Are dermal fillers safe after shingles virus on the face?

Question

I had Shingles in my mouth and on my face 8 weeks ago. I am clear now but am I safe to have dermal fillers in my nose to mouth lines?

Paul E. Goco, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It is safe but the virus can erupt during any stressful situation.  Any event your body perceives as “stressful” allows weakening of your immune system and re-emergence of the shingles.  To prevent this strengthen your immune system, reduce stress in any number of ways.  You can take lysine as a supplement to reduce outbreaks reportable.  But the best way to prevent it would be to take an antiviral medication (acyclovir or valtrex) 2-3 days before and for 5-7 days after.  Ask your injector for a prescription to be called in before the injections.  Good luck!

Mark Kearns, MBChB, BSc, FRACGP · Answer

Hey there - thanks for the question! Unfortunately getting the vaccine can be unsafe if you've had shingles in the last 12 months, so moving forward for now I would take some prophylactic antivirals such as famciclovir or valaciclovir on the day of your next injection and a few days after, and never inject if there is any sign of active skin infection.

Chadi Dahabra, MD · Answer

Hi Kerry,
  
Thank you for sharing with us this question and as it will be informative for the whole community here.It is always a great idea to get the shingles vaccine when you meet the recommendation criteria or if you have a propensity to get it . Also, antiviral medication are typically prescribed for patients usually prone to herpes eruption with injectables. It could be applied here as well . Make sure you are healed and pre treated properly.
I hope this helps.
  
Chadi Dahabra M.D.
  
Beverly Hills Wellness Center & Med Spa in West Palm Beach, Fl

Shelin Tkatch, MD, FRCSC · Answer

As long as your lesions are completely healed and you do not have post shingles pain syndrome you may proceed with fillers. I would suggest you talk to your family doctor about the Shingrix vaccine that can significantly reduce the incidence of future shingles outbreaks. Best, Dr. Tkatch

Are dermal fillers safe after shingles virus on the face?

Answers (4)

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