Facials and Blackhead Removal While on Accutane?

Question

I am on Accutane 10 mg for mild acne, but there are blackheads on my nose. Can I go for a facial and have them removed while on the medicine?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Thomas P. Michael, MD · Answer

While on Accutane it is safe to go for a facial and have extractions. However,  I would advise visiting a licensed esthetician to ensure that the treatments remain safe. Accutane can make your skin more sensitive and susceptible to scarring.

Jeffrey Ellis, MD · Answer

Facials with extractions are fine to do while on Accutane as long as the esthetician helping you is GENTLE.  You do not want to be too aggressive, as over zealous extractions could lead to scarring.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

A facial can be helpful for the removal of stubborn blackheads while on Accutane. In fact, as Accutane loosens these plugs they may slide out more easily. That being said, make sure whoever removes then understands the effects of Accutane on the skin. Your skin will be more fragile on Accutane. Go to someone used to working on people on this medication.

Craig Crippen, MD · Answer

be careful who you see as your skin will have impaired wound healing so they should not be very aggressive with the treatment.

	but generally you should have no problems.

	Cheers

Patricia Farris, MD · Answer

I think it is safe to have extractions while you are on Accutane but I would prefer to see you have them done by your dermatologist. Accutane changes your skin dramatically making it more fragile and slower to heal. For this reason, your dermatologist is the best person to perform any procedure on your skin while you are on this medication.

Don Mehrabi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Accutane treatment makes your skin very sensitive to cosmetic or other physical procedures. While you can get facials and extractions, gentle care must be taken so that the skin is not bleeding, cut, or too traumatized. Accutane impairs wound healing, so any skin that is damaged or broken may take a while to heal or may heal improperly. So, if you are going to get these procedures done, get them done gently and avoid being aggressive.
Hope this helps!

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

Skin procedures do carry an increased risk of scarring while on accutane. I have had patients, in spite of my advice to the contrary, had blackhead/whitehead extractions while on higher doses of accutane with no residual effects, but you simply need to be aware of the risks. Accutane-related effects are dose-related so a 10 mg dose probably is associated with a relatively small risk. Hope this helps.

Facials and Blackhead Removal While on Accutane?

Answers (8)

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