Pulsed Dye Laser While on Accutane?

Question

There has been a rise in the number of practices using v beam pulsed dye laser to treat post acne redness while patients are still on accutane. results are promising. I found support in an article on the candela laser website. Any other practitioners who agree to this and is practicing this? I am wondering whether i should go for it.

Edward J. Gross, MD · Answer

I have treated patients on Accutane w/ Pulse Dye Laser (Candela V-Beam)sucessfully. We use a longer pulse duration and lower energy fluennces. Test spots are ony used in our practice for darker skinned patients.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Accutane severely diminishes the ability of the skin to heal because it decreases the pilosebaceous units in the skin.  This is very effective for acne but very bad for skin healing after laser treatment.  Although the pulsed dye laser is nonablative, meaning that it does not remove skin, it is probably safer to wait 6 months after stopping accutane before any laser treatment.  This is especially true for ablative lasers.

Laurie Jacobson, MD · Answer

The general consensus is to avoid lasers for a year following use of isotretinoin (Accutane) as it alters the ability of the skin to heal from any insult/injury.  This is especially true of ablative lasers (co2, erbium).  While you might get away with use of low settings of pulsed dye lasers while on Accutane, you might also end up with a scar worse than you started with due to the altered healing capabilities while on Accutane.  I would not risk it until you are off the Accutane and have been off it for a minimum of 6 months and ideally 1 year.

Joshua Zeichner, MD · Answer

Accutane can make the skin extremely sensitive.  With injury to thet skin, patients on accutane are at a higher risk for scarring and pyogenic granulomas (groups of blood vessels).  In my opinion, you should wait not only until after you finish taking Accutane, but also at least 6 months afterwards before having any procedure that could potentially cause damage to the skin.

Vic Khanna, MD · Answer

It is that 2-3 percent get a horrible scar when on accutane.  Most of the time you dodge the bullet, but occasionally it is going to hit you.

Pulsed Dye Laser While on Accutane?

Answers (7)

Answer: Avoid Facial Procedures While On Accutane

Answer: Avoid Facial Procedures While On Accutane

Answer: I would not risk it

Answer: I would not risk it

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Everything you need to know about Pulsed Dye Laser

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

Pulsed Dye Laser While on Accutane?

Answers (7)

Answer: Avoid Facial Procedures While On Accutane

Answer: Avoid Facial Procedures While On Accutane

Answer: I would not risk it

Answer: I would not risk it

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Pulsed Dye Laser

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