Regular Facial Treatment After Accutane?

Question

I took a 3 months course of Accutane (40mg) and now want to get a regular facial. How long should I wait?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
 Typically it is best to wait about 3 months after completing Accutane to have a regular facial.
The Aesthetician performing the facial should be cautious when doing extractions and perform minimal exfoliation.  A facial that did not include exfoliation and extractions could be performed at any time during or after taking Accutane if the products used are soothing and hydrating.

Robert W. Sheffield, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Generally, it is better to avoid facial for about 3 months after completing a course of Accutane. You are at an increased risk of scarring if you undergo a procedure involving injury to the skin after Accutane, occasionally with waxing of the eyebrows, chemical peels or a more invasive procedure during a facial. A routine facial that merely includes application of lotions, astringents and soft scrubbing is tolerable. The cosmetician doing the facial should be careful when performing extractions and should do only a minimal exfoliation. Furthermore, a facial that do not involve extractions and exfoliations could be done any time after a course of Accutane. I hope this helps.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

An extraction or hydrating facial can be performed even while a patient is on Accutane as long as the aesthetician is experienced and knowledgeable about how to manage people on this medication. It would probably be safer to get the facial in an office in which the aesthetician is supervised by a board-certified dermatologist.

Alan M. Gardner, MD · Answer

I would ask your dermatologist if he/she has an esthetician in the office to have these facials performed.  An esthetician who works with your dermatologist will hopefully be familiar with Accutane, and your case in particular. Although that is not always the case in every office, it really is best for the patient when the esthetician and doctor work closely together. My estheticians are very familiar with Accutane, as well as other courses of treatment I prescribe, and know how to care for the skin properly in each case.

Regular Facial Treatment After Accutane?

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Answer: Accutane and facials

Answer: Accutane and facials

Answer: Facial Treatments after Accutane

Answer: Facial Treatments after Accutane

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Regular Facial Treatment After Accutane?

Answers (6)

Answer: Accutane and facials

Answer: Accutane and facials

Answer: Facial Treatments after Accutane

Answer: Facial Treatments after Accutane

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial

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