Cynosure PhotoGenica V Pulsed Dye Laser while on accutane

[geneva]

My question concerns receiving a non-invasive laser treatment while on accutane. I have sent questions regarding atrophy from intralesional cortisone injections. My last experience resulted in an 1/2 inch indented line that is 3/8 inch wide. I have decided never to get cortisone again. I can not imagine looking at an indent for five months. My doctor suggested that he could run the Cynosure PhotoGenica V Pulsed Dye Laser over that area to stimulate collagen production. I asked him if it could be done on accutane, and he said it can be done.  I wanted to know if you agree that one can receive this type of laser while on accutane and that the laser would not result with injury to the outer layer of skin. I have spoken to some others who had lasers and light chemical peels done throughout their treatment. But, I wanted a professional opinion on this matter.

[Slippery]

I received the V-Star laser for about 8 months, 6 treatments.  I had mostly macules and since I didn't pick at my scars, they weren't deep.  In fact, my doctor was surprised that I had used Accutane in the past since I didn't need it.  The doctor also prescribed Dynacin, Benzoyl Peroxide 10% wash, Plexion, and Desowyn lotion.

I didn't have major breakouts but after I started the laser, my acne breakouts increased and especially in areas that didn't ever get acne such as my jaw line and upper lip.  Is there a possibility that the laser, or medicines or the way the laser was adminstered could have heightened my problems?

I had been told that I only need 2 treatments, but I paid for the 6 session package because it was a better deal.

Any suggestions?  Do you think more laser treatments would fix the problem or just increase it?  Plus, if I didn't receive any of the scar treatment benefits from the laser, did I receive any other benefits that I might not be aware of?

Thanks

Lucy

[geneva]

Thank you! Are there any creams or anyway else possible to stimulate collagen production when atrophy occurs?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Not that I know of.

Dr. Rockoff

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

A noninvasive treatment from a pulsed dye laser should be no problem from a safety standpoint.  I'm not sure it will make much of a visible difference, though.  The indent will fill in on its own, and I doubt the laser treatment, which even in theory takes several months to work, may well not hurry up the end result enough to notice.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff