I am experiencing cold sore breakouts after my laser tattoo removal sessions. How can I prevent this?

I recommend following up with your Doctor about their recommendations for treating cold sores during your laser tattoo removal treatment. As a preventive, I recommend taking Valtrex before your treatment. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

First of all, I would discuss this with your provider and not take anything without his/her approval.  That being said, in my practice i prescribe a "treatment" dose of Valtrex 1000mg 2x daily if cold sores appear and my prophylactic dose is 500mg 1X daily for 1-3 days before and 3-5 days after a laser treatment.  This dose can be increased to the "treatment" dose if I know that the patient is one who "tends to get cold sores with treatments."  Hope this helps.  

 Yes, an antiviral is often used prophylacticly  when a patient has a history of cold sores.  You should speak to your prescribing physician about the way you should take your pills.  If a patient is on valtrex I typically have them take one (500mg) the day before, the day of and the day after the procedure.  If they experience an outbreak than they complete the full course of treatment.