Accutane Users Report “Free Nose Job” As Possible Side Effect

The acne drug isotretinoin, or Accutane, is seen as a miracle drug to those who suffer with acne. But can it deliver more than just clear skin? Social media is full of before and after photos of people claiming that Accutane gave them the free nose job they never knew they needed. Here’s what you need to know about this claim.

Though it does a great job at clearing up even then most severe acne, Accutane is a highly dangerous drug. It comes with significant risk and must be used with caution, especially in women of childbearing age as it can cause severe birth defects, miscarriage and stillbirth.

Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands. Accutane may lower sebum production by up to 90 percent, which can decrease the size of the gland. The nose has the highest concentration and most active oil glands on the body, so someone on Accutane would theoretically see a difference in the thickness of the skin on the nose and, perhaps, a smaller looking appearance on the nose.

Those reporting the largest response in the size of their nose while using Accutane most likely suffer from overgrown oil glands or sebaceous gland hyperplasia. It is important to note that Accutane does not change the structural anatomy of the nose in any way and has no effect on the bone or cartilage.

While there is no medical evidence supporting the claim that Accutane can deliver a “free nose job,” experts agree that it can temporarily alter the appearance of the nose that can last for weeks, months or even years after use of this medication.