What should I apply on my lip or do after my filler and then a cold sore? (Photo)

Question

I got fillers in my top lip, and got a cold sore on the right hand side of my lip. The cold sore healed quite nicely, with no damage to the skin. However where the filler sits is slightly swollen and red. It doesnt hurt except when i massage it. But the pain is minimal and bearable. I was wondering what the problem might be or what i can do. I have been applying arnica gel as adviced for some time now but maybe not as frequently as i should.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

When scheduling future filler treatments it is a good idea to begin a prescription beforehand of Valtrex, or similar medication, as a preventative for cold sores.  I recommend contacting your injector for an evaluation.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

What you are describing may be a couple of different things.  You may have a post herpetic nodule formation in the lip which will take time to resolve but should resolve.  You may also have a nodule that is unrelated to the cold sore and is related to the filler itself in which case it has formed a nodule.  I would suggest following up with your injector as a small injection of Kenalog may be of some benefit in this situation.  A lot will depend on the time frame from the time of injections.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It appears to be healing well. There is still some residual inflammation where the cold sore was, which will continue to go down. I would just keep the are nice and moisturized with Aquaphor or Vaseline until it resolves.

Deborah Kessler Hudak, MD, MHA · Answer

Contact your provider and alert that person.  You need a prescription called in for Valtrex, and you need to initiate taking it within 72 hours of the onset of the fever blister for best results.  Also, going forward, it would be a good idea to take Valtrex prophylactically before future lip injections, starting 2 days before the lip injection appointment.

Nitai Medical and Cosmetic Centre - Melbourne · Answer

If you are prone to cold sores it is advisable to take antiviral tablets on days of procedure.
This prevents cold sores  after the procedure.
The persisting might be just the skin healing.
It will be worth getting your doctor check for you for safety reasons
The filler you have used is usually very well tolerated with minimal complications

What should I apply on my lip or do after my filler and then a cold sore? (Photo)

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Answer: What to do with new fever blister after lip filler

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What should I apply on my lip or do after my filler and then a cold sore? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: What to do with new fever blister after lip filler

Answer: What to do with new fever blister after lip filler

Answer: Cold sores after lip filler

Answer: Cold sores after lip filler

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.