Is it safe to have surgery while on accutane?

Question

I am on my 5th month of 30mg accutane, and I am thinking of having a tailors bunion surgery, would it be okay or should I wait until my course is finished ? Also, i went clear by month 4, how long should I still be taking accutane? As my dose is quite low

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

The use of isotretinion impedes wound healing and has been associated with poor scar formation.  For an elective procedure as yours, I would recommend waiting 6 months after you discontinue the medicine before considering treatment.  Good luck.Best, Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD · Answer

I recommend waiting until after you finish your course of accutane.  The duration of accutane is completely dependent on your weight and severity of acne.  I like for my patients to be clear at least one month before stopping accutane.  Accutane impairs wound healing, so I would wait at least a month after finishing accutane before surgery, when accutane is completely out of your system.  Most formal recommendations say waiting 6-12 months before surgery, but this is more based on tradition than science.

Is it safe to have surgery while on accutane?

Answers (2)