Can I have liposuction while I'm taking Accutane?

Liposuction can be performed while on Accutane, but the scars made on the skin may not heal as well as a procedure done while off Accutane. Liposuction addresses the deep subcutaneous tissue and should not be adversely affected by Accutane.

You are not able to get any type of liposuction if it’s laser assisted. While you’re on Accutane it makes you extremely sensitive to any type of heat, laser, light, sun. You’ll need to be off of Accutane for at least 6 months before considering a laser liposuction.

Accutane is a wonderful medication, but it can be pretty hard on the liver.  In fact, one of the main side effects seen in many people who take the medication is alteration of liver function enzymes.  We check these regularly when someone is taking Accutane. The safest way to perform liposuction... more

Accutane is a powerful medication with strong side effects related to skin regeneration. Liposuction should be safe from that stand point but I would be worried about general anesthesia. In my practice, I would rather wait but I would also involve my anesthesiologist and the patient's internist in this... more

Accutane effects skin regeneration and healing. This is mainly important when laser procedures are considered on the face.  Accutane can also cause deformities in utero, so women cannot take it if they plan on getting pregnant.  It should not impact healing from liposuction.

The greatest concern with Accutane, as it pertains to cosmetic procedures, is its effect on skin regeneration. Accutane decreases the body's ability to regenerate or regrow skin. So, procedures that strip or burn off the skin, like laser skin resurfacing or chemical peeling, should be avoided for at least 1... more

Accutane has numerous effects on the body, and it requires monitoring. Not only is the liver affected, but the skin and subcutaneous tissue has changes. It can alter you response to surgery and anesthesia. Your best bet is to finish your course of accutane and then consider surgery after 2-3 months. This... more

Because of it's effects on fat metabolism as well as the potential to induce depression, I believe it is unwise for a patient to consider Liposuction or other cosmetic surgery while simultaneously treating with Accutane. Mild but temporary depression after successful cosmetic surgery, including... more

Accutane affects every organ in the body, especially the liver. The lidocaine tumescent solution injected during the liposuction to numb up the fat layer is filtered threw the liver as well as any IV sedation meds given during the surgery. Even tho the risk of problems is very little when either accutane is... more

Accutane affects the way skin heals after injury. As liposuction is done for cosmetic reasons, the margin for complications has to be very small. In general, I recommend patient wait 6 to 12 months, after being off accutane, before I perform an invasive procedure. There are always exceptions, but I do... more