4 replies to this topic

[TheFountain]

How long should I stop tretinoin use before laser hair removal and how long should I wait before using it again afterwards?

I wonder if it is just okay to use a much less potent formulation, like 0.050% instead of stopping altogether.

[miklu]

How long should I stop tretinoin use before laser hair removal and how long should I wait before using it again afterwards?

I wonder if it is just okay to use a much less potent formulation, like 0.050% instead of stopping altogether.

Just ask the staff at the laser clinic about how to safely combine retinoids and laser. They are the qualified experts in this area.

Anyway, here's the abstract of a related 2004 study:

Background.

It is generally believed that any intervention in skin while on isotretinoin or within 6 months after the treatment can lead to prolonged healing and scarring.

Objective.

The objective was to evaluate the side effects of laser hair removal in patients undergoing isotretinoin treatment.

Methods.

Seven female patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy for acne were treated with a diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm, a contact-cooling device, and a variable pulse width of 50 to 1000 ms. All volunteers received first treatment in the axillary or bikini area at 21 J/cm2 (80 W) and the second treatment was done in the same area at 24 J/cm2 (90 W). Six volunteers received additional treatments of chin area with a fluence of 21 or 24 J/cm2. All volunteers were evaluated and photographed 1 week and 1 month after each treatment and degree of erythema, pigmentary change, vesiculation, swelling, and scarring was documented.

Results.

There was no erythema, pigmentary change, swelling, or scarring at any follow up visits. One volunteer presented with a bulla 1 week after second treatment, which was resolved at 1-month follow-up. All volunteers were satisfied with the degree of hair removal with two treatments.

Conclusion.

This limited study suggests that diode laser hair removal is safe in patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy.

[Ghostrider]

How long should I stop tretinoin use before laser hair removal and how long should I wait before using it again afterwards?

I wonder if it is just okay to use a much less potent formulation, like 0.050% instead of stopping altogether.

Just ask the staff at the laser clinic about how to safely combine retinoids and laser. They are the qualified experts in this area.

Anyway, here's the abstract of a related 2004 study:

Background.

It is generally believed that any intervention in skin while on isotretinoin or within 6 months after the treatment can lead to prolonged healing and scarring.

Objective.

The objective was to evaluate the side effects of laser hair removal in patients undergoing isotretinoin treatment.

Methods.

Seven female patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy for acne were treated with a diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm, a contact-cooling device, and a variable pulse width of 50 to 1000 ms. All volunteers received first treatment in the axillary or bikini area at 21 J/cm2 (80 W) and the second treatment was done in the same area at 24 J/cm2 (90 W). Six volunteers received additional treatments of chin area with a fluence of 21 or 24 J/cm2. All volunteers were evaluated and photographed 1 week and 1 month after each treatment and degree of erythema, pigmentary change, vesiculation, swelling, and scarring was documented.

Results.

There was no erythema, pigmentary change, swelling, or scarring at any follow up visits. One volunteer presented with a bulla 1 week after second treatment, which was resolved at 1-month follow-up. All volunteers were satisfied with the degree of hair removal with two treatments.

Conclusion.

This limited study suggests that diode laser hair removal is safe in patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy.

Isotretinoin is accutane, a drug that is ingested which is not the same drug as tretinoin (Retin-A), a topical cream.

[TheFountain]

does anyone think that if I use 0.025% instead of 0.05% in the weeks prior to my appointment I will not experience any severe sensitivity or irritation issues?

[FigliodelVento]

How long should I stop tretinoin use before laser hair removal and how long should I wait before using it again afterwards?

I wonder if it is just okay to use a much less potent formulation, like 0.050% instead of stopping altogether.

For better result and minimizing irritation you must stop Tretinoin application before 1 month of laser.
If you cannot stop before 15 day to laser therapy.
Do you use Alexandrite laser or IPL??
For me the best is Alexandrite.
Important apply a good moisturiser after laser ( lanolin,paraffinum liquidum or sunflowers oil , under for best result Hyaluronic acid serum) Skinceutical Hydrating B5, or Cellex C Hydra B5.
IN the morning apply a good sunscreen. Example Photoderm laser spf 50 PPD 35.