Fraxel Ok if Taking Roaccutane?

Question

Is it recomended to use the "Fraxel" laser treatment for Acne scarring shorthly after one had taken "Roaccutane"? if not, what is the time in between?

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD · Answer

One should wait at least 6 months after accutane therapy before having a Fraxel treatment. Accutane changes the way skin heals and it is safest to recover before having laser treatment or surgery. If surgery is unavoidable, it may be performed but special precautions should be observed. Ask your surgeon.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

If you have non-ablative (such as Fraxel Restore) you can usually safely have that laser 6 months after Accutane treatment, if you have ablative (such as Fraxel Repair) you should wait 12 months.

William Ting, MD · Answer

12 months waiting period after completion of isotretinoin (Accutane) for laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or chemical peel has been a dogma in cosmetic dermatology. However, more and more physicians have experience in performing fractionated laser resurfacing such as Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing 6 months after completion of isotretinoin. The key is to work with an experienced board-certified dermatologist to make sure that you are a good candidate prior to procedure and to manage post-op wound care.

Tracy Evans, MD, FAAD · Answer

After using accutane, I would recommend waiting at least 6 months.  This medication changes your skin's ability to heal.  Due to this, it is important to recover after accutane before having any type of laser or surgery.  If surgery is necessary, it may be performed but special precautions should be taken.  Be sure to find a board certified physician to evaluate your skin for laser treatments.

Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD · Answer

No, you cannot use the Fraxel laser while undergoing Accutane treatment because the healing process is compromised while on Accutane. I recommend to my patients that they wait one month after completion of the Accutane course for treatment with the Fraxel re:store or the Fraxel re:pair.

David Goldberg, MD · Answer

There is a lot of controversy as to the time period after cessation of Accutane therapy before undergoing laser resurfacing. At one time, it was suggested that people be off Accutane for one year prior to undergoing laser resurfacing. Today we don’t wait anywhere near as long. The recommendation is 1-6 months based on different physicians’ viewpoints.

Fraxel Ok if Taking Roaccutane?

Answers (6)

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