Retin-A Before and After Rhinoplasty

Question

I finished a 6 month course of Accutane about 3 weeks ago and began using Retin-A last week for maintenance. I am scheduled for a rhinoplasty/septoplasty in a little over a week and would like to know if and when I should stop using Retin-A prior to the procedure, and resume after?

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Cynthia,

	Cancel your surgery!  You should not have elective surgery for at least 9 to 12 months after Accutane treatment.  Retin-A can be stopped about one week before a procedure.  Good luck and be well. 

	Dr. P

John Philip Connors III, MD · Answer

Hi CynthiaS! 

	If you completed your course of Accutane 3 weeks ago, then I would recommend that you postpone your Rhinoplasty for approximately one year. This is what I tell all of my Accutane using patients and believe it is the standard of care...looks like my colleagues in this thread agree. Your wound healing and scarring capacity are significantly affected by the mechanism of action of the accutane...GREAT on acne, BAD on surgical scars.

	Good luck!

	Dr. C

	johnconnorsmd.com

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

If you finished your Accutane 3 weeks ago, your Rhinoplasty should be postponed for about a year. Accutane inhibits the ability of the skin to heal properly; if you have not disclosed this fact to your Surgeon, it's time to get on the phone. In my practice, the intake sheet specifically asks if a patient has been on Accutane in the last year in order to prevent mishaps.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Hi CynthiaS,

	As other cosmetic surgeons have stated, one should not have elective facial surgery for at least a year or more after stoppiing Accutane, brand name for isotretinoin. On the other hand, Retina-A, a brand name for tretinoin, which is a different drug, may be discontinued a few weeks before surgery. One must disclose all medications to their plastic surgeon before cosmetic surgery. Speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon to help determine appropriate options. Best of luck.

	Dr. Chaboki

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You should delay your operation due to the Acutane use not the Retin-a use! PLEASE call your surgeon to discuss the chances of severe scarring from Acutane use!!! THIS IS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl J. Blinski, 305 598 0091

Retin-A Before and After Rhinoplasty

Answers (6)