• Performing aesthetic procedures on a patient with an active Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) infection, such as a fever blister or cold sore, poses significant risks:
  • Viral Spread: HSV-1 is highly contagious. Injecting into or near an infected area can cause the virus to spread, leading to a more extensive outbreak on the lips or surrounding skin.
  • Exacerbation of Infection: The trauma from the procedure can worsen the existing infection, making it more painful and prolonging the healing process.
  • Masking a Vascular Occlusion: The symptoms of a vascular occlusion, such as pain, swelling, blistering and redness can be confused with those of an HSV-1 infection. This overlap can delay diagnosis and critical treatment.
  • Complications with Healing: An active infection can impair healing, leading to poor integration of the injected product, uneven results, lumps, bumps, delayed healing, or even tissue necrosis. Granulomas – small, hard lumps can appear weeks or months after the procedure.
  • Risk of Secondary Infection: An active viral infection increases the risk of secondary bacterial infections, such as cellulitis, which may require antibiotics or other prolonged treatments.
  • Poor Aesthetic Outcomes: Inflammation and swelling from any source can distort the final result, leading to asymmetry or lumps once the injected product settles.
  • Localized Herpes Reactivation: If HSV-1 spreads into the treated site, it can cause a localized reactivation of the virus within the newly injected tissue. This might lead to the development of cold sores directly at the injection site.
  • Reactivation of Dormant Virus: Even if dormant, HSV-1 can be reactivated by the stress and trauma of a procedure, leading to new outbreaks.
  • For these reasons, it’s absolutely essential to postpone any aesthetic procedures until the cold sore has fully healed. Wait 2-3 weeks after all signs infection have cleared.
  • Prophylactic antiviral medication may also be considered for patients with a history of HSV-1 to prevent reactivation.

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