Can Dermal Fillers Cause Cold Sores?

You deserve to feel confident in every stage of your life. However, some begin to lose their boldness as they age, as their reflection no longer matches how it once was. As you get older, the effects of gravity cause the face to sink, sag, and wrinkle, resulting in a loss of facial volume and youthfulness. This is completely normal, however it doesn't mean you can't take steps to counteract it if you so wish.

Dermal fillers are one such treatment that you can explore if you're hoping to restore volume and create a natural, smoothing effect. Many dermatology clinics, such as Remington Laser, specialize in such procedures, as they understand the power that comes with feeling good in your skin. That said, receiving dermal fillers is a medical procedure, so it's important to be educated before your appointment. There is always a risk of side effects in any type of treatment, but when it comes to dermal fillers, are cold sores one of them? Let's determine whether dermal fillers can cause cold sores.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours. They are a widely accepted procedure, as the gel mimics what's already in your body, eliminating the need for allergy testing. Due to its non-invasive nature, as well as its affordability, thousands of Canadians opt for this rejuvenation treatment annually.

Can dermal fillers cause cold sores?

The question comes with a two-fold answer.

Technically, it is fairly rare for dermal fillers to cause cold sores. According to the United States' National Center for Biotechnology Information, less than 2% of patients experience a cold sore outbreak after dermal injections with hyaluronic acid. In fact, the likelihood of this complication occurring is roughly the same as most other allergic reactions. It's also important to note that if you have never suffered from cold sores in the past, you will not experience them as a result of your dermal fillers.

However, if you regularly suffer from cold sores, receiving a dermal filler injection can cause a cold sore to appear. This is not a direct result of the dermal filler but rather the needle interacting with your lips. If you're prone to cold sores, you probably notice that certain things, such as stress or even the weather, can trigger the emergence of cold sores; the irritation from the needle is simply one of those things.

Is there a way to avoid cold sores when receiving dermal fillers?

A reputable dermatologist should ask you about your medical history prior to your appointment for dermal filler. It is during this time that you should disclose your history of cold sores. Your dermatologist will then likely prescribe you an antiviral medication for you to take leading up to the procedure. While this isn't able to completely eliminate the risk of cold sore flare-ups, it is able to minimize the chance, as well as the severity.

It is within the first couple of days following your treatment that you will discover whether a cold sore has resulted from it. However, even if you are susceptible to cold sore outbreaks, there is no guarantee that you will experience one following your procedure. That said, by taking precautions, you can reduce the risk of side effects and remove some of the stress you may feel regarding the treatment.

As a final note, you are not able to receive dermal filler injections if you currently have an active cold sore. However, the notion of having needles around your cold sore will likely discourage you from completing your appointment anyway.