Lip fillers with herpes simplex virus?

Question

I get cold sores herpe simplex break out maybe 2 times a year. Not bad break outs, but I have herd that getting lip augmentation with filler can cause sever herpes simplex outbreak. Is this true? How can this be prevented?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you have a history of bad cold sores, use valtrex before and after your lip filler injections and try to use cannulas over needle injection.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @jerronba. You can pre-treat with Valtrex a few days before your lip augmentation. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

You are correct in that having lip filler injections can cause cold sore flare-ups. Any trauma to the lips, including needle punctures, can cause a resurgence of the cold sore virus. However, there are ways to prevent this from happening, including taking an anti-viral medication before and after your treatment. I recommend telling your injector about your cold sores so that they can take the appropriate steps to ensure minimal risk of an outbreak following your treatment.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

Yes it is true that lip fillers can trigger cold sores for those who are prone to them. Your practitioner can write you a prescription for anti viral medication such a Aciclovir which you can start taking before and after you have your fillers to prevent an outbreak.

Nizar Taki, MD · Answer

Trauma to the area around the lips in someone with a history of herpes simplex breakouts can trigger a breakout. This includes treatments like injections, lasers, and chemical peels. I would recommend you would take valacyclovir (Valtrex) at least the morning before and the evening after the injection as a preventative.

Lip fillers with herpes simplex virus?

Answers (9)