Accutane

I finished Accutane therapy 2 years ago for cystic acne.  I had great success with Accutane and the cystic acne no longer occurs, but now I am left with some scarring, that I would like to have removed with dermabrasion. Can you please tell me how long you have to wait to have dermabrasion after taking the accutane?  I have researched this on the internet and the wait times seem to vary 18 months to 24 months.  I have been waiting for 2 years now and Im ready to have this cosmetic procedure done and put it in my past!
Sincerely,
S.Red

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Most doctors recommend waiting 6-12 months.  2 years sounds long enough to consider going forward.

Dermabrasion (and laser peeling) can help acne scarring, but the results are usually only partial, and there are other aspects you will need to factor in: pain, convalescence, after the procedure, weeks of redness afterward, and so on.

This is not to say you shoulnd't consider having anything done, only that you should be judicious and realistic.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff