Question

Do Restylane injections cause cold sores?

Why do I need to tell my doctor that I tend to get cold sores if I want Restylane injections for lip augmentation?


Asked by: P. Quinn from Mobile, AL

Answers (5)

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1
July 8, 2008

Any kind of trauma or stress can reactivate cold sores.

If you are prone to getting cold sores, any form of trauma or stress can cause the cold sores to become activated.

Restylane can NOT cause a cold sore, but if you already have a history of cold sores, then having an injection of Restylane (or any other facial injection) can make it more likely that you will develop a cold sore. If your doctor is aware of this before you get injected, you can be pre-treated with medication such as Valtrex or Zovirax to try to reduce the chances of getting a cold sore.

Even if you do get a cold sore from an injection of Restylane, don't worry... it will go away with or without treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor if you do develop a cold sore after your injection. He can then provide pre-treatment for all of your future injections.

2
May 20, 2008

Restylane may reactivate a cold sore virus

Mark A. Codner, MD
Mark A. Codner, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

There is a small risk that a cold sore virus could be reactivated by treatments to the lips, including:

  • Injectables (Restylane, Juvederm, etc.)
  • Chemical peels
  • Dermabrasion

 Your physician may elect to provide preventative medicine to reduce the risk of developing a cold sore or delay injection if a cold sore is present.

3
May 13, 2008

Dermal fillers and laser treatments may cause cold sores

It is very important to tell your doctor if you have a prior history of getting cold sores, especially if you are interested in getting a filler (Restylane) injected into your lips.

All dermal fillers in addition to lasers can cause cold sores to appear not only in patients with a history of cold sores but also in patients without a known history of them. Cold sores are more likely to appear if you are being lasered or injected in the lip area, however they can still appear with any dermal filler injection or laser to the the face or neck area.

If you do have a history of cold sores, alert your doctor to this and he/she can prescribe an antiviral medication. A history of cold sores should not preclude you from getting dermal filler injections or laser treatments, and you should do well if treated appropriately.

4
April 24, 2008

Restylane and cold sores

Adam D. Schaffner, MD
Adam D. Schaffner, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Cold sores are associated with many different potential causes. Trauma to tissue, such as that asssociated with an injection of a filler material, can be associated with the development of cold sores.

If you have a history of cold sores, be sure to tell your doctor before having any procedure performed so an anti-viral medication may be prescribed.

5
April 22, 2008

Frequent Cold Sores? Your Injecting Doctor Can Help!

If you’re prone to “cold sores” or “fever blisters”, there’s a good chance these are being caused by previous exposure to a virus that causes blisters. These “fever blisters” can occur when your body is stressed.

If you get Restylane injections or other Cosmetic Medicine treatments around your mouth (such as laser hair removal or resurfacing), you may experience a breakout of “fever blisters”. Your doctor can prescribe an anti-viral medication. My preference is for Valtrex. Usually I’ll prescribe the medication for several days before and after the procedure. “Fever blisters” may still erupt, but they’ll be there for a shorter period of time.

I ask every patient about “fever blisters”. In many cases, I’ll prescribe an antiviral before Restylane injections. If your doctor doesn’t ask you this when you consult with him/her, be sure to mention this. They can help you with “fever blisters”!

Remember- It’s Your Face! Seek out an Experienced Medical Doctor who treats patients him- or herself for Best Results!

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