Do I need to stop Accutane before having breast augmentation surgery?

Question

I am currently on 40 mg once daily alternating 40 mg twice daily. I have the typical dryness. I’m scheduled for breast augmentation on February 27th. My surgeon knows my medications and has not said anything about being on it. I just wonder about scar healing and tissue healing?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Every surgeon has their own protocol.  I require my patients to stop Accutane several months before surgery.  There has been studies showing Accutane can interfere significantly with the healing process.  I would suggest following up with your Dermatologist and your PS to discuss this.  Best of luck to you.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Generally speaking, you should wait at least 6 months after you’ve stopped taking Accutane before considering breast augmentation. However, please speak to your surgeon to find out their opinion.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well. based in your question its recommended to stop the medications 1 week before surgery, but try to discuss very closed with your plastic surgeon about the case.

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Dear TDFrench, Thank you for your question. As my colleagues have stated, there is no right or wrong answer and each surgeon has their own protocols regarding Accutane. In my practice and in most instances, I would like you be off of this drug before I would proceed with surgery. Bring this up with your surgeon. Good luck. Dr. Gervais.

Sean Hill, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for submitting your question. 
Every surgeon has his/her own protocol regarding specific medications. I usually do not hold acceptance prior to a breast augmentation, though would for more involved procedures as it does affect skin quality. That being said, you should speak with your surgeon directly to get their answer.

Thank you and I hope this helps.

Robin Evans, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hi tdfrench,
Thanks for your question.  Accutane can theoretically slow wound healing.  However, it is difficult to study and the evidence is currently poor.  Therefore different surgeons have different approaches to it.  I would ask your surgeon specifically.  
Hope this helps!

Ravi Somayazula, DO · Answer

I suggest asking your surgeon about what his /her protocol is for cessation of accutane prior to surgery as each practice may have their own guidelines based on experience. There is no consensus on this so ask your surgeon specifically about this. Regards,
  
Dr. Ravi Somayazula
  
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery- American Board of Medical Specialties
  
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)- Subcommittee Task Force on Patient Safety
  
Member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)
  
Member of the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, Houston Society of Plastic Surgeons, Harris County Medical Society

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Accutane can cause concerns with healing after surgery.  I encourage you to contact your surgeon's office to speak with them about taking this medication specifically with regard to your upcoming surgery.

Milind K. Ambe, MD · Answer

I would recommend calling your surgeons office and asking specifically their protocol for this.  Accutane can affect healing and recovery so if possible it would be better for be off it for a few weeks before and after surgery.  Best of luck to you.

James C. Banich, MD · Answer

Accutane may negatively effect your healing and scarring and should be stopped 3-6 months prior to any elective procedure in order to minimize risks and optimize results.

Do I need to stop Accutane before having breast augmentation surgery?

Answers (12)

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