How long do I have to wait to get a chemical peel after use of Accutane?

Question

I was on accutane for 4 months and now have been off it for 4 months. Can I get a chemical peel done now? In a April it would be my 5th month off

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I typically do salicylic acid peels while patients are on accutane, it helps improve the results.  If you have scarring post isotretinoin, I would consider laser treatment to improve the scars.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The "accutane" has a profound effect on controlling cystic acne.  It also has a number of side effects.  We think it makes a permanent change in the sebaceous glands in the skin which is one of the ways it improves acne.  It also seems to slow skin healing for at least a period of time after the treatment.  Studies of this are not really that good.  Clinically, it is best to be highly cautious about this.  A peel that might heal quickly in normal skin, anecdotally has the potential to scar after recent isotretinoin treatment.  For this reason, clinicians generally recommend waiting 12 to 24 months before having a procedure that relies on normal skin healing for a result.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Accutane increases skin sensitivity and makes skin more prone to scarring and pigmentation. I would suggest you to wait at least 4 months after your last application to undergo any other treatments. Make sure you inform your provider that you used Accutane and when was the last time you have used it. Good luck!

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

Five months is a perfect time to start chemical
peels if that is what you are seeking. Remember to let the person administering
the peel know that you were on Accutane so he/she can start you at a low
strength and work up to a stronger strength.

How long do I have to wait to get a chemical peel after use of Accutane?

Answers (4)

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