I would like to know if maybe a chemical peel would be alright to use to finish up the scars and blackheads.

Question

I have been off of the accutane for about a month now, I do have some scarring and acne scars left, my doctor prescribed me some tretinoin cream 0.025 to help but I'm worried and wondering if there's anything else I could use to get rid of the scars and blackheads faster By the way I was on the accutane for 6 months.

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

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question. After Accutane, it is very important to be gentle with your skin. A chemical peel would be too strong at this point. You could consider doing a light micro or a facial, but nothing to strong or abrasive, or you may cause worse scaring. Good luck!

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for sharing your question here! Fractional CO2 laser is the gold standard to treat acne scars and depending on the depth and size of the scars, a number of sessions might be needed. In some cases when the acne scars are deep, some additional treatments with fillers (to effectively "fill" the pitted scars) might also be needed. To be able to undergo laser treatment, you need to be off the Accutane for 6 months. I hope it helps and good luck!

I would like to know if maybe a chemical peel would be alright to use to finish up the scars and blackheads.

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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

I would like to know if maybe a chemical peel would be alright to use to finish up the scars and blackheads.

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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