Microneedling after Accutane - how long do I need to wait after stopping the medication?

Question

Hi! I took 40mg of Accutane for 1 month before deciding to discountinue treatment. I wasn’t having any major side effects however after further research I decided it wasn’t a medication I wanted to be on. I’d like to do microneedling. How long do I need to wait after stopping this medication. Can I wait less than 6 months since I only took Accutane for 1 month? I’ve been told conflicting opinions on waiting 2 months and others saying 6 months. Thanks!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

In this specific circumstance, waiting 6 months from the day of discontinuing the medication should not cause any issues. However, it is up to the provider to decide what they feel most comfortable with. In normal circumstances, we recommend waiting 1 year after discontinuing the medication before receiving any type of skin treatment.

This response is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a 
qualified healthcare provider.

Microneedling after Accutane - how long do I need to wait after stopping the medication?

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Microneedling after Accutane - how long do I need to wait after stopping the medication?

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Everything you need to know about Microneedling

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.