Why is it needed to stop tretinoin (I'm using retin-a micro) 5 days before Morpheus8?

Question

I've done co2 laser resurfacing before and my dermatologist was fine with me taking it until 25 hours before the procedure. I'm seeing a different practitioner for morpheus8 and they want me to stop 5 days before treatment. Why is that? Will it cause PIH with morpheus if I didnt stop retin-a?

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Each physician will have their own preferences for instructions before a Morpheus8 treatment.  In my opinion, it would be alright to use Retin-A before a Morpheus8 treatment and I normally do not have patients discontinue this before the procedure.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! It is provider preference in regards to what pre-treatment instructions are to be followed. Retinol can aggravate the skin, which can make the treatment more painful and/or longer healing time.

Kristin Jackson, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question!
As you may know, tretinoin increases cell turnover in your skin, resulting in improved exfoliation, and reduction in acne and wrinkles. Because it creates an active cell response, some practitioners have you stop this prior to and for a time after Morpheus treatment. Morpheus will effectively take the place of your tretinoin during that time.
For patients new to using tretinoin, it may be best to stop for a week or more prior to treatment. However if your skin is used to the tretinoin (ie, you've been using it for some time), then a shorter "stop" period is safe. We just don't want something that can slightly irritate the skin in place before and after a Morpheus treatment.
Discuss this with your provider so that you get the best results!

Why is it needed to stop tretinoin (I'm using retin-a micro) 5 days before Morpheus8?

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Why is it needed to stop tretinoin (I'm using retin-a micro) 5 days before Morpheus8?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Morpheus8

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