Accutane and IPL Treatment Combination Safe?

I am seriously considering IPL treatment for some brown spots on my face and to even out my complexion (I'm 44). I have been taking low dose accutane for two years, 20mgs every week or two depending on outbreaks. Is this safe? Do I need to mention this to my derm?

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1 Doctor Answer | Asked by Pikachoo

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Accutane and IPL

Many physicians or offices will refuse to treat you with IPL if you are taking Accutane and require you to be off of it for 6 months, as Accutane can make you more sun sensitive and therefore, in essence could technically make you more prone to burning from IPL. I will tell you that I treat patients on Accutane all the time (that I prescribe it for!) though I do have a specific regimen they must follow in order to still get IPL done. I don't have any problems with this. But I know that... more

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Pikachoo 22 Dec 2012

Gee I had no idea you responded! Thank you! I could definitely see a concern if I were taking the unusual dosage of 60 to 80 mg a day. However, it's the 20 mgs every two weeks that makes me feel somewhat comfortable with the Clear & Brilliant. I am going to a real Plastic surgeon, not a spa. The PS isn't actually going to do it herself, her laser specialist (?) is doing the procedure. Anyway, I have let her know when we discussed having this done earlier. Hopefully it's okay but I'm not that bad that I would be willing to take a chance if she decided it best not to. Thanks again!

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