Retin A Before and After Fractional Laser Resurfacing - Will I Have Problems Since I Was Using It Because No One Told Me Not To?

Question

I had my 1st trtmt done 7 weeks ago using the Pixel Perfect and my 2nd trtmt 2 weeks ago. I've been using Retin-A 3 nights a week for 2 years - I stopped once each trtmt was done but resumed a week after the 1st one. I continued until the 2nd treatment but have not resumed because now I'm reading it can cause problems with healing. Right now my skin looks like it did prior to the 1st trtmt except for some acne - am I still at risk for healing problems? Or would there already be noticable issues?

William M. Ramsdell, MD (retired) · Answer

Scared, don't be. Recommendations for the use of Retin-A before laser resurfacing have evolved through the years. Because retinoids make your skin "turn over" faster, they were initially recommended preoperatively to speed healing. Subsequent experience showed that healing was not faster. Furthermore, the risk of hyperpigmentation increases slightly with retinoid usage preoperatively. This is nothing to worry about and you will find some dermatologists who routinely prescribe preop retinoids, others that don't.

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. Retin-A should not interfere with your healing if you avoid applying it for 1 week before your treatment and for 7-10 days after. However, always follow your doctor's recommendations,
 as she/he knows your situation best. The same goes for irritants, exfoliants, and any products containing
retin-A, retinol, benzolyl peroxide, glycolye/salicylic acids, or 
astringents.
Then your skin won't be so sensitive to the treatment. If you have concerns, contact the doctor who performed your treatment.

Retin A Before and After Fractional Laser Resurfacing - Will I Have Problems Since I Was Using It Because No One Told Me Not To?

Answers (2)