6 months post op Accutane, I have oily skin, large pore, and scarring on my face that was not there prior. Is this normal?

Question

I did a 6 month course of accutane and have been off it since April. The reason I went on accutane was excessive oil and some cystic acne. My skin is still very oily and my pores are very large. I also have scarring on my face that was not there prior to being on accutane. The last month that I was on the medication, my skin was clear, oil free, and my pores/scarring were not as visible. Can I go back on accutane to maintain how my skin looked the last month? Can accutane cause scarring?

Melanie Hecker, MD · Answer

Accutane does not cause scarring, but it can unmask a scar that was underneath your active acne.  Accutane also does not help any scars you already have, but it prevents scarring that would have been caused by persistent acne lesions.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Accutane in no way causes scarring. Acne causes scarring. You should meet with your physician to discuss your skin and the way it has changed. Yes, you can go back on Accutane, but really, perhaps your original course was simply not enough for a long-term cure. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

6 months post op Accutane, I have oily skin, large pore, and scarring on my face that was not there prior. Is this normal?

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