Can I get a laser done while on Accutane?

Hello, my name is Ranen and I am an aesthetic nurse injector and skincare specialist here at Aesthetic Skin. I would highly recommend you stay off of Accutane at least 6 months before the use of lasers and other skin care treatments. Your skin is going to be ultra sensitive while using accutane.

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thank you for your question regarding pro-fractional laser peels and Accutane use.
Due to photosensitivity caused by Accutane (and since lasers are a form of light), laser peels—even micro laser peels—are generally not recommended during or shortly after Accutane treatment.
Why is Laser Peel Risky with Accutane?Increased Risk of Hyperpigmentation:Accutane makes the skin more sensitive and fragile, increasing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and even burns following laser treatments.Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Lasers:While there are some studies discussing non-ablative laser treatments (like laser hair removal) with Accutane, pro-fractional laser peels are ablative—meaning they remove skin layers and are more aggressive.This is especially true for CO₂ lasers, which are stronger and penetrate deeper, posing an even higher risk for those on Accutane.However, there are a few articles that challenge this theory (see link).General Medical Advice:Most medical and aesthetic experts recommend waiting at least 6-12 months after completing Accutane treatment before undergoing ablative laser procedures to allow the skin to fully recover and reduce the risk of complications.
Best regards,