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Isotretinion (20mg) - Can I Still Have Eye Surgery?

asked 1 year ago by lazyeye
Latest answer by B. Aviva Preminger, MD
Question viewed 106 times
Tags: medication, tretinoin

I finished my first course of Isotretinoin (20mg per day for 8 weeks) in January. My dermatoligst has prescribed me another course, but I have eye surgery scheduled at the end of April (I have Duane Syndrome Type II). Can I still have surgery while on Isotretinoin? (I've only taken one pill so far). Thanks

3 answers to Isotretinion (20mg) - Can I Still Have Eye Surgery?

+1

Isotretinoin and surgery- not recommended

Isotretinoin is known to significantly impair wound healing.  I'm not sure what type of eye surgery you are planning to have, but it sounds elective, and it is generally recommended that patients wait at least a year after coming off isotretinoin before undergoing a procedure.  I wouldn't take the chance.   
B. Aviva Preminger, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

No- do not have elective cosmetic surgery while on Accutane

Do not have elective cosmetic surgery while on Accutane. The skin has reduced ability to heal and this could compromise results or lead to scarring. You should wait for 12 months after stopping the Accutane before having eyelid surgery. This is a well-established fact in plastic surgery literature. Dr. G.
Edward J. Gross, MD

Orlando Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

It is essential to discuss this with your surgeon

Dear Lazyeye As your eye surgery is elective and can be rescheduled, the question is should surgery be performed now.  It is written that following isotretinoin, the body does not heal skin wounds well.  For this reason, facelifts, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing is often put off for 12-24 months after a course of isotretinoin.  Recognize that eye muscle surgery is very different than these skin procedures.  There is also absolutely no medical literature on this... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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