Do I need to interrupt daily application of Retin A before laser resurfacing for acne scars?

Retin-A is permitted to be applied on your face before laser skin resurfacing. My suggestion is to follow your surgeon's list of permitted pre-treatment steps, medicines and treatments. I suggest you consult a board certified facial plastic surgeon
to receive the highest quality knowledge, treatment, care and skill available.

A consultation provides you the opportunity to relay your
concerns and desired outcome to the surgeon while the surgeon can assess your
health profile and discuss his/her pertinent advice.

There is no peer-reviewed evidence to suggest that topical Retin-A has any negative effect on laser resurfacing for acne scars. I do not counsel my patients to discontinue prior to the procedure.

You do not have to stop the Retin-A.  We thought in the past that using Retin-A might actually speed up the healing process since it gets the skin turning over more rapidly, but this is probably not true.  So we used to have everyone use retin-a beforehand.   Had no issues with those that were using it versus those that weren't.  IF you are doing an ablative laser, the top layers of skin are all coming off so won't make a difference if you are using.  Just can't use for a while after until the skin is totally healed.  

I only limit retin A use before peels or IPL, using retin A doesnt affect laser treatments in my opinion.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Retin a is drying and stopping one week prior to resurfacing wil not effect the procedure. After the procedure follow instructions and wait a minimum of 6 weeks before restarting every other night.

Most of the lasers used for acne scars are attracted to the water in your skin, and the more hydrated your skin is on the day of your procedure, the better. Retin A can be drying for some people, so that may be a reason for you to stop a few days prior to your procedure. The timing for restarting Retin A after your procedure is based on your healing and skin irritation. The more oily and thick your skin is naturally, the faster you will probably heal. Likely this will be from 2-4 weeks prior to your procedure.I would go with the recommendations of your treating physician because they can accurately assess your skin and know the nuances of the treatment they plan to perform.Good luck!

Actually, I would stop all Retin-A one week before a laser resurfacing procedure. The Retin-A can cause some irritation and decreases the activity of the sebaceous glands

The advice is best given by your treating Specialist, as each member on this forum has their own method and time frame of stopping Retin A. If laser resurfacing is performed, the target is water in your skin cells. Retin A tends to dry out your skin, and cause irritation. I normally advice my patients to stop a few days before (even a week before), and recommence them 2-4 weeks after the procedure, depending on the depth and skin sensitivities of that individual. 

All the best,



Dr Davin Lim

Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist

Brisbane, Australia