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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

Yes. It is imperative that you discontinue Accutane before any planned surgery. The risks of complications can be substantial. You would want your plastic surgeon to work closely with your dermatologist or Accutane prescriber determine the length of time you need to be off the medication. The time frame may vary from a several months to a year before it would be safe to undergo an elective surgery.