Is it common to get cold sores after a Fraxel treatment?

I suffered from a severe cold sore outbreak on my upper lip after my first (and probably only) Fraxel treatment. I've never experienced a cold sore ever before. Is this a common side effect? Why now after a Fraxel treatment?

2 answers to “Is it common to get cold sores after...”

A: Cold Sore Breakout After Laser Treatment

Michael A. Persky, MD

Hi cpt, All patients receiving laser treatments on the face should take prophylactic anti-viral medications for one week, beginning a day before their treatment.  The heat of the laser may stimulate dormant virus into an active state.  The virus will easily spread on the lasered skin; therefore all... more

A: Cold sores are a well known problem

Edward S. Lee, MD

Yes, unfortunately cold sores are a well known problem after any laser treatment. Nearly 80% of adults have antibodies to the herpesvirus that causes cold sores. Almost everyone has been exposed to the herpes virus that causes common cold sores. The virus remains dormant in the nerve endings and may or may... more

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