How long to wait for resurfacing laser or microneedling post Accutane?

Question

Curious how long someone needs to wait to get a resurfacing treatment or microneedling treatment done when they finish their course of accutane! I know the recommendation used to be 6 months - 1 year but I've also seen mixed reviews in different medical journals. Any info helps!!

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! The medical literature definitely has many opinions regarding treatment timing. More aggressive treatments such as peels or laser should wait a minimum of 6 months. I do have colleagues that wait 12 months, regardless. Something to consider is how long the Accutane was used and what dosage. Longer treatment durations and higher dosages may require longer healing times. It's important to be in contact with your Dermatologist for his or her recommendation. Additionally, seek consultation with a physician who is comfortable with those interventions and has knowledge of Accutane. Hope this helps!

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @kknoy. I would recommend waiting at least 6 months after accutane to have a resurfacing or microneedling treatment.

Best of luck,

Dr. Nima

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic acne scars and indented acne scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your acne scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Amir Mortazavi, MD · Answer

It is generally best to avoid any procedure that causes trauma to the skin while taking Isotretinoin (Accutane). Therefore it is best to wait at least 3 to 6 months after you have completed the course. Always discuss with your doctor before doing any treatments.

How long to wait for resurfacing laser or microneedling post Accutane?

Answers (4)

Answer: 3-6 months

Answer: 3-6 months

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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How long to wait for resurfacing laser or microneedling post Accutane?

Answers (4)

Answer: 3-6 months

Answer: 3-6 months

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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