Doing a Chemical peel. When do I start my Valtrex. A couple of days before or the day of the procedure.

Patients who are prone to cold sores, unfortunately find that they may get a flare up following treatments to their skin, Botox injections or dermal fillers (especially lip fillers).We instruct our patients to start their Valtrex prescription 5 days before receiving their treatments.

There are different protocols. In my practice I prefer for patients to begin treatment with Valtrex (generic name valcyclovir) the day before the peel. I partially do this because I commonly perform phenol Croton oil peels which are deep in order to ensure the best prevention. For medium pills it would be fine to begin the prophylaxis on the day of the peel.

HI!  Great question.  I recommend my clients to start valtrex 2 days before the procedure, the day of the procedure and then continue for 2 days after.  Total of 5 days.Good luck,Dr. Huo