Acne Scars Treatment: Q&A

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Non-ablative Fractional Laser After Accutane?

Hi, I am 24 years old and finally free of acne thanks to Accutane, but I have some moderate rolling and box-scars on my cheeks. When I asked about the scars, my dermatologist said that I could actually go for non-ablative fractional laser 2 months later if my skin was producing enough oil again. He says the post-Accutane risks are only for ablative procedures. My doctor has decades of laser experience, but I'm wondering if he is correct. Should I just leave my skin alone after Accutane?

3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jack1992
+1

Fractional Laser Safe and Effective for Acne Scars

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
+1

Scar revision for acne scars after Accutane

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
+1

There is no evidence that Accutane interferes with wound healing

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

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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