We appreciate your understanding in these circumstances.

Actions we are performing to reduce risks include:
  • No walk-in patients.
  • Minimizing handling of surfaces by allowing us to check you in, open doors for you, as well as removing beverages and magazines from our spaces.
  • There will only be one patient in the office at one time.
  • The number of appointments each day is restricted.
  • Please ask your companion to kindly wait for you in the car, unless you are a minor.
  • A HEPA filter is continuously running.
  • We are health screened daily, temperatures taken, and wearing masks.
  • Strict and thorough hand hygiene for all patients and staff.
  • Furniture has been rearranged to ensure distancing of at least six feet.
  • As always, each room and office common areas are called with hospital grade disinfectants after each patient.
  • Check-in and check-out performed ahead of time by telephone.
The health of our patients and our staff is our priority. If you have questions, please feel free to call the office at 248-643-7374. 

December 2020 COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update from Dr. Fishman:

Hello everyone,

As the COVID virus stages a dreaded comeback, and we are all tiring of the measured needed to be safe, we need to remember to renew our vigilance and be safe.

First and foremost, we want everyone to stay safe and healthy. It is a priority we hold sacred.

Much continues to change since the virus first made its appearance. We have more than enjoyed seeing everyone since Governor Whitmer relaxed restrictions on May 29, 2020.

We now have a new wave of the virus.

It is too early to tell the extent of the reemergence. Our hospitals, including Beaumont and Providence, as well as our office, are making plans to respond in the most cautious and appropriate manner as the days unfold. I believe we are in a much better place than in March 2020 regarding best practices, treatments, and preparedness with COVID.

Patient and staff safety is paramount.

That said, we feel very strongly that patient and staff safety is paramount, and we will not hesitate to further restrict treatment (or even close the office, if needed) as the COVID virus situation evolves.

We are very vigilant about patient and staff safety. It is our highest priority. I will plan to keep everyone apprised of changes as they occur.

To our patients…

I want my patients to feel reassured that when you visit us for your appointment, we have measures in place to keep you and our team as safe as possible. We will continue to maintain a safe clinical environment, with strict hygiene measures, with the same high quality of service you expect from us.

Keeping you safe and healthy.

The health of our patients and staff is our priority.

If you have questions, please feel free to call the office at 248-643-7374. 

Is it Safe to get the COVID-19 Vaccine and Have Fillers?

Why you Should Still Get the COVID Vaccine Even if you Have (or Plan to Get) Dermal Fillers

Headlines that have linked COVID-19 vaccines to filler swelling spread across the country. However, the message from physicians, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is: The risk is rare, don’t delay your vaccination. Unfortunately, the press spin was exaggerated and unnecessary. The result is that many patients are choosing not to be vaccinated because they have or want fillers. The tragedy is, as reported by the New York Times, one in 1,000 Americans has died from COVID-19 in less than one year.

Moderna Vaccine Study

On December 17, 2020, it was disclosed that three participants of the Moderna vaccine study with dermal fillers experienced localized swelling after receiving the vaccine. Each of these cases resolved without difficulty. The FDA granted an emergency use authorization after reviewing all of the study data.

Of the 15, 184 Moderna participants who received the vaccine (not the placebo), three developed lip or facial swelling. Here is what we know about those individuals:

  • All three had filler prior to vaccination. One had filler two weeks before vaccination, and the other six months prior. In the third case, it is unknown when they received filler.
  • This type of swelling is considered “delayed.” It is not the same as the normal swelling and/or bruising that can occur with treatment.
  • The third case experienced a similar reaction to a previous influenza vaccine, so this individual has had adverse reactions to other vaccines.
  • Viral and bacterial infections, as well as other vaccines, can also cause fillers to be associated with some inflammation.
  • No one knows how many of the vaccinated individuals in the trial had fillers (at the time of the trial). Also unknown is the types and amounts of filler involved, which is critical in determining the true incidence.
  • Lastly, we do not know these individuals’ medical history. For example, do they have an underlying immune condition or another factor that may have made them susceptible to reactions following vaccination?

What Does All This Actually Mean?

The situation is very much evolving. While there is no known interplay between fillers and immunologic triggers, there is a belief that this side effect is very rare.

In addition, these types of rare, transient, and treatable filler reactions have been seen after other vaccines, as well as infections, like the flu and after dental or sinus infections.

Questions have also been asked about other implants, such as wondering if breast implants can be associated with vaccination-related reactions. At this point, there are no reported incidences of reactions in patients with breast implants.

The Current Takeaway

These filler reactions, if indeed related to the vaccine, are not new or unique to the COVID-19 vaccine. You are more likely to be struck by lightning than to have a post-filler reaction caused by the vaccine. Expert injectors are trained to manage filler complications. Neuromodulators, like Botox and Dysport, are a non-issue; these treatments have not been associated with any COVID-19 related swelling. The risk of being infected with COVID-19 outweighs the risk of a reaction to one of the vaccines if the patient has a history of using dermal fillers.

If you have any further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and fillers, or any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call. 248-643-7374.