How long after being off Accutane can you get a breast augmentation under the muscle?

Question

How long after being off of accutane can you get a BA UTM? Is there increased risk of scaring and capsular contracture?

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

There has been a lot that has been published about healing and hypertrophic scarring while being on Accutane.  Most of the studies that I have found have been from skin resurfacing and not so much on surgeries where there is a clean incision made. I have not seen any good studies correlating the hypertrophic scarring as a result of being on Accutane and surgery.
Having said that, I personally want my patients off of the medication at least 3 months.  It is a risk to can be avoided and when having elective surgery, we should try to mitigate any potential risks.
Hope that helps.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Most plastic surgeons prefer that patients be off isotretinoin/Accutane for a period of time before elective surgery, but the exact waiting period varies. A common conservative recommendation is 6 months, while some surgeons may be comfortable with 3 months or sometimes less depending on dose, skin condition, and the type of procedure. For breast augmentation, I would generally want your skin, acne, and overall health to be stable before proceeding.

The main concern with Accutane is not usually capsular contracture. There is no strong evidence that a short, completed course of Accutane directly increases capsular contracture risk with breast implants. The bigger theoretical concerns are wound healing, scar quality, skin fragility/dryness, and infection risk if active acne is present around the chest.

Because this is elective surgery, ask both your dermatologist and plastic surgeon to agree on timing. Also, Accutane has strict pregnancy-related precautions, so make sure all required pregnancy prevention and testing rules have been completed before scheduling surgery. If your surgeon is cautious and asks you to wait 6 months, that is a reasonable and safe approach.

Mario J. Samaha, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It usually is recommend to wait at least 6 months from your last dose to perform elective surgery, as it could impact scaring and healing. Each plastic surgeon is different, so make sure to ask your plastic surgeon about his pre-op requirement. A clearance from your dermatologist could be needed. Hope this helps! Make sure to ask your plastic surgeon all your questions during your consultation!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RB5552,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Generally speaking, it is best to wait at least 6 months after you’ve stopped taking Accutane before pursuing cosmetic surgery. However, please confirm this with your surgeon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest being off Accutane one month prior to surgery and not take for least another month. However, listen to what your surgeon tells you. You must be off at least one week to decrease the risk of blood pressure problems.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your surgeon will advise on her/his policy, but it is best to be off Accutane for six months prior to having surgery.  There is much that is still unknown about capsular contracture, so it is best to err on the side of caution.  Your surgeon will advise you further based on your medical history and surgical plan.

Sergio Sanchez-Bailon, MD · Answer

The use of Accutane has been associated with poor healing overall, as you have already investigated. There’s info all over the internet with different suggestions. In my practice I advice my patients to wait 6 weeks at least for any surgery.

How long after being off Accutane can you get a breast augmentation under the muscle?

Answers (8)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Red light therapy after breast augmentation?

What is the biggest implant size I can get? am I candiate for 650cc? (photos)

Trying implants in bra or computer images better to determine final result and size for BA?

When doctors try a different breast implant size during surgery, will that increase capsular contracture?

Are my implants yet to drop or is this malposition? (Photo)

Transgender breast augmentation - would 300cc moderate profile do the thing? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS