Anti-virals Before Fraxel Laser?

Although it is not mandatory, it is a good idea if the whole face is being done or the area surrounding the mouth. Most humans have been exposed to the ever-present cold sore virus. You may never have had an outbreak but if you had a blood test, antibodies might be found against the virus suggesting you were exposed at one time. Later in life, a stressful period such as an illness, extreme fatigue, a sunburn, heavy alcohol intake, or skin trauma such as laser, could activate the dormant... more

Before any Ablative laser such as Fraxel CO2 Repair or nonablative laser such as Fraxel Restore if you have a history of Herpes around the mouth area then you should take antivirals before EVERY procedure. If you don't have a history of Herpes then it will up to your physician and you to decide on whether you should take it or not.

Hi Marcus, If you are having Fraxel re:pair (ablative fractionated CO2 laser), then antivirals should be taken by all patients. If you are having Fraxel re:store (non-ablative Erbium fractionated laser), and you have never had a herpes infection before, then you do not need to take the antivirals. Some patients and physicians err on the side of safety and treat all patients every time as there is no guarantee that a patient won't develop their first infection after the treatment. Good... more