I recommend waiting 6 months.

Bryan K. Chen, MD answers: Chemical Peel or Laser Resurfacing after Accutane treatments

I am done with the 6-month Accutane treatment, and now I am desperately waiting to get either a Chemical Peel or Laser Resurfacing for severe acne. Which of the two is better, and when can I get started with the treatment?


Bryan K. Chen, MD
10 months ago
By Bryan K. Chen, MD - San Diego Dermatologist

Some guidelines suggest waiting 1 year after discontinuation of accutane.  If you have a resurfacing procedure too soon after accutane, the risks are that the healing may not occur as quickly, and there is an increased risk of scarring from the procedure.  You ought to have a face-to-face consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the best procedure for you.  Some of the new fractionated CO2 resurfacing lasers, e.g. Fraxel repair, Active/Total Fx can be pretty effective for certain kinds of acne scarring.  Chemical peeling can also be effective, but I would seek someone with experience treating acne scars with chemical peels if you are going to go this route.

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