Undergoing A Laser Procedure While Taking Oral Isotretinoin. Not Necessarily a Problem

-Isotretinoin given orally is a common treatment of acne vulgaris in its moderate to severe forms. The treatment is also given when previous treatments have been unsuccessful
-Because of these 2 factors, acne scars are often present and patients demand treatment of those which can present in different ways: red, raised, depressed (boxcar) or even keloidal.

Treatment of acne scars can be done in several ways: click HERE to read more
Lasers are used to treat them: click HERE to read more

Because of the theoretical risks related to delayed wound healing and scarring, oral isotretinoin should be discontinued for 6 months before considering laser treatment

In this study from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), a retrospective analysis of 408 patients undergoing various laser treatments while taking oral isotretinoin was done over a period of 5 years:
-initially lower energy was used (fluence)

Results
-For lasers used for hair removal or acne scars,  no relevant side effects were observed. They included perifollicular edema, sensitivity and were no different between those taking oral isotretinoin and those who weren’t
-Lasers used for hair removal – Alexandrite, Long-pulsed Nd:YAG, Qswitched Nd:YAG
-Lasers used for acne scar treatment – Long pulsed Nd: YAG

Conclusion
This study suggests that laser treatments are safe while taking oral isotretinoin

Comments
-According to the study, lasers which have been safely used over a period of 13 years include Qswitched Nd:YAG lasers  and  long pulsed Nd:YAG laser, affirm laser and Microfractional Erbium Glass
-This study is a retrospective one done in a clinic which has been doing laser treatments for 13 years in patients on isotretinoin . While it is interesting to note apparent safety of this observation, one can wonder what is the reason for doing such a contraindicated procedure in the first place. No conflicts of interest declared

Reference: Poser 3048 – Andrade MP – Isotretinoin and Laser: Friends or Foes ? AAD Annual Meeting 2016, Washington DC, USA (United States of America)