How soon can Accutane be used after a rhinoplasty?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty 10 weeks ago and I am most likely going to start Accutane next week. Is 11 weeks post-op okay for Accutane? Also what are the risks in regards to healing? Thank you.

Lucy Barr, MD · Answer

There are limited well structured clinical trials regarding the effects of isotretinoin and its effects on  wound healing.  Significant wound healing problems have not been demonstrated consistently. Because of the potential to cause wound healing issues (because of its effect on collagenase which could lead to excess collagen in a scar), typically it is recommended to avoid its use for 6 months prior to skin resurfacing (ie CO2 laser, dermabrasion, chemical peels etc).   If your acne is significant however, it can also lead to disfiguring scarring making starting accutane now a reasonable thing to do.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Now that your incisions are well healed after rhinoplasty you should be cleared to resume Accutane. However, you need to check with your dermatologist and your plastic surgeon so they both can clear to resume this medication

Luis Lopez Tallaj, MD · Answer

If you read about the treatments with retinoic acid for Acne you will see that is not a good idea to have those pills Before a cosmetic procedure nor after, until we have a mature scar. In the case of the nose, if it was an open Rhinoplasty with visible scars, I should recommend you to wait until you have 12 weeks of your procedure to avoid any compromise of your scar quality, one more week is not that much to wait to star it.Translation provided by doctor:Si lees acerca de los tratamientos con acido retionoico para el Acne versa que no es una Buena idea tomar estas pastillas antes de someterte a un procedimiento cosmetico ni hasta tanto no hayan madurado las cicatrices. En el caso de la Nariz, si te has realizado una Rinoplastia abierta con cicatrices visibles, te recomiendo esperar hasta haber completado los 3 meses de haberte sometido al procedimiento y asi evitamos comprometer la calidad de tu cicatriz, No creo que sea mucho esperar una semana mas por tu bien.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Your Dermatologist may want a medical clearance from your Plastic Surgeon.  In general, starting accutane at 11 or 12 weeks is fine.  Best wishes to you!

How soon can Accutane be used after a rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

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