If I'm prone to cold sores will getting fillers in my lips does it affect me or the procedure?

You're smart to be concerned. This is a question I ask all my patients because any trauma to the skin can activate the virus that causes cold sores/fever blisters.If you feel a cold sore coming on, wait until you're completely healed before any treatment. Often you'll notice that warning tingle - so if you have a treatment scheduled and you feel that warning, then reschedule.In answer to your 2nd question about how long fillers last: Fillers last for different lengths of time depending uponFiller type Location of placementYour body's metabolic activityExpect a range of months to years when you factor in the above - occasional touchups can prolong the effects without your always having to have a full re-injection if you wait until all the filler has broken down.

Anything that causes a stress response can trigger cold sores in people who have a history of them. This include filler injections in and around the lips. If you are prone to cold sores then you may want to start taking an antiviral medication (acyclovir, abreva, etc.) before your treatment. Fillers in the lips tend to last longer than other places, anywhere from 9 months - 1 year depending on each individual. Hope this helps answer your question.

Having lip injections can reactivate the virus that causes cold sores just as any other skin trauma can such as abrasions or sun.  For this reason, if you are prone to cold sores, it is advisable to start an antiviral medication the day before the injections and continue it for 3-5 days after.  This limits the chances of you having an outbreak afterwards.  As far as how long the fillers last, that depends on what you have injected.  Implants and fat are permanent.  Hyaluronic acids like Restylane and Juvederm typically last about 8 months in the lips.  All the best!

If you prone to cold sores then anything such as fillers, chemical peels or implants can reactivate them so we put you on antiviral pills such as acyclovir to prevent that from happening. That way it usually doesn't break out at all.

Great question! If you've had cold sores in the past and are prone to getting them, then having lip filler can increase your chance of having another cold sore appear. It is best if you inform your injector, as they can prescribe you an anti-viral medication prophylactically to decrease the risk of having an outbreak post treatment. If you have an active cold sore at the time of your appointment you should not receive treatment.

Hello there! I prefer to always pre-treat patients with anti-virals. There is a risk of lip injections causing a flare-up to anyone who has a previous history. In my experience, most lip filler lasts 6-9 months. That being said, I recommend my patients maintain their injections by getting re-treated every 4-6 months. I have noted an increase in how long the filler lasts if patients follow this recommendation. Good luck! Sarah RN BSN  

If you are prone to cold sores whenever you have any
treatment of the lips or surrounding area it may reactivate it. So you always have to inform your provider
about your history so we can give you prophylactic treatment for the outbreak
which usually involves taking a few antiviral pills. Other treatments that may
reactivate the virus are chemical peels and lasers.

You certainly can get filler and even lasers if you have a history of fever blisters. You must be given prophylaxis to prevent a flare from the procedure. Sitavig is placed inside the mouth at the buccal -gum junction and showed better results when compared to the pills that must be taken several days.

Thank you for your question.There is no contra-indication to having lip fillers even if you have a history of cold sores.  You will need to take antiviral medications (Valtrex / Acyclovir) before and after each time you are injected.  If you have an active cold sore - you should not be injected.  This prescription can be called in to your pharmacy so you can get and take the medication before you have your injection done.Current Hyaluronic Acid injection products result in beautiful, soft, enhanced lips when done by an experienced injector.  The latest Allergan products - Volbella and Volift - last greater than 1 year and the outcomes are amazing.  Seek out a well qualified PS in your area to discuss goals.  Lip injections are an art form and you want an injector that understands the anatomy of a beautiful lip.All the best.Scott Barr, MD, FRCSC 

If you have a history of cold sores I would recommend treating with oral Valtrex or acyclovir to try to prevent a flare.  Trauma to the lips of any kind including filler can cause them to occur.  If you let your treating physician know, they should be able to prescribe this for you.