Will getting silicone injections in my nose create a higher frequency of cold sore outbreaks?

Question

I am getting silicone injections by an experienced injector in my nose. He explained it is only the tiniest bit used. This is to perfect results have an initial rhinoplasty procedure as I am still lacking fullness one one side of my nose. I have a history of having cold sores on my lower lip. Is it possible having a foreign material in my nose can create a higher frequency of outbreaks in the future?

Alicia Sigler, MD · Answer

This is a no -no. Silicone should not be injected in any area of the face and body. It’s a permanent material which has been not accepted by board certified plastic surgeons to be used in injections due to the harm it causes on human tissues. The nose is an organ with thin skin which doesn’t tolerate synthetic materials under the skin. These materials produce ulcers on the skin and permanent damage which will not heal well and will give you unsightly scars. Plus anything inyectes in the nose even Hyaluronic acid may end in necrosis. Do not allow injectors gear you in another direction. They aren’t knowledgeable of these consequences if they want to convince you to get a permanent product, silicone, to be injected in your nose.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

If your injector was experienced, he/she would never recommend injecting any part of your body with silicone, especially the nose. ONLY HYALURONIC GEL should be injected in the nose. It is a fallacy that it will need to be reinjected repeatedly.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

When we consider lip augmentation, someone with a history of cold sores may benefit from valcyclovir for prophylaxis, since the trauma during lip aug may flare up a cold sore. Having filler in your nose should not affect the frequency of lip outbreaks. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone injection to the nose should not alter your outbreak of cold sores.  Cold sores are eruptions caused by the herpes simplex virus.  It is not the same virus that is a genital herpes.  Once it inhabits the skin or the lining of the mouth, the virus tends to stay there and can be re-activated by stress, ultraviolet sunlight, etc.  The silicone is literally underneath the surface.  It is in the deep portion of the skin.  There should be no increased incidence of the cold sores in a patient who has had the silicone nonsurgical rhinoplasty.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

I know of no connection of silicone nasal injections and cold sores.  Ask your injecting surgeon as well for his/her input.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Will getting silicone injections in my nose create a higher frequency of cold sore outbreaks?

Answers (5)