Anti-Viral Medication Before Laser Surgery

Question

How many days prior laser surgery is it a good idea to take an anti-viral? Do I need to take one if I am only getting laser on my upper chest area?

Jill Hessler, MD · Answer

Antiviral medications should be started 1-2 days prior to resurfacing treatments. The medication should be continues until full re-epithelialization or healing has occurred. Until the skin is fully healed you are still at risk for an outbreak.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

We usually have them start 24-48 hours before, depending on their location of procedure.  On the face, 48 hours, on the body, 24 hours. Thank you for your question and good luck.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

If you have not had cold sores on your chest or your close contacts do not have a history of cold sores, it is not necessary to take an anti-viral medication before a non-ablative laser procedure. If you have a history of cold sores in any area and are having an ablative procedure, you should start the anti-viral medication 24 hours before your procedure and continue for 7 days.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Antiviral treatment is reasonable to consider when there are any treatments near an area which occasionally gets cold sores (e.g. around the lips). If treating the chest, taking an antiviral is NOT necessary.

Jeffrey Kenkel, MD · Answer

For me it depends on the type of procedure: If I am using a fractionated laser and patients don't have a history of cold sores I don't put them on any antivirals. You heal the surface of the skin so quickly with antivirals I don't find it necessary. If you have a history or if I use full ablative treatments I will start them that morning.

Paul Carniol, MD · Answer

In general for my patients I recommend antiviral medications before a laser facial resurfacing or fractionalted laser procedure, starting 24 hours prior to the procedure.  For a procedure on the chest unless there is a history of prior viral infections in the area or another outstanding medical problem I do not routinely use antiviral medciation.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

This question really depends upon the laser and area treated. In general, if it is a facial ablative laser, I recommend anti-virals to start the day before the procedure.

Lenore Sikorski, MD · Answer

I don't  treat my patients who are having their chests lasered with anti-virals unless they have a history of herpes on their chest which is very rare.  The most common places for the herpes virus is in cold sores around the mouth or nose, therefore when treating these areas we pre-treat  at my office one day before and for 5-7 dyas depending on the laser used.

	Good Luck.

	Dr. Sikorski

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I always base antivirals depending on your history and the procedure. For full face resurfacing I ALWAYS prescribe anti-virals 24-0 hours prior to surgery, regardless of history. To answer your question - it depends on your history and what type of laser is used. Your Specialist should make that call and not you! If you have a history of cold sores, yes it is recommended. RegardsDr Davin Lim Laser and aesthetic dermatologistBRISBANE, Australiawestderm.com.au

Edward Lack, MD (retired) · Answer

Antiviral therapy may be taken 12 hours before laser surgery. This is usually done for laser treatments of the face and not the chest.

Anti-Viral Medication Before Laser Surgery

Answers (11)

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