Why Would Taking Valtrex Before Fraxel Be Manditory, Even for Those Without Any Type of Herpes?

Laser skin resurfacing is a popular cosmetic procedure that is effective for reducing facial dyspigmentation, lines, wrinkles, and scars. The laser procedure can reactivate the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and result in severe facial outbreaks. A herpes outbreak following laser resurfacing can be more extensive and severe that usual, can cause significant pain, could result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and could result in scarring. In the adult population, the prevalence of... more

Laser resurfacing may activate a latent herpes infection or disrupt the skin sufficiently to allow a new infection with the herpes virus to infect newly resurfaced skin. This is the reason for the Valtrex. This drug prevents activating or acquiring a new herpes infection as a complication of laser resurfacing.

While it may seem obvious if you have or have not had herpes/cold sores, some can be very unusual or minor and then never come back until you have a procedure such as resurfacing. Because of this, when they come back, they can be particularly aggressive. One of the most important things to consider before doing a Fraxel procedure is the type of prophylaxis (prevention of infection) that you are receiving. Valtrex is an essential part of every regimen for a laser... more