I had Volbella a month ago. Started to get cold sores? (photo)

Question

I did valtrex for 7 days and it started to get better. I stopped and they got worse. I am back on it now. When will this stop??

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

If
you are prone to cold sores, any type of injection around your lips can trigger
an outbreak. Have your Doctor give you a RX for Valtrex (begin 3 days before
your injection) and that should hopefully minimize outbreaks going
forward.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph and I am sorry to hear of your viral breakout.  You did not mention if Volbella was injected into the area in your photograph that demonstrates the cold sores, but it would be unusual to have this develop a month after initial treatment.  I would continue with Valtrex for now and reassess the area with your treating physician to see if dissolution of the filler is in your best interest for clearance.  Best wishes.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

I am so sorry that you are experiencing cold sores on the mouth. This can happen after a lip augmentation with filler. Now that you know that you are at risk, you can pre-treat with Valtrex for 3 days prior to your next lip augmentation. This will help. For now, just stay on the meds until the sores clear up.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question
pinklew. I am sorry to hear about your situation. Volbella is a
hyaluronic acid filler designed to enhance the definition and shape of the lips
as well as lines on or around the lips. With any injection around the lips cold sores are possible. This is more common in people who have had them before or in those who are susceptible to them. Cold sores are triggered by stress and there are many types of stress such as injections in the skin. Valtrex is a treatment for cold sores after an injection or otherwise. Please consult with a doctor for
specific recommendations. Good luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Lip injections from one month ago do not cause cold sores. I would continue with the Valtrex for now until they resolve.  In the future if you are prone to cold sores I would recommend that you take Valtrex before injections of your lips and even daily if you get recurrent infections.  Best, Dr. Green

I had Volbella a month ago. Started to get cold sores? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Valtrex for cold sores

Answer: Valtrex for cold sores

Answer: Volbella and Lip injections and Cold Sores

Answer: Volbella and Lip injections and Cold Sores

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I had Volbella a month ago. Started to get cold sores? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Valtrex for cold sores

Answer: Valtrex for cold sores

Answer: Volbella and Lip injections and Cold Sores

Answer: Volbella and Lip injections and Cold Sores

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Volbella

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