Acne Scar Treatment While on Accutane?

Accutane is a very effective medicine for treating ongoing acne. However, it dramatically affects wound healing and it would be wise to avoid any surgical treatment for acne scarring until you are off of the medication. Conservative facials or light peels can be done while on accutane and fillers can be used but nothing that can affect wound healing should be done while on accutane and not until being off of acutane for at least 10 to 12 months.

Accutane is a go-to medication for patients with recalcitrant cystic acne. It can reduce pore size and also reduce sebum production in your skin, making it less oily; and in turn, dryer. Accutane can be used to control acne, but patients receiving the medication should be carefully monitored. In terms of skincare, always wear an appropriate sunscreen and reduce direct sun exposure. In my patients, I recommend a good ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase whenever they are on Accutane. This will keep the skin hydrated and reduce the oiliness of the skin that is associated with oil-based moisturizers.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Any treatment that requires healing of the skin surface should not be performed while on Accutane. This product can impair of delay healing. Some physicians recommend waiting at least 6 months and others advise up to 2 years.

Generally 6 months after finishing would be safe, though 1 year would be ideal. That said, it all depends on how aggressive one is as far as acne treatment. Mild things like chemical peels & microdermabrasion & fillers & subcision would be fine after 6 months, while ablative or resurfacing lasers (e.g. CO2, fractional lasers) are worth waiting for 1 year to be perfectly safe. Good luck!

Accutane affects wound healing. Therefore, you should be off accutane for at least one year before undergoing any ablative or surgical procedure to treat the acne scars.