What you need know about cold sores and lip fillers

Can lip filler trigger a cold sore? We have lots of clients the suffer from cold sores enter clinic and ask about this! Keep reading to learn about how lip fillers may trigger cold sores and some important guidance on how to avoid a breakout!

What are cold sores?

Cold sores can be identified as small lumps or blisters on the face, usually around the mouth or nose.  They are caused by a virus and can be very contagious. Initially, it begins with an itching, tingling, or burning feeling. Following this, a blister or inflamed bump will appear, which is known as a cold sore. There are a variety of treatments for cold sores, such as creams and patches over the counter, as well as prescribed tablets.

What causes a cold sore?

There are many reasons you may cold sores or breakouts. These triggers could be having a cold, a weakened immune system, fatigue, stress, too much sun, an overload of vitamin C, hormonal changes, or trauma to the area.

What is the link between cold sores and lip fillers?

Lip fillers, known as a lip augmentation, are a cosmetic treatment involving volumizing, plumping and reshaping the lips. This is done by injecting dermal fillers into the lip. At Mollie Elise aesthetics we only use FDA-approved high-grade fillers to prioritize your health and safety.

Cold sores can be triggered by getting lip fillers, this is due to the ‘trauma’ caused during injections. You may find that you experience a breakout during the healing process following lip fillers. Cold sores are a potential outcome for individuals with a virus called the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Lip fillers cannot cause cold sores alone; the cause of cold sores is HSV-1. However, if you already have the herpes simplex virus, lip fillers may trigger an outbreak.

Are Cold Sores After Lip Fillers Common?

Good news, Cold sores post filler treatments are quite rare! Less than 2% of individuals experience a cold sore outbreak following a lip filler treatment. Cold sores aren’t considered a common side effect of the treatment.

Although, it may be rare, it is always best to be prepared! If you’re interested in lip fillers but have a history of cold sores and are worried about the healing process, then book a free consultation before your appointment. Our nurse practitioners will create a plan with you to prevent breakouts occurring!