Some gentle treatments may be possible while taking isotretinoin (Accutane, Roaccutane), but many lasers, peels, microneedling and thread procedures are usually postponed because skin heals more slowly and is more fragile. Waiting periods after stopping commonly range from about 1 to 6 months. At Re:berry Hongdae, a doctor reviews your dose and timing before any plan.
Re:berry Clinic Hongdae · Information reviewed for accuracy · Results vary by individual.
Why does isotretinoin affect skin treatments?
Isotretinoin is a highly effective oral medication for severe or persistent acne. It shrinks oil glands and changes how skin cells renew. Side effects commonly include dryness, thinning of the skin barrier, increased sensitivity and slower wound healing. Some older reports linked procedures during or soon after isotretinoin with abnormal scarring. Recent research suggests some procedures may be safer than once thought, but many doctors still take a cautious approach.
Which treatments are usually postponed?
- Ablative and strong fractional lasers
- Medium or deep chemical peels
- Microneedling and aggressive resurfacing
- Thread lifting and other procedures involving cuts or barbs
- Waxing on the face, which can tear fragile skin
Which treatments might be considered?
Depending on your dose and skin condition, a doctor may consider gentle, non-ablative options. Examples can include Botox for wrinkles or jaw slimming, carefully chosen low-energy lasers such as Genesis for redness, or soothing treatments. These are decided case by case; there is no universal rule.
How long should I wait after stopping?
Waiting times vary by treatment and by doctor. For gentle treatments it may be shorter; for resurfacing lasers or acne scar procedures, many doctors still suggest about six months. Planning ahead is important if you want to treat acne scars after a course of isotretinoin.
What should I tell the doctor?
- Your current dose, start date and, if stopped, stop date
- Any skin side effects such as cracking, bleeding or slow healing
- Other medications or supplements
- Plans for pregnancy, since isotretinoin carries serious pregnancy risks
Never stop or change isotretinoin to fit a treatment without speaking to the prescribing doctor. Bring your medication information to your appointment; see what to bring to your appointment.
Can I plan a Seoul trip around isotretinoin?
Yes, with notice. If you are finishing a course, share your stop date when booking so the clinic can suggest treatments suitable for that stage. A consultation during your trip can also map out when scar or laser treatment could start later.
At a glance
- What it is: Oral vitamin A derivative for severe or persistent acne
- Often postponed: Ablative or strong lasers, chemical peels, microneedling, threads, waxing
- Sometimes possible: Gentle, non-invasive treatments, decided case by case
- Waiting after stopping: Commonly about 1–6 months, depending on the treatment
- Always: Tell the doctor your dose, start date and stop date
Related questions
Can I get Botox while on isotretinoin?
Botox does not involve resurfacing or wounding the skin, so some doctors consider it while patients take isotretinoin. The decision depends on your overall skin condition and medical history. Always tell the doctor you are taking isotretinoin before any injection.
Can I treat acne scars while on isotretinoin?
Many acne scar procedures, such as resurfacing lasers and microneedling, are usually postponed until some time after stopping isotretinoin. Gentle redness treatments may sometimes be possible. A doctor will plan the timing so scar treatment starts when skin can heal well.
Is isotretinoin the same as topical retinol?
No. Isotretinoin is an oral prescription medication that affects the whole body. Topical retinoids such as retinol or tretinoin act on the skin surface and are usually paused only for a few days before certain treatments. Tell the doctor about both.
Keep reading
Before you book
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Suitability, dose, number of sessions and expected results are decided by a doctor at consultation, and results vary by individual. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. Pricing is confirmed in writing before any treatment. See our medical disclaimer.
Still have a question?
A doctor at Re:berry Clinic Hongdae can answer it for your skin specifically. Multilingual consultation support is available.