Acne Scars and Laser Treatment-post accutane

Hi  I had been on accutane for only 2 months. This means i did not complete the 6 month treatment. Right now i have been off accutane for 2 months and a half.Right now i have occasional pimples but nothing great like before. My face is getting back to its normal greasy self.I have many embarrassing scars on my face, My question is, is it okay to have laser treatment on my face or microdembrasion or do i suffer the possiblilty of having my acne scars worse than they are now?
thanks

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

A daily oral intake of vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) over a period of 4-6 months can cause long-term resolution or reduction of acne. It is believed that isotretinoin works primarily by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands, however some studies suggest that it affects other acne-related factors as well. Isotretinoin has been shown to be very effective in treating severe acne and can either improve or clear well over 80% of patients.

The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and will often cure acne for good. The treatment requires close medical supervision by a dermatologist because the drug has many known side effects (many of which can be severe). About 25% of patients may relapse after one treatment. In those cases, a second treatment for another 4-6 months may be indicated to obtain desired results.

It is often recommended that one lets a few months pass between the two treatments, because the condition can actually improve somewhat in the time after stopping the treatment and waiting a few months also gives the body a chance to recover. Occasionally a third or even a fourth course is used, but the benefits are often less substantial. The most common side effects are dry skin and occasional nosebleeds (secondary to dry nasal mucosa).

If the scars still persist, you could talk to your specialist about what would be best in your case - laser treatment or microdermabrasion.

Let us know about how you are doing and what your doctor advises.

Post us if you need any further information.

Regards.

[marlena21]

Recommend to read http://www.genericlook.com/drugs/Accutane/

Quite interesting article about accutane