Can you continue doxycycline and Retin a while undergoing BBL therapy?

Your Esthetician is exactly right. Retin A and Tetracyclines are photosensitizing medications. Your skin becomes sensitive to light and sun putting you at risk for burns during the treatment. Your practitioner would also want to know since this completely changes the settings that they may feel comfortable using on you.For best results and minimial risk for burns, stop using any photosensitizing medications 2 weeks before. 

Our office specializes in IPL treatments in Los Angeles. Doxycycline and other antibiotics may make you photosensitive and thus IPL should be avoided while on the medicine. An exam will help decide if you are a candidate. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

There shouldnt be a reason why you couldnt stay on treatment, but I suggest speaking to your physician and discussing this with him/her as each physician has their own protocols and procedures for the preoperative phase.  Best, Dr. Emer.

It's s my opinion that you should stop the doxycycline anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks before starting therapy. The amount of time depends upon the dose and frequency that you are taking the medication. It is a good idea to stop Retin A 7 to 10 days before treatment. If you are a darker skin type, I would recommend using a bleaching cream 1 week before therapy. Good luck!

You do not need to stop the antibiotic for BBL. As per guidelines set by Dr. Bitter, you can safely treat while on these medications if you 1. Tell your doctor you are on them prior to procedures so they can adjust the settings and 2. Go to a qualified laser treatment center.  Hope this was helpful. Good luck!

Thanks for your
question and there is no need to stop any oral medication like doxycycline
prior to having an IPL treatment. There is a small risk of photosensitivity for
everyone taking doxy but the spectrum of light that the IPL is in is not the
same as where the light absorption is for doxy. Many will recommend stopping
the treatment – this is not needed. Protection from the sun post-treatment is
important and your provider, who should be working under a board-certified
dermatologist or plastic surgeon should have you using sunscreen and the proper
skin care for you, in addition to your acne medicine. As far as Retin A, once
again there is no reason to stop it; most will, and if you do, you can hold it
for 2-3 days before the treatments and start again within 3-5 days after the
IPL. Again, there is no reason to stop it unless your provider’s protocol is
not to use it; again, staying out of the sun is very important. I have been
performing IPL treatments for over 20 years and am quite comfortable using
these devices with most medicines out there for acne.

Thank you for your question.  It is best to stop the doxycycline medication and the use of Retin A for at least 7 to 10 days prior to your BBL treatment.  These products tend to make your skin more photosensitive which can change the outcome of the treatment.