Doctor Says OK to Have Fraxel While on 10 Mg Accutane - is He Right?

Hi! Currenly on 10mg of accutance p/day. My local dermatologist said its perfectly fine to do a course of 3 fraxel treatments while on accutance to treat my large pores / acne scars. Is he right? It seems everywhere says to avoid fraxel untill at least a year after accutane. Maybe due to my low dosage its okay? What are possible risks? Thanks in advance :)

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by 9226anon in south africa

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My opinion? Why risk it?

While Fraxel Restore is technically "non-ablative" it requires a healing response from the skin and skin appendages that are directly impacted by the Accutane. Why not let the Accutane do its job, wait 6 months after you are off and do a test spot to be sure you heal normally? What is the rush? I always suggest you err on the side of caution with elective procedures.

Accutane and Laser Treatments

I would avoid any laser treatments including Fraxel for at least a full six months after you complete your Accutane. You may not have any reaction but why take that chance?

Bruce Katz, MD

9 reviews

New York Dermatologic Surgeon

www.juvaskin.com

Accutane and Fraxel

For an elective procedure it is always best to create the safest condition. It would be prudent to finish the course of Accutane and wait six months, at least, and then have the Fraxel, whether, Fraxel Resotre or Repair

Not A Good Idea

I have to disagree with my South African colleague. Although 10 mg. may not seem like much, and certainly 10 mg. would be less likely to cause problems than, say, 40 mg., I still feel you are taking too much of a chance. I am always surprised at the effects that 10 mg. can have. I recall a patient of mine, who was placed on 10 mg. many years ago. This patient telephoned me a few weeks later saying he felt violent, like he... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

5 reviews

Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Accutane and Fraxel

I do not recommend any laser including Fraxel until at least 6 months to 1 year after completion of accutane therapy. The risks outweigh the benefits of using this.

Steven Hacker, MD

3 reviews

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

Do not undergo Fraxel treatments while on Accutane

I would strongly advise against any invasive treatment while on isotretinoin (Accutane), including Fraxel (ablative or non-ablative) treatments. There is evidence that abnormal scarring may occur in patients on accutane. 6 months after stopping accutane, you may resume cosmetic treatments. Some physicians recommend waiting one year, but there is no evidence that the waiting period needs to be quite this long. Increased facial scarring is not worth the risk... Wait 6 months for all invasive c more