Is it ok to have electrocautery or RF, or a linear scar revision on the chest while on Accutane?

Question

I watched a video about the new studies regarding skin treatment during an accutane course. Would it be OK to have an electrocautery or rf (skin classic, con med) on small sebaceous hyperplasia, enlarged oil gland and follicular macular atrophy spots on the chest while on accutane? And finally, what about a linear scar revision (excision and restitch) for a small raised scar (oval shape size of a raisin)? If so, what dose is safe?

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

I would advise you to proceed with caution for any of those procedures.  Your risk of scarring is higher and why take any chances if the excision and other procedures are not too much of an emergency for you?  It would be unfortunate if you did anything elective and then had scarring and prolonged healing.  Good luck and I hope you have excellent success with your accutane therapy!

Sheetal Sapra, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Thank you for your question, when you're on Accutane any treatment or excision can take slightly longer to heal. If you're getting a small lesion treated with electrocautery then this should heal, but there's not guarantee.
I highly recommend my patients to hold off until their Accutane course is completed. If the procedure is due to health concerns then it is best to discontinue Accutane for that time period. I would recommend for you to hold off having these procedures and discuss it with the physician in charge of your care in order to make the appropriate decision. 
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Sheetal Sapra, MD, FRCPC

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. When taking Accutane, your chance for scarring is higher with procedures. With elective procedures, I would recommend waiting until your body clears of the medication. I also recommend consulting with a board certified dermatologist for evaluation of your skin and discussion of appropriate treatment. Best of luck.

Is it ok to have electrocautery or RF, or a linear scar revision on the chest while on Accutane?

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Is it ok to have electrocautery or RF, or a linear scar revision on the chest while on Accutane?

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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