Many surgeons have long believed that taking isotretinoin (a retinoid often used to treat acne) around the time of surgery leads to poor wound healing and scarring. These fears are based on small, outdated case reports from the 1980s. Modern evidence shows that isotretinoin does not seem to cause problems in most surgeries, including rhinoplasty, when used responsibly.
For rhinoplasty patients with thick, oily nasal skin, isotretinoin might actually be useful. By shrinking the sebaceous glands and thinning the skin, it can help surgeons achieve better definition of the nasal tip. Early studies report good patient and surgeon satisfaction when isotretinoin is used to thin skin before or after surgery.
The best dose and timing still need research, and this medication is not right for everyone. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your surgeon to decide if isotretinoin could improve your rhinoplasty outcome.
Citation: Blough JT, Rohrich RN, Wyles SP, Rohrich RJ. Dispelling the Myths of Isotretinoin and Implications for Rhinoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2025;155(4):689e-698e.