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)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Accutane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is it safe to have surgery while on accutane?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Accutane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.