Can I Have Laser Treatments While I'm Taking Accutane?

Question

I am taking Accutane 40 mg twice a week. Can I have facial laser treatments? This dose was prescribed by my Dermatologist and it has helped to control my adult acne.  This low dose has not caused me any side effects. I wish to have Thermage and/or Sciton laser procedures done and want to ensure that I will not have any complications with these procedures.

William Ting, MD · Answer

Accutane, or isotretinoin has an excellent track record of calming down the worse nodulocystic acne, in the hands of an experienced board-certified dermatologist. However, isotretinoin is known to cause exuberant scar tissue growths spontaneously, e.g. pyogenic granuloma, or after laser or chemical peel procedure. Definitely wait for at least 6 months after completion of isotretinoin to minimize complication and potential risk of scarring.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Donna Bilu Martin, MD · Answer

Laser treatments should NOT be performed during accutane.  In fact, it is recommended to wait at least 6 months after accutane before having any type of laser treatment or chemical peel.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

Accutane therapy effects wound healing.  If you have laser or surgical treatments while on Accutane you are at greater risk of scarring.  Although there are no definitive studies available regarding how long to wait after Accutane before one has a laser treatments, 6 months after therapy is a generally accepted window.  Good luck!

Thomas W. Bender, III MD · Answer

As Accutane affects the healing ability of the skin, it is not recommended to have any cosmetic procedures for six months following the last dose.  This includes not only laser procedures, but chemical peels as well.

Can I Have Laser Treatments While I'm Taking Accutane?

Answers (8)

Answer: Don't have laser treatments while on Accutane

Answer: Don't have laser treatments while on Accutane

Answer: No laser treatments during Accutane therapy

Answer: No laser treatments during Accutane therapy

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Accutane

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Can I Have Laser Treatments While I'm Taking Accutane?

Answers (8)

Answer: Don't have laser treatments while on Accutane

Answer: Don't have laser treatments while on Accutane

Answer: No laser treatments during Accutane therapy

Answer: No laser treatments during Accutane therapy

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Accutane

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