Diode laser hair removal in patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy

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.

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

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/cm(2) (80 W) and the second treatment was done in the same area at 24 J/cm(2) (90 W). Six volunteers received additional treatments of chin area with a fluence of 21 or 24 J/cm(2). 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.

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.

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