Does Taking Accutane Give You a Nose Job?
- Joanna Langner
- Nov 3
- 5 min read
Date Submitted: 5/7/2025
Date Accepted: 11/2/2025
Rhinoplasty, or a "nose job," is one of the most common cosmetic procedures among young adults. The nose plays an important role in both breathing and appearance. It includes structures like the bridge, tip, nostrils (nares), and surrounding features such as the nasolabial folds, lines that deepen as we age and express emotion.
An often-overlooked factor in rhinoplasty is skin thickness. According to Rohrich et al., thicker or oilier skin can conceal surgical changes, while thinner or less elastic skin may complicate recovery (1). One medication that directly affects skin characteristics is isotretinoin (commonly known by the brand name Accutane), a powerful treatment for severe acne. It significantly reduces oil production and can thin the skin (2).
Recently, the phrase “Accutane nose job” has gained attention online, with users claiming their noses appear slimmer post-treatment. While isotretinoin doesn’t alter bone or cartilage like surgery does, a 2022 study by Yigit et al. found that it can reduce nasal skin thickness and improve elasticity, factors that may enhance surgical outcomes, particularly in patients with thick skin (3). Still, isotretinoin is a serious medication with known risks and should always be used under medical supervision.
In the study by Yigit et al, researchers explored how isotretinoin, commonly prescribed for acne, affects the thickness and elasticity of nasal skin. Using high-resolution imaging and simple physical tests, they evaluated patients before starting treatment and again at two and four months into therapy. The goal was to understand how different doses and treatment durations might influence skin changes, especially in areas like the nasal tip and bridge.
The study involved 40 young adults, mostly in their late teens to early twenties, with 65% of them being women. Importantly, the researchers excluded anyone considering rhinoplasty to avoid skewing the results. Patients were given daily doses of either 0.25 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg of isotretinoin and monitored over time.
To measure skin elasticity, a basic pinch test was used. This helped establish a starting point for each patient. Of the 40 participants, 25 had normal skin thickness in the nasolabial area, while 15 had thicker skin. Researchers also used ultrasound to assess subcutaneous tissue in different parts of the nose and surrounding areas.
What they found was quite striking. After just two months of treatment, there was already a noticeable reduction in both dermal and subcutaneous skin thickness, particularly around the nasal tip, supratip, glabella, and rhinion. These reductions continued through the fourth month, with further thinning observed in many of the same regions.
In addition to thinning, the skin also became more elastic over time. Measurements showed that elasticity improved significantly by the second month, with even greater improvements by month four. These changes were seen across both dosage groups, suggesting that even the lower dose had a meaningful impact.
By the end of the study, researchers concluded that isotretinoin could be a valuable tool for patients with thick nasal skin, especially those considering cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty. A lower daily dose of 0.25 mg/kg taken for four months seemed to offer the most benefit, helping to reduce skin thickness while also improving elasticity. The study also demonstrated that ultrasound is a reliable, non-invasive way to track these skin changes.
Overall, this research shows how isotretinoin can reshape not only acne-prone skin but also potentially improve surgical outcomes for those with naturally thicker nasal tissue.
Many people considering rhinoplasty, especially those with thick or oily (sebaceous) nasal skin, face added challenges when it comes to achieving the best results. Recent research suggests that isotretinoin, a medication commonly prescribed for acne, may play a helpful role in improving outcomes for these patients.
According to a 2024 study by Silveira et al., published in the International Journal of Dermatology, isotretinoin was shown to thin the nasal skin and underlying tissue, potentially making it easier to shape the nose during surgery and improving overall aesthetic results (4). Notably, this effect occurred regardless of whether patients were on a low dose (0.25 mg/kg/day) or a standard dose (0.5 mg/kg/day), which is good news for those concerned about side effects, lower doses typically carry fewer risks and are more cost-effective.
For patients with thicker nasal skin, this could mean that a short course of isotretinoin before surgery helps enhance skin elasticity and definition, supporting better surgical outcomes. However, the timing of treatment is important. Surgeons and dermatologists should carefully assess how long it has been since the patient stopped taking isotretinoin, as this can affect healing.
While social media has popularized the term “Accutane nose job,” it’s important to understand that isotretinoin doesn’t reshape the nose, it changes how the skin looks and behaves, which can influence surgical results.
It’s also crucial to remember that isotretinoin is a strong medication with potential side effects, including dry skin, mood changes, and serious birth defects if used during pregnancy. Medical supervision is essential.
Though promising, the study had limitations, including a small sample size (40 patients) and a short follow-up period of just four months. Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact on surgical outcomes.
Traditional methods in rhinoplasty sometimes fall short due to the thickness of the skin, which can affect the results. Enhancing the skin’s elasticity, however, has been shown to lead to more predictable and satisfying outcomes for patients. Studies have found that using oral isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, can significantly reduce skin thickness and improve elasticity in as little as four months. Additionally, this medication helps manage sebaceous glands and minimize scarring after surgery. This aligns with the buzz on platforms like TikTok, where many claim that Accutane can make the nose appear smaller, as it effectively contributes to refining the skin's texture and contour. The evidence backs up these claims, suggesting that isotretinoin could play a role in achieving a more defined and delicate nasal appearance.
About the Authors:
Daniel Haddock: dhaddock04@gmail.com
Haylen Hatour: haylenhatour6@gmail.com
References
Rohrich RJ, Renner H, Larrabee WF. Nasal skin thickness: implications for rhinoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014;134(6):1022-1031.
Layton AM. The use of isotretinoin in acne. Dermatoendocrinol. 2009;1(3):162-169. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.1.3.9364.
Yigit E, Rakici IT, Seden N, Manav V, Kaygisiz I, Yigit O. The Impact of Isotretinoin Therapy on the Nasal Skin Thickness and Elasticity: An Ultrasonography and Elastography Based Assessment in Relation to Dose and Duration of Therapy. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2022;46(4):1760-1770. doi:10.1007/s00266-021-02663-z
Silveira CSC, Azulay-Abulafia L, Barcaui EO, Silva MMM, Roxo ACW. Analysis of the use of isotretinoin as an adjuvant in rhinoplasty. Int J Dermatol. 2024;63(2):224-231. Doi: 10.1111/ijd.16924
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