Can I get Halo Laser while on antibiotics?

Question

I am planning to do a Halo laser treatment soon and had completely forgotten that I recently started Doxy. I know antibiotics and lasers don't mesh. I had only been on them for 3 days, but I stopped the antibiotics and by the time I have the procedure I will have been off them for 5 days. I also use tazorac, which I will have been off of for 5 days. Since it's a relatively new laser I can't find much info online about it. Will this be a sufficient amount of time or should I reschedule?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about the HALO Laser.Since the HALO laser does not emit UV light, the use of antibiotics should not be a problem.
To be sure, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have this type of treatment.Let your provider know all medications that you are taking.
I hope this helps.

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

It is always best to check with the provider for their recommendations.  At our practice we have patients who are prone to acne start a round of Doxy to help prevent a breakout post procedure.  Good luck and enjoy the Halo!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Doxycycline can be used with the halo laser without problem.  I often give antibiotics with laser treatments to prevent infection.  Doxycycline is only sensitive to UV radiation not laser energy.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Steven Swengel, MD · Answer

The simple answer to your concerns about being on Doxycycline and having a Halo treatment is 'no problem'.   Your skin may a bit more sun sensitive for awhile, so once skin has recovered and you are going outdoors, I would suggest a zinc based sunscreen to minimize any increased sun sensitivity from Doxy.  Wait to restart Tazorac for at least a week and until you skin has lost most of the erythema from treatment.

Cody A. Koch, MD, PhD · Answer

You should be just fine.  Some doctors prescribe antibiotics prior to HALO treatments; however, I do not.  In the interest of full disclosure I would recommend letting the doctor performing your treatment know about it, but I would not anticipate any problems.  Best of luck with an excellent treatment,Cody Koch

Erica Linnell, MD · Answer

Doxycycline can make you more sensitive to UV radiation- not to a laser like the Halo.  You should be fine to be on the doxycycline during the laser treatment- although I recommend that you clear this with your laser surgeon.Retinoid creams like Tazorac, Retin-A, Atralin and Differin should be stopped 1 week prior to the laser treatment.  5 days may be enough time but again, please check with your surgeon.Enjoy the Halo,Dr. Linnell

Quenby Erickson, DO, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

There is no reason why you can not be on antibiotics when having the Halo laser treatment. Matter of fact, sometimes we put people on Doxy after Halo if they are prone to acne as there are some people who will have an acne flare. Good Luck!

Can I get Halo Laser while on antibiotics?

Answers (7)

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