Accutane waiting time

[anon553]

I went for a consultation recently and made sure I told the surgeon that I was on accutane since I know I'm supposed to give it 6 months to wash out of your system.  But he told me that I could have the surgery ASAP if I wanted, even while on accutane. 

Is this advice a bad sign (because otherwise, I thought he was a nice guy)?

[Litlriki]

Generally, it is recommended to be off Accutane for about six months before having surgical procedures, a consideration based in large part on complications experienced with resurfacing procedures, which may be common in this subset of patients.  Perhaps the surgeon you saw is less concerned about the small incisions characteristic of gynecomastia surgery, but for a procedure which is elective, I think you're better safe than sorry.

Rick Silverman

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Accutane may interfere with healing of scars.  Six months is the recommended waiting time from the cessation of Accutane (it has a prolonged effect in the body) until any elective surgery is performed.

Dr Jacobs

[Dr. Cruise]

I do not operate on my patients within 6 months of Accutane treatment to avoid wound healing problems.

[George Pope, M.D.]

I'll make it unanimous among the docs - I have my patients wait the 6 months after stopping Accutane.

Dr. Pope, MD