Can I Get a Tattoo While on Accutane?

Question

im on my second month of accutane and really want a tattoo.

Donna Bilu Martin, MD · Answer

Accutane interferes with healing and can increase the risk of scarring with laser treatments, dermabrasion, and likely, tattoos.  It is not recommended to have such elective procedures while on the treatment, and it would be wise to wait at least a year after the accutane course.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

I do not recommend any elective procedures 24 months after Accutane as the risk of hypertrophic scarring or keloids is high.  That includes tattoos, dermabrasions, laser procedures, etc.

	When a procedure is required, such as removal of a malignant or suspicious lesion from the skin, then there is no choice.  But if you have the opportunity to wait, you will decrease the risk of scarring.

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

Some tattoo artists won't even perform the service on you if you're on Accutane, but besides that, some experts believe that Accutane does affect your body's ability to heal. So the skin may not heal as quickly as it would if you weren't on Accutane, and thus may increase your possibility for infection from the tattoo. I would recommend waiting at least 2 weeks after you finish your course of Accutane. Some might even say 6 months to a year. But I would say at least 2 weeks. Stay on your course of Accutane, though; don't go off it to get a tattoo.

Can I Get a Tattoo While on Accutane?

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Can I Get a Tattoo While on Accutane?

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.