I recommend waiting 6 months after finishing a course of Accutane before having an elective invasive procedure, including laser hair removal. There is good evidence that patients on Accutane have an increased risk of keloid formation, and possibly delayed wound healing. While some have extended this waiting... more
Accutane and Laser Hair Removal
I took Accutane for 6 weeks and stopped. I will not be continuing with it anymore. Can I have laser hair removal on my chin area, say in 2 months?
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6 answers to “Accutane and Laser Hair Removal”A: Laser Hair Removal and Accutane
Accutane inhibits the reepithelialization capacity of the follicles and hence, the skin in general. Laser hair removal, in most cases, should not require reepithelialization of skin and should thus be safe after Accutane treatment. In the extreme case where a burn occurs after laser hair removal, recent... more
A: Safer to wait for a year for Laser Hair Removal after Accutane
Although laser hair removal is directed at the hair folicles, Accutane inhibits the regeneration of damaged skin. The effects last up to a year. To be safe, I would wait a year.
A: A test spot first is a good idea
While laser hair removal is a non-ablative procedure, a blister could form if the setting is too high for your skin type. Accutane affects skin healing for several months after discontinuation of a full course (which is 4-6 months). In order to be safe, after a couple of months of such an abbreviated course, a... more
A: Laser Hair Removal is fine when used cautiously
Any injury to the skin can potentially have adverse effects if the patient is on Accutane, be it a simple nick or a cut. Though the procedure is preferable than say shaving during the time of treatment I usually turn the fluence (laser energy parameter) much less in order to minimize the possibility of any... more
A: Yes.
Thank you for your question. You should have no problem with laser hair removal. While accutane does change the physiology of the body slightly, especially in regards to wound healing, you should have no problem with laser hair removal as it customarily does not involve any wound healing. Should you get burned... more
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1 post
14 Jun 2009
My 19 yr old son was on accutaneto treat severe acne for 6 months and the outcome was successful. He has been off the accutane since Sept 08. In Dec 08 he had an accident which left a one inch scar on his upper arm. Thoe wound did heal without stitches,however, the scar left is very red. Would laser be helpful to remove the redness. The silicone pads and other topical treatments have not worked.