How Long Does It Take Before a 5-month Course of Accutane Takes Effect?

A typical Accutane course (though brand name no longer is available in US, generic isotretinoin medications remain so) takes at least 5 months, sometimes 7-8 months depending on the clinical judgement of your board-certified dermatologist. The clinical benefit can be seen in 4 weeks though some may not see significant benefit until 2-3 months into the therapy. Procedures such as laser treatment or chemical peel should be deferred at least 6 months if not longer after completion of Accutane to minimize complication.

Within one month of starting Accutane, changes of acne clearance has started to begin.  Some will see over the 5 months, a total melting away of the acne condition, some will see it get much worse before it starts to melt away and the third group will notice that the acne waxes and wanes for the entire 5 months.I hope this is helpful.Steve Greene MD, Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle

The average recommended time you should wait before having any type of resurfacing, deep chemical peel or elective surgical procedure done after completing a course of Accutane is 6-12 months, although some physicians may perform these procedures after 3-6 months, depending on the patient and the procedure desired.  The reason for a delay in treatment after Accutane is because of a possible risk of raised or atypical scarring if the procedure is done too early.  Of course, the exact amount of time to wait and procedure to be performed should be discussed face-to-face during a consultation with a physician.  In reference to the time log for response to the Accutane for your acne-most patients start to see results by the 10th week. 

I typically dose Accutane for a six month treatment course to minimize the side effect profile.  While individual results vary, most patients experience their "Aha" moment during the third month where all the symptoms of acne seem to improve suddenly.  

1. Accutane (isotretinoin) is given for 5 months.

2. Dosage should be custom-tailored to your weight.

3. You will normally start looking good after the second month, but sometimes sooner.

4. Some patients can get a bit worse in the beginning, but this can be managed by your dermatologist.

5. In many cases, your skin is SIGNIFICANTLY improved for years to come.