Can Active & Deep Fx Laser for Lines on Upper LipCause Herpes?

asked 1 year ago by 92879 in San Bernardino, CA
Latest answer by Paul K. Holden, MD
Question viewed 474 times
Tags: lips, causes, herpes, lip lines

I was surprized to hear this info, Dr said it can cause an out break on lips. I never heard of this and never had a cold sore in my 51yrs.

5 answers to Can Active & Deep Fx Laser for Lines on Upper LipCause Herpes?

Lasers can cause cold sore breakout

The virus that causes cold sores can be dormant within your nerves and be reactivated with any type of stress including surgery, dermabrasion, chemical peels, and lasers. Most patients with a history of cold sores are given a medication as prophylaxis to avoid a breakout in the post-procedure period.

Frank Agullo, MD
El Paso Plastic Surgeon

Rare but not worth the risk

Although it is rare for someone who had never had a cold sore to actually have an outbreak after laser treatment, it is possible. Some estimates are between 5-10% of people who have never had a herpetic outbreak to their knowledge will have one with an intense laser treatment or sunburn. These things don't "cause" herpes, they just activate dormant virus. The problem is not the risk of a cold sore, it is that if you treat the face with a laser and you develop... more

Paul K. Holden, MD
Phoenix Facial Plastic Surgeon

Lasers Can Cause Cold Sore Outbreaks

Most people have been exposed to and carry the virus responsible for cold sores: Herpes Simplex 1. Even if you have never had an outbreak, a laser resurfacing procedure could provoke one and lead to severe complications during healing. Valtrex or acyclovir are antiviral medications that are given to almost all patients prior to and shortly after the procedure to prevent an outbreak from happening.

Timothy G. Rodgers, MD
Dallas Dermatologist

Can laser resurfacing cause herpes blisters ?

Thanks for the question. It is estimated that over 90 % of the population carries the Herpes Simplex 1 virus, although it lies dormant in a significant proportion of people. The virus may become activated through stressors such as a depressed immune system, and notably to the face, trauma in the form of peels, lasers, dermabrasion, etc. may activate the virus. Thus, prior to commencing with one of the aforementioned procedures, it is recommended that the patient be placed... more

Glenn Vallecillos, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Can lasers cause cold sores?

The virus that causes cold sores lives in your nerves and typically lie dormant. Stress of any type can cause them to surface. Lasers are a form of stress that certainly can induce this. Even if you never had a cold sore, it is possible to have the virus. It is unusual to see it cause a problem with a fractionated laser because your skin heals over so quickly

Jeffrey Kenkel, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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