Lasers and peels must be postponed for 6-12 months after Accutane

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a breakthrough drug for severe, nodular, scarring acne. Results are seen in 2-3 months from the initiation of therapy. After the course is completed, any scarring that needs to be corrected must be postponed until the oil glands return to their normal state. This takes a minimum of 6 months. If resurfacing is planned with deeper chemical peel, dermabrasion, or CO2 laser, the wait time increases to 12 months. The isotretinoin has a lasting impact on healing (it slows it down), so the wait time is eesential to allow proper healing and a good scar correction.