Lip Filler and Cold Sores: What You Need to Know
Have cold sores? Interested in lip filler? Read on!
I am relatively new to lip filler (I started exploring just over a year ago). I am not someone who experiences cold sores, but I know this may be a common question that runs through the minds of the filler-curious.
Can lip filler trigger an oral herpes outbreak? Yes, potentially. While research indicates that outbreaks following the injection of lip filler are relatively rare, there is still a possibility for some patients to experience outbreaks following the procedure. (Wang et al., 2020) estimates that lip filler triggers HSV-1 reactivation in less than 2% of patients.
Let’s be clear: while lip filler may potentially be a trigger, lip filler does not cause herpes. Oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 (HSV-1).
So why would lip filler trigger an outbreak? Researchers have a few ideas. Similar to other outbreak triggers, outbreaks after lip filler may stem from 1) the injection site (trauma), 2) stress, or 3) an inflammatory reaction.