Non-ablative Fractional Laser After Accutane?

Non-ablative fractional laser is definitely an option to treat many types of acne scars, but if you have just completed a course of Accutane, I would wait the recommended 6 months. Many of us in practice know that non-ablative laser 2 months after Accutane is unlikely to cause unwanted side effects, but you have come this far in improving your complexion. Why take the risk? As one previous comment mentioned, your scars will also continue to improve on their own for months... more

The recommendations by the FDA and guidelines for most resurfacing systems is to wait 6 months after Accutane course is completed. Scars will continue to improve as well after treatment has stopped. I think there is confusion about ablative vs non-ablative. Fraxel, Profractional, Profractional FX, Deka, and anything erbium or CO2 are all ablative meaning that there is destruction of tissue whether it be in layers or in deep penetration of the skin. Don't go... more

Although it has become the standard of care to wait 6 months following Accutane for ablative resurfacing based on legal cases, there is no clinical or animal data that has shown that Accutane interferes with wound healing in any manner. Certainly a period of 2-3 months would be considered safe for non-ablative procedures. Fraxel Re:Store is a nonablative laser.I have done a number of cases of Fraxel Re:Store while on Accutane.I don't mean to sound cavalier, but I don't see a specific... more