Effects of Accutane on Circumcision?

Question

I've read about accutane increasing the chances of scarring but I always thought this was for laser procedures. What about going under the knife for a procedure like an adult circumcision? Also, if I just started on accutane a month ago, and my circumcision is scheduled for a month from now, could I stop accutane completely now to be safe in time for this procedure?

Chad L. Prather, MD · Answer

There have been case reports of Accutane causing excessive and complicated scarring with various procedures.  It is safest to stop Accutane 6 months prior to ANY elective surgical procedure, including circumcision.
Hopefully you would not have problems, but I would recommend that you reschedule the elective circumcision for 6 months after you stop accutane.  It's the safe and cautious thing to do.

Jeffrey C. Poole, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It is generally recommended that elective surgical procedures that would damage the skin, such as excisional surgery or laser resurfacing, be delayed at least 6 months after Accutane, and many experts suggest waiting 1 year.  The concern relates to poor wound healing and scarring has occurred in isolated incidents in some patients.
Of interest, a recent study published this month in Dermatologic Surgery demonstrated no increased risk of scarring in 7 patients with dermabrasion who were on Isotretinoin (Accutane).  So there is still debate about this risk-- but I would be safe rather than sorry, and wait 6months.

Effects of Accutane on Circumcision?

Answers (2)